Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
Getty
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 03: Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Entering the 2025-26 NFL season, the Chicago Bears seem to be in a better position than they’ve been over the past few years. However, as many Bears fans would think, they have to show it before most start to trust them. Ultimately, the Bears need to be better, but things look to finally be on the rise.
Despite the promising outlook for the year, some still believe the Bears are in a strange spot due to their lack of a run game. Heading into the year, that’ll be among the Bears’ biggest question marks.
Searching for ways to improve that beyond this season, The Athletics’ Nick Baumgardner released a mock draft that had the Bears selecting Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame, who many view as the top running back prospect in the upcoming draft class.
“The Bears spent the 2025 offseason rebuilding Ben Johnson’s offensive line. Phase two will be finding elite playmakers to truly make Johnson’s run game sing. Love is a do-everything, three-down back who could be the table-setter for a long time in Chicago, while also adding value as a receiver,”he wrote.
Would Jeremiyah Love Be a Fit for the Bears?
Love would be an excellent addition for the Chicago Bears, even if it’s just because of the attitude he has on the field. Without even factoring in what he did at Notre Dame last season, he could be a good addition for the Bears after his latest comments about what he wants to accomplish with the Irish this year. He did an exclusive interview with The Players’ Tribune, and it was full of some great quotes.
“There’s a like-mindedness to this year’s group. Everybody knows we have one goal, to reach our full potential. And everybody is willing to put the work in. It’s an honor to get better every day with these guys. I don’t take a second of my time here for granted. Because it goes so fast. Feels like yesterday sometimes that I was on campus for the first time, walking around with my family and thinking about my future.
“I just remember the weight of history around Notre Dame. It’s in every building and every part of town. I appreciate that, I really do. And I like the history. I’m here for it. But Notre Dame, I’m going to keep it real with you here…. I don’t just want to look at history. I want to make it,”he wrote.
Similar to Notre Dame, the Bears are an iconic franchise.
Can D’Andre Swift Impress Ben Johnson?
While the Chicago Bears might end up drafting Love next year, who posted 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns last year at Notre Dame, they’ll be relying on D’Andre Swift this season. Swift is a decent running back, but some don’t view him as an RB1.
Despite that, Ben Johnson believes he can be that, noting that he can break off big plays, which the Bears will need.
“He’s got that ability to be a spark for us,”Johnson said, per the team. “I’ve known that for years about the guy. Particularly when we’re a little bit stale coming out of the gate, he wants to be that guy to get to get us back on track, and that’s what the good running backs do in this league. Their teammates will feed off of them. All it takes is one big play.”