Jordan Howard, 23, should be a lock for any list of best players who are age 25 or younger after back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons to open his career.
Howard was the lone reliable option for offense in his first two seasons with Chicago and figures to be a key cog in Matt Nagy’s new scheme, which figures to be less predictable than what was orchestrated by Dowell Loggains under John Fox.
Alas, a list highlighting players under 25 that was put together by NFL.com’s Elliot Harrison throws another curveball to those expecting Howard to be included. Running backs Alvin Kamara and Ezekiel Elliott make Harrison’s All-Under-25 Team, but Howard missed out.
This isn’t to say both backs ahead of him aren’t talented or worthy enough to make the cut. It’s just something of a surprise that Howard didn’t run his way into one of the two running back slots. Then again, we discussed some examples as recently as May when Pro Football Focus released a list of 25 players under age 25, but it didn’t list a single Bears player. There was an obvious feeling of disappointment when no Bears players earn a spot on a list of young talent when the re-worked roster skews as young as this one does. Then again, a top-25 list of players under 25 from CBS Sports included running back Howard in the mix.
Because of the change in coaching regimes and playing style, it should probably come as no surprise that the Bears’ young talent has collected some differing opinions from football insiders.
So while Howard was snubbed despite proving to be a model of consistency and production during his first two seasons in the pros, at least one of his teammates was showered with some praise and put on the list.
Tarik Cohen makes his way onto Harrison’s list as a return specialist. Howard’s backfield running mate was an impact player at every turn during his rookie season. Cohen scored touchdowns on the ground, in the air, as a passer, and in the return game. And after getting off to a slow start as a returner, Cohen finished the season in the top-10 in punt-return and kick-return average. Not bad for a player who wasn’t asked to handle those responsibilities on a full-time basis until his first season in the NFL.
Cohen could find himself on lists like this one next year as he figures to get in on a higher percentage of offensive snaps in 2018. Perhaps he could be joined next season by linebacker Roquan Smith, guard James Daniels, and receiver Anthony Miller if all goes well during their respective rookie campaigns. And if that happens to be the case, you’ll probably see more of a Bears presence on these lists at this time next year.