NFC North 2018 running back power rankings: Detroit Lions in the middle

The Chicago Bears Running backs

Leading off the NFC North’s best RB group is Jordan Howard. Howard has topped the 1100 yard mark in both of his NFL seasons. He has added a respectable 52 receptions over those two years. He is not a one dimensional between the tackles runner, though that is where he thrives. The Bears have spent most of Howard’s career trailing in games. That, however, has nothing to do with their running back’s performance.

Howard has gained more yards in the first quarter than the second, more in the second than the third, and fewest in the fourth quarter of games. As the team around him crumbled and played catch up, he has had fewer opportunities. On first and ten alone, Howard has 1474 yards in two seasons. He has averaged 5.1 yards per carry in that down and distance. With no passing attack to speak of, against loaded boxes, He gets the job done on the ground in obvious rushing situations. Howard is a true bell cow running back in a league with few of them.

Contrasting the powerful Howard is the dynamic Tarik Cohen. The lightning to Howard’s thunder, Cohen logged 53 receptions as a rookie. His usage was less predictable than Howard’s. Cohen’s carries were relatively evenly dispersed throughout games, as were his targets. His role neither diminished nor grew as the Bears fell behind in games.

Much like Howard is not useless in the passing game, Cohen is not limited on the ground despite his size. He is a willing between the tackles runner, though his quickness and agility make him more dangerous in space. Cohen put up a respectable 4.3 yards per carry as a rookie. He added 723 scrimmage yards to Howard’s 1247. The two constituted a whopping 42% of Chicago’s offense last season.

Behind those two, Bennie Cunningham has proven himself up to the task of third wheeling in the backfield. Whether it is Jordan or Cohen needing a break from their role, Cunningham has been a solid backup. He has averaged 4.3 yards per carry over his career, and on 20 receptions in 2017 averaged 12 yards per catch.

The Bears fullback will be either Michael Burton of Ryan Nall. Burton, a former Lion, is a throwback who blocks and plays special teams. Nall offers a bit more versatility in the passing game. Nall was a halfback in college. He ran a 4.58 at the combine, and will likely make the team whether he is the starting fullback or not because he adds short yardage insurance for a Howard injury that neither Cohen or Cunningham provide. He need only be more useful on special teams than Tyquan Mizzell to hold down a roster spot. Mizzell went undrafted in 2017. He logged three games and no statistics in for the Bears.

Next: NFC North Quarterback power rankings

So there you have my NFC North running back power rankings. The Green Bay Packers have a bunch of backs all coming off terrible seasons. The Minnesota Vikings have good players but lack depth. The Lions have role players but may or may not have someone who can step into the lead role. The Chicago Bears simply have top-end talent and depth. They have the best running backs in the division. That will quite probably be the last position group they win in these rankings.