Chicago Bears’ Draft Strategy: Singleton Over Love in 2026?

The Chicago Bears found themselves in the spotlight of ESPN’s recent mock draft, crafted by analyst Matt Miller, which projected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love as their 18th overall pick. However, the selection has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike regarding its fit with the Bears’ future needs and strategy.

While the Bears are indeed in search of a robust, every-down back, many experts argue that Love may not be the ideal choice. Instead, Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton is emerging as a more suitable candidate for the Bears, should they find themselves drafting later in the first round.

Evaluating the Running Back Options

Jeremiyah Love’s prowess is well-documented, particularly his memorable 2-yard touchdown run against Penn State last year. Yet, for the Bears, Singleton’s profile might align better with their strategic vision. At 226 pounds, Singleton brings a combination of power and speed, reportedly clocking a 40-yard dash in the 4.3-second range, which is faster than Love’s projected time.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades Singleton as a first-round talent, drawing parallels to the previous draft where top backs Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton were selected early. Singleton’s decision to return to Penn State for his senior year, despite being a Day 2 projection, underscores his commitment to refining his skills.

“Singleton surprisingly decided to return to Happy Valley for his senior season despite being a projected Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft,” PFF analysts Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick noted.

Performance Under Pressure

The playoff matchup between Penn State and Notre Dame offered a direct comparison of the two backs. Singleton outshone Love, amassing 84 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns, compared to Love’s 46 yards and a single touchdown. Singleton’s ability to perform under pressure, despite defenses focusing on him, highlights his potential as an NFL-caliber back.

In addition to his rushing capabilities, Singleton’s receiving skills are noteworthy. Over the past two seasons, he accumulated 682 receiving yards, the highest among returning Power Four running backs. This versatility makes him an attractive option for the Bears, especially under coach Ben Johnson, who favors utilizing backs as receivers.

“Singleton complements his rushing skillset with dynamic receiving ability,” PFF reported, emphasizing his all-purpose potential.

Strategic Considerations for the Bears

The Bears’ draft position and needs will ultimately shape their decision. If they improve under Johnson’s leadership, they might not draft as early as 18th, potentially making Singleton available. Moreover, the Bears’ evolving roster could shift priorities away from running back to other positions like edge rusher or safety.

Current Bears backs, Kyle Monangai and Roschon Johnson, could also influence this decision by stepping up their performances, potentially reducing the urgency for a new running back. The dynamic nature of the NFL means that team needs can change rapidly over a season.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 draft approaches, the Bears will need to weigh their options carefully. While Love is a formidable talent, Singleton’s combination of size, speed, and versatility might offer the Bears a more comprehensive solution to their offensive strategy.

Ultimately, the decision will hinge on the Bears’ performance in the upcoming season and their assessment of existing and emerging talent. The debate over Love versus Singleton underscores the complexities of draft strategy and the ever-evolving landscape of NFL team building.

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