USAT: Bears Wire audio clip

USAT: Bears Wire

Feb 26, 2022

There was a lot of hype surrounding the Bears’ 2021 rookie draft class, which featured first-round quarterback Justin Fields. But there were also some late-round selections that proved to be pleasant surprises for Chicago. - Running back Khalil Herbert, who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft, was one of those late-round hits for the Bears last season. Herbert wasn’t the starter — which wasn’t a surprise with David Montgomery leading the way. But he proved to be reliable for Chicago as a reserve running back and a valuable kick returner. - When Montgomery injured his knee in Week 4, Herbert stepped in as the workhorse back for the next four games, where he showed his potential to be a lead running back. Herbert rushed for at least 70 yards in each of those four games, including a 100-yard outing against the Buccaneers. - Herbert was also Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie sixth-round pick from the 2021 season, earning a 78.8 grade. He beat out the likes of 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell and Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith. - - Highest graded rookie sixth round picks from the 2021 season - Khalil Herbert: 78.8 Elijah Mitchell: 76.8 Trey Smith: 73.1 pic.twitter.com/VqAOecJCQm - — PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 24, 2022 - - - Herbert saw limited action as a rookie, but he flashed enough to earn more opportunities in Year 2. New offensive coordinator Luke Getsy comes from the Packers, who had a 1-2 punch with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. Perhaps we could see some of the same with Montgomery and Herbert. - Follow The Bears Wire Podcast: - Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts - - - List - - Bears 2021 rookie season review: RB Khalil Herbert - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Bears Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Bears Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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