Jeremy Langford (RB), Michigan State
6’0” | 208 lbs.
2014 stats:
276 carries, 1,522 yards, 22 touchdowns, 5.5 yards per carry, 117.1 yards per game
Selected:
Round 4, 106 overall
What scouts are saying:
NFL
"When discussing the top Big Ten running backs, Langford is rarely mentioned in the same breath as Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon, Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah or Indiana's Tevin Coleman. But with 12 straight 100-yard rushing performances against Big Ten competition, Langford earned his way into the conversation. Langford is the type of prospect that grows on you and the gap behind Gordon and Abdullah isn't as big as most think." — CBSSports.com
"Runs low to the ground with excellent pad level and energetic feet to get the most out of every touch. Displayed improved vision, balance and finishing ability as a senior. Langford is a workhorse type with a hard-nosed, no-nonsense style of running the ball, getting stronger as the game progresses. Has a little shake-and-bake to him to extend runs, keeping his legs pumping through contact. Langford really shines in areas where most young backs struggle like pass protection, reliability in the screen game and also the ability to get stronger and better as the game goes on." — Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com
"Langford showed improvement from 2013 to 2014, but he doesn't accelerate through contact and will usually get what is blocked. Without an ability to maximize his yards with each carry, teams could peg him as a 'committee back' with an ability to play on third downs." — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Fit for the Bears:
The Bears weren't in the market for a starting running back, with Matt Forte firmly entrenched as one of the best running backs in the NFL. What has been a need worth addressing for the past several seasons, though, is a reliable backup for Forte. Guys like Michael Bush, Kahlil Bell, Marion Barber and Chester Taylor haven't worked out too well. General manager Ryan Pace is taking another stab at a veteran backup for Forte with his signing of Jacquizz Rodgers, though with the Bears looking for more of a long-term solution behind Forte or even an heir apparent, the draft has now been the way to go. Langford was excellent and the key piece in Michigan State's high-ranking offense last season in East Lansing, an under-appreciated back nationally given the focus on other stars at the same position in his conference.
After being selected by the Bears, the sure-handed Langford will have a great opportunity to compete for the backup running back position right away.
Video analysis provided by NBC Sports and Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.