NCAA Football: Wisconsin at Iowa Nov 2, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs for a 16 yard touchdown as Wisconsin Badgers defensive lineman Curt Neal (92) and linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. (8) attempt to make the tackle during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears’ Ashton Jeanty contingency plan revealed ahead of NFL Draft

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 2:06 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have been linked to electrifying Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty for weeks ahead of this month’s 2025 NFL Draft.

However, there’s a very real possibility that the 5-foot-9 and 215-pound Jeanty isn’t available when the Bears go on the clock at No. 10 overall, and, that general manager Ryan Poles looks across the roster and sees more pressing needs to fill either at offensive tackle, tight end, or further bolstering an inconsistent pass rush and elects to pass on a first-round running back.

While Jeanty’s electrifying skill-set and seven yards per carry average last season at Boise State could have the potential to significantly elevate both quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears’ entire offense, he isn’t the only difference-making running back available in a deep draft class at the position.

Chicago Bears’ possible Ashton Jeanty backup plan

Pro Football Focus NFL analyst Mason Cameron put together a list of each team’s ideal Day 2 fit in the upcoming draft, including Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson as a potential target for the Bears.

“Should the Bears miss out on Ashton Jeanty in the first round,” Cameron writes for PFF. “There is no need to panic. Johnson would be a solid option for one of Chicago’s two second-round selections. He is a physically gifted back with top-tier speed-to-power conversion that allowed him to notch top-percentile marks in elusive rating (131.5) and yards after contact per attempt (4.42) last season.”

Johnson is the type of runner who can mask some of the growing pains of an offensive line trying to find its early-season cohesion, judging by his forced missed tackles last season in Iowa City, where he rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Hawkeyes.

NCAA Football: Iowa at Maryland Nov 23, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) rushes as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Dante Trader Jr. (12) defends during the first half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

During the NFL Combine, Johnson’s explosiveness was on display when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds.

“Built like a bruiser,” NFL Media’s Chad Reuter writes of Johnson. “But, his style is more finesse, preferring to win with tempo and decisiveness. He keeps his runs on time and on track while allowing blockers to do their job. He’s not overly aggressive, but he has the size and strength to break tackles and grab extra yards at the finish.”

If new Bears head coach Ben Johnson is looking to pair veteran D’Andre Swift with an incoming rookie running back to form a dynamic backfield duo alongside quarterback Caleb Williams, Johnson could be an ideal player to watch after the first round for Chicago.

Syndication: Iowa City Press Citizen Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs to the endzone to score a touchdown as DUPLICATE***Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Mikai Gbayor (42) trails Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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