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The Bears doubled down on shifty running backs on Saturday, drafting Khalil Herbert in Round 6 of the 2021 NFL Draft and signing Coastal Carolina’s CJ Marable as an undrafted free agent.
Marable had 2,691 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground in the three seasons he played for the Chanticleers, averaging 5.5 yards per carry at the collegiate level. He was also plenty productive as a pass-catcher, catching 84 passes for 703 yards and 12 touchdowns.
A shifty back with reliable ball-carrier vision in between the tackles and plenty of agility once he gets out into space, Marable showcased the ability to squeeze through holes in between the tackles and make defenders miss in the open field. He is also a tough runner whose low center of gravity allows him to bounce off of defenders.
I broke down Marable’s game and why he should be an undrafted free agent signing of interest for the Bears.
THREAD: I’m a big fan of Coastal Carolina RB CJ Marable as an UDFA signing for the #Bears.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 2, 2021
Marable is an athletic runner who has really good agility in the open field. He is explosive in space and has the vision needed to extend the play with the ball in his hands. #Bears pic.twitter.com/HybZ4xoZ8c
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 2, 2021
Marable has plenty of experience as a pass-catcher, and it’s apparent in his ball skills.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 2, 2021
He has 84 catches in the last three seasons and has very good ball-tracking skills for a running back. He is a natural hands catcher. #Bears pic.twitter.com/KSVim8jh28
Marable is stout for a runner, but his frame adds to his contact balance.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 2, 2021
He is a tough runner who can bounce off of defenders well and run hard in between the tackles. #Bears pic.twitter.com/7524WOqXY2
Marable does a good job of shrinking into holes in between the tackles and accelerates well once he finds a hole.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 2, 2021
His combination of speed and vision allows him to exploit open lanes pretty consistently. #Bears pic.twitter.com/4SXhK2oF4M
The #Bears drafted Khalil Herbert in Round 6, but I believe CJ Marable also stands a chance of making the active roster.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 2, 2021
His agility and pass-catching skills make him an especially notable undrafted free agent at RB.