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The Bears signed Coastal Carolina running back CJ Marable as an undrafted free agent after the conclusion of the 2021 NFL Draft.
A utility player who played a strong role for the Chanticleers for three seasons, Marable finished his collegiate career with 2,691 yards, 29 touchdowns and 5.5 yards per carry. He was also a productive receiving back, catching 84 passes for 703 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Marable is shorter at just under 5-foot-7 and weighs 195 pounds. He is an explosive back on film whose ball-carrier vision and decisiveness allowed him to maximize his athletic ability. He accelerates well into a running lane, and he’s creative in the open field. His experience as a pass-catcher is apparent in his soft hands and agility after the catch.
The Bears drafted Virginia Tech running back Khalil Herbert in Round 6, and Marable also gives them another electric back to compete for a roster spot. He held a Round 7 grade on my finalized big board.