While the Chicago Bears are drawing praise for their seventh-round selection of Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai, it seemed rather obvious that the Bears had plans on taking a running back much sooner in the draft.
While the Bears did explore a potential move up in the first round for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson appeared to be the likeliest of running back targets for the team in the second round. Instead, Henderson was taken one pick ahead of the Bears in the second round
Reading between the lines from Ryan Poles’ press conference on Saturday, it was clear that the Bears were boxed out from taking a running back prior to Monangai in the seventh round. In expanding upon that idea, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune provided details of the Bears’ efforts to land Henderson last Friday night.
“On Friday evening, fingers in the Halas Hall draft room remained crossed that a swing at landing a playmaking running back would connect,” Wiederer shared in the Chicago Tribune. “Poles pressed the gas and made aggressive attempts to trade up. Henderson’s blend of speed and vision, plus his tenacity in pass protection and skill as a pass catcher, were alluring. The Bears had significant interest.”Bears’ efforts in the draft suggests another move is coming
If anything, the report from Wiederer should lend credence to the idea that the Bears will add a veteran running back to their roster before the start of training camp in July. All signs continue to point in the direction of Nick Chubb being that running back.
The failed efforts to land Henderson in the second round also provide more reasoning for the team’s selection of Luther Burden. While Henderson was likely the top player they had on their board, after his selection by the Patriots, the Bears seem to have opted for the best player available.
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New Bears signing is already on thin ice after 2025 NFL Draft
By
Jordan Campbell
|
13 hours ago
2025 NFL Scouting Combine
2025 NFL Scouting Combine | Stacy Revere/GettyImages
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson did not mince words when talking about the team’s roster after the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I think all we did this weekend is we might’ve just turned up the notch a couple of dials for certain people in this building. That’s a good thing. That’s a healthy thing. That’s where you bring out the best not only in your team but in each individual,” Johnson told reporters on Saturday.
In turning up the notch a couple of dials, as Johnson deemed it, the Bears may have already put one of their free-agent signings on thin ice. After the initial wave of free agency, the Bears made headlines with the addition of Devin Duvernay.
Earning his keep in the NFL as a Pro-Bowl return specialist, there was also speculation that Duvernay could see time in the Bears’ offense as the team’s slot wide receiver.
Luther Burden’s arrival is already putting Bears’ veterans on notice.
The Bears’ 2025 NFL Draft may have changed their plans for Duvernay. In the second round of the draft, the Bears added wide receiver Luther Burden. With the selection of Burden, it’s no mystery what the Bears were thinking: given Ben Johnson a playmaker.
With the billing of a second-round pick, Burden is going to find his way on the field for the Bears quickly. Among the comps for Burden has been Deebo Samuel. Samuel has been used all over the field during his time with the San Francisco 49ers and likely will be the case now that he is with the Washington Commanders. Given his speed and ability to make plays with the ball in his hand, it also wouldn’t be out of the question for the rookie to get some time as the return specialist on special teams.
Between Burden playing in slot and potential on special teams as the Bears look for ways to create points, Duvernay has been put on notice. The veteran will need to remind the Bears why he is a former All-Pro returner, or else, he may quickly find his way as an afterthought on the team’s roster.
