The Chicago Bears are almost guaranteed to draft Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty if he makes it to the 10th pick. Everybody from the national to the local levels believes it. However, they also believe the odds are low that Jeanty will be available. There are realistic possibilities he could be taken anywhere from #5 overall to #9. The Jaguars, Raiders, and Saints all have smoke around them. In the event that happens, most believe running back is off the table. However, the Bears seemed to alter that thinking when they met with North Carolina standout Omarion Hampton.
Experts believe he is another 1st round lock due to a well-rounded game and outstanding college tape. The problem is that most don't think he's quite at Jeanty's level, meaning a top 10 selection is dangerous. Then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It only takes one team to fall in love. Maybe the Bears don't feel the same concerns about taking him that high. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune offered some clarification. He believes the Bears' interest in Hampton is more as an option were they to trade down.
If Jeanty somehow makes it to No. 10 — and it sounds as if the chances of that happening are slim — the Bears could get a special player in a strong draft for running backs. If Jeanty is off the board, I think the chances are greater the Bears would be willing to wait until the second round, when they have two picks, or the third to scoop up a running back.
It’s possible the team is doing extended homework on Hampton in the event Ryan Poles can swing a trade down in Round 1.
Omarion Hampton is projected to go a bit later.
The consensus ranking has him landing somewhere in the early 20s range, where teams like Denver and Pittsburgh both need running backs. That means if the Bears were to drop down to the mid-to-late teens, they still have reasonable odds of landing him. Omarion Hampton has drawn comparisons to David Montgomery. He is an absolute battering ram who can power through tackles with ease, turning four-yard gains into 12, 16, and 20-yard gains. He isn't a home run hitter, but that doesn't matter. Sooner or later, he will pop one thanks to his ability to wear defenses down. Omarion Hampton would be a great complement to D'Andre Swift, providing the power element the Bears are missing. If they can get him after a trade down, it would be a huge win.
