Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears Insider Links Team To Iowa Standout

Originally posted on Iowa Hawkeyes on SI
By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 2:00 PM ET

We're heading into Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft and Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson has not yet been drafted. That's not a surprise, of course. What would have been a surpirise would be Johnson getting selected on Thursday in Round 1.

That was never really in the cards for the Iowa star, though two running backs were taken in Round 1: Boise State's Ashton Jeanty (No. 6 to the Las Vegas Raiders) and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton (No. 22 to the Los Angeles Chargers). Johnson has always been seen as a player who could go in the second or third round of this draft, which means that Friday night will most likely be the night he'll hear his name called.

The only question now is: Where and when?

There are several teams that could use a 6-foot, 220 pound bruiser with breakaway speed like Johnson. He'll be linked to a few over the coming hours, but there is an interesting buzz coming out of Chicago.

New head coach Ben Johnson did some incredible things with his running backs as offensive coordinator over the Detroit Lions over the past few seasons, so it's no surprise that Johnson and several other backs are on the Bears' radar. This is according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Notable available names looking ahead to #Bears picks on Friday

RBs TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, Kaleb Johnson

OL Aireontae Ersery, Jonah Savaiinaea

DT Shemar Turner

Edge Mike Green, Nic Scourton, Donvan Ezeiruaku, Landon Jackson

S Nick Emmanwori, Xavier Watts
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) April 25, 2025

Ohio State running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are apparently on Chicago's watch list too, but if Ben Johnson is looking for a bruising back who can carry the load for the Bears much like David Montgomery did for the Lions (with Jahmyr Gibbs acting as his change-of-pace), Johnson may be the best option for Chicago.

While both Henderson and Judkins were extremely producive for OSU last season (144 carries for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns for Henderson and 194 carries for 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns for Judkins), they spit carries and a role in OSU's backfield. Meanwhile, Johnson was the main focus of Iowa's offense, and he still produced in a big way.

Think of what Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs meant to his team last season. He ran 301 times for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns and was the offense's focal point. Johnson proved last season at Iowa that he can be that kind of focal point back. He rushed 240 times for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Hawkeyes as a junior.

If Chicago is looking for a back that can carry the load and take the pressure of its young quarterback, Caleb Williams, Johnson may just be the Bears' selection when they show up at pick No. 39 or No. 41 in the second round.

This article first appeared on Iowa Hawkeyes on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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