Meet Kerrith Whyte Jr., the OTHER Running Back Drafted By the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears were destined to take a running back at some point during the 2019 NFL Draft. But to our surprise, the Bears ended up taking two.

Drafting two running backs might feel like excess, but Kerrith Whyte Jr. brings something special to the party. Let’s take a moment to get to know the new guy!

THE PICK (ROUND 7, PICK 222)

  • Name: Kerrith Whyte Jr.
  • College: Florida Atlantic
  • Position: Running back
  • Age: 22
  • Height, weight, hand size, arms: 5-foot-10, 197 pounds, 9-1/2 inches, 29-7/8 inches
  • NEED TO KNOW

  • 2018 stats: 12 games, 134 rushes, 866 yards, 8 touchdowns; 19 catches, 160 yards, 2 touchdowns; 19 kick returns, 545 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Career stats: 232 rushes, 1,358 yards, 11 rushing touchdowns; 22 catches, 227 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns; 254 touches, 1,585 scrimmage yards, 13 total touchdowns; 81 kick returns, 2,115 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • College Achievements: Second-team All-Conference USA as a return specialist (2018); Honorable Mention All-Conference USA as a return specialist (2016), first player in FAU history to score a kick-return touchdown.
  • HIGHLIGHTS

    PRO DAY RESULTS

  • 40-yard dash: 4.36 seconds
  • Bench press: 21
  • Vertical: 42 inches
  • Broad jump: 132 inches
  • (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

    THREE STRENGTHS

  • Elite speed. Whyte is fast as heck. When you watch the returns on his game film, a particular ex-Bears return specialist is going to come to mind. I don’t want to put that one-for-one comp on Whyte right now, but that one-cut followed by a burst of speed looks awfully familiar. If you blink, you might miss something special.
  • Touchdown machine. Whyte saved his best for last, scoring 10 touchdowns in just 144 touches during his redshirt-junior season at FAU. Eight of those 10 scores came on the ground. Between having high-end speed, powerful legs that forced missed tackles, and a nose for the end zone, Whyte has a lot going for him as a running back prospect.
  • Willingness to do it all. This piece from CBS-12’s John Evenson on Whyte gives provides quality background on Whyte, but one quote stands out above the rest: “Special players play special teams. A lot of people think special teams is not for you, or it’s not the cool thing to do. (But it just) betters your opportunities to make more plays on the field. Running back, special teams, you want me to catch the ball, I’ll do anything. Whatever it takes.” That’s the kind of attitude Bears fans will absolutely wrap their arms around and embrace.
  • THREE WEAKNESSES

  • Limited exposure. Whyte spent his whole college career running behind Devin Singletary, FAU’s star running back who was a third-round pick. Because of that, Whyte didn’t get to tackle some of the developmental curves most running back prospects get to conquer.
  • Pass protection. Perhaps it gets better with practice reps that will come moving forward, but NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein notes that Whyte “loses sight of twists and blitzers and gets quarterback hit.” That’s not something Mitch Trubisky fans want to read about their new back.
  • Future role. We’ve talked about how Bears backs need to be versatile moving forward and show they can excel as multi-purpose players. Whyte will need to carve out a role as a special teams ace, while also improving on pass-protection, and other perceived deficiencies. He’ll have a lot on his plate as soon as things get started at Halas Hall, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he handles it.
  • NFL.COM COMPARISON: Jordan Todman.

    PFF SAYS

    written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

    Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

    Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

    NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

    The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

    Around the NFL: New Kickoff Rules Explained, NFL Trade Deadline Extended, More

    NFL owners ratified a sweeping overhaul of the kickoff play on Tuesday, embracing a format inspired by the XFL following three days of deliberations at the league’s yearly gathering. Essentially, the new format relocates the bulk of both kicking and return teams...

    Latest News

    Orioles vs. Angels Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Baltimore Orioles (0-0) open their 2024 season with a home game against the Los Angeles Angels (0-0) on Thursday, with first pitch at 3:05 PM ET.The Orioles will call on Corbin Burnes versus the Angels and Patrick Sandoval.Orioles vs....

    Celtics vs. Hawks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Atlanta Hawks (33-39) are big, 17.5-point underdogs as they attempt to build on a three-game winning streak when they host the Boston Celtics (57-15) on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at State Farm Arena. The matchup airs at 7:30 PM...

    Celtics vs. Hawks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Atlanta Hawks (33-39) are big, 17.5-point underdogs as they attempt to build on a three-game winning streak when they host the Boston Celtics (57-15) on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at State Farm Arena. The contest airs at 7:30 PM...

    Bucks vs. Pelicans Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The New Orleans Pelicans (44-28) are only 2-point underdogs against the Milwaukee Bucks (46-26) at Smoothie King Center on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The game begins at 8:00 PM ET on NBA. The matchup's point total is 223.If you are...

    How to Watch Indiana State Sycamores vs. Utah Utes: Live Stream or on TV

    The Indiana State Sycamores (31-6) will attempt to build on a three-game winning streak when they host the Utah Utes (22-14) on April 2, 2024. The Utes have also won three games in a row.Indiana State won its most recent...

    How to Watch Seton Hall Pirates vs. Georgia Bulldogs: Live Stream or on TV

    The Seton Hall Pirates (23-12) will attempt to extend a three-game win streak when they host the Georgia Bulldogs (20-16) on April 2, 2024. The Bulldogs have also won three games in a row.In its previous game, Seton Hall beat...

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Arizona Diamondbacks, led by Corbin Carroll, take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies in their first game of the season, at 10:10 PM ET on Thursday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Arizona...

    How to Watch Mariners vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    Luis Castillo will take the ball for the Seattle Mariners when they square off against starting pitcher Brayan Bello and the Boston Red Sox in their season opener on Thursday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.The article below will...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cleveland Guardians, led by Jose Ramirez, square off against Brent Rooker and the Oakland Athletics in their first game of the season, at 10:07 PM ET on Thursday.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and...

    Senators vs. Blackhawks Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The sportsbooks pick the Ottawa Senators to beat the Chicago Blackhawks in their matchup on Thursday, March 28, with the Senators given moneyline odds of -198 on home ice, and the Blackhawks at +164.Senators vs. Blackhawks Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Senators...

    more bears news