The Chicago Bears got a great season from Matt Forte in 2013, but the team needs more depth at running back and that will be a main focus in the NFL draft and while they could look for a trade involving LaMichael James with the San Francisco 49ers, the team likely will target running backs in the draft in 2014, with names like De'Anthony Thomas, James White, Tyler Gaffney and Carlo Hyde options along with linebacker Anthony Barr.
The Bears gave up a record amount of yards on defense last season and their void at linebacker could be one reason why the team looks at Barr, but according to ESPN.com, the team also will be looking at running backs. The draft is deep this season at the position and while Matt Forte put up the best numbers of his career, the team needs another back to step ion for Michael Bush after he left as a free agent and while they have Shaun Draughn and Michael Ford, the team is looking to add another explosive element to take the pressure off Forte.
Forte stayed healthy last season and was very productive and now he could use someone to help soften the load and Marc Trestman would love a player that can get as involved in things as Forte. Last season Forte had a career high 1,339 yards on the ground and a high of 594 yards receiving along with 74 catches and as he gets older he will need another back to split time with and last season Bush did not do enough to justify the Bears keeping him and now the draft could open up another back into the lineup.
The trade with James is more about a fit and he could be an option for Trestman, as he has explosive speed and could be an option if the 49ers want to give him up for a draft pick. According to ESPN.com, James is on the trading block and while general manager Trent Baalke said that the James trade talk got a bit out of control, he admitted that the team is looking at deals. While he didn't play much for the Niners, he could be a better value option for the Bears if the team asks for a low-round pick, as targets like Thomas and White may come off the board before that.
ESPN.com reports that Thomas visited with the Bears already and that James White from Wisconsin is also another option for the team. White had a great senior bowl while leading all rushers in that game and he also had over 4,000 yards in his career with the Badgers. Thomas has blazing speed and he could be a nice option to take over for Devin Hester in the return game and James also could be a fit there as well.
