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The Bears added to their running back room with the No. 217 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting Virginia Tech’s Khalil Herbert.
Herbert exploded with 1,183 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground as a graduate transfer for the Hokies in 2020. Averaging 7.6 yards per carry, he was a big-play weapon who was consistently able to break away for monster runs pretty often.
His athletic ability is apparent on film, as he’s shifty in space and changes direction seamlessly. He accelerates well in the open field, and his speed to the edge combined with his one-cut mobility to the inside makes him a dynamic threat as an outside-zone runner. Herbert is patient and calculated out of the backfield, making subtle moves to exploit minimal holes and shrink himself into gaps to break away for big gains. He’s also a more powerful runner than most running backs his height.
I went to the film to showcase what Herbert brings to the Bears.
THREAD: The #Bears added some juice to the running back position in Virginia Tech’s Khalil Herbert.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
Herbert has the long speed needed to break away for a big gain. Once he gets into the open field, he’s creative in extending the play and making defenders miss. #Bears pic.twitter.com/OFHLox51Ya
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
Herbert is a patient runner who does a good job of working outside the tackles and diagnosing open running lanes.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
He has enough speed needed to get to the edge and beat linebackers in that regard. #Bears pic.twitter.com/SqOzgJeOwo
Herbert is a thick runner at just under 5-foot-9 and 210 pounds, and his ability to get low to the ground helps him maximize the power in his lower body. #Bears pic.twitter.com/w4rXg0OvpE
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
Herbert’s ability to squeeze in between the tackles and subtly exploit holes in the run game is impressive. Helps him find open lanes that few other backs in this class can break through. #Bears pic.twitter.com/fWiflo31kO
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
Taking a Day 3 flier on a running back is a smart move for the #Bears.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
Khalil Herbert is a smooth and intelligent runner with a thick frame who could be a solid rotational back for this team.
For more on Khalil Herbert, give Robert Schmitz a listen on his Bear With Me podcast as he’s joined by our Lead Draft Analyst, Jacob Infante, and our Senior Draft Analyst, EJ Snyder, as the three of them break down the selection.