Bears could replace D'Andre Swift with 1,150-yard rusher in 2026

The Chicago Bears made the most interesting move of the offseason when the team hired Ben Johnson to be their next head coach.

Johnson comes from the offensive side, and Chicago's offense should be a lot better this year than in years past.

The one area the Bears could improve on is at running back, but that probably won't happen until 2026.

D'Andre Swift is the team's No. 1 running back, but as his contract is up after the season, that could lead to the Bears drafting a young running back and moving on from Swift.

Matt Miller from ESPN has Chicago taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in a new 2026 mock draft.

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"The Bears were rumored to be interested in Ashton Jeanty had he fallen to them in the 2025 draft, so perhaps 2026 is when they'll get a running back. Love was one of the best running backs in the country last season as a sophomore, rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns," Miller wrote. "He is a bruising runner at 6-foot and 206 pounds but can also break off big plays -- see his 98-yard TD against Indiana in the first round of the playoffs -- and shake tacklers in space. That, plus his receiving skills, makes him the perfect feature back for new coach Ben Johnson's offense."

Love will likely be the best running back in college football this season. He has a career total of 1,510 rushing yards and 18 scores, which is exactly what the Bears need to add to their offense.

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