Chicago Bears Sophomore Series: Conclusion

In a series of additions which included the signing of veteran backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Daniel Thomas, along with managing the steal of the 2015 draft in Michigan State stud Jeremy Langford, the years of depth issues in the Chicago backfield may finally be over.

Coach John Fox will have a tough decision to make on how the depth chart shapes up behind Matt Forte. With all the additions in the backfield and the noted contributions of Senorise Perry on special teams, promising sophomore Ka'deem Carey might be on the outside looking in.

Sophomore Series:
RB, Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona, 4th Round 117th Overall in 2014
2014  Season Stats: Rushing 36 Rush, 156 Yds, 4.4 Avg    Receiving: 5 Rec, 57 Yds

Rookie Season Recap

Carey was a highly though of running back in last years draft class. He showed great flashes during the 2014 preseason, making many think the team had found the heir apparent to Matt Forte. Considering Marc Trestman's hatred for running the ball, and the effectiveness of Matt Forte, Carey finished the season with a respectable stat line, and showed flashes of great potential in both the rushing and receiving game. However, being a product of the Emery/Trestman era may have cost Carey his shot at becoming a household name in the Chicago backfield.

Sophomore Season Outlook
With Jacquizz Rodgers slated to be the backup to Matt Forte, and the emergence of Jeremy Langford in this preseason, its hard to see Carey making the final 53 man roster. Another road block for the sophomore back comes in fellow returning back Senorise Perry, who is a special teams standout, and sure to have a spot on the final roster. After watching him show great flashes of potential last season, it would be a hard pill to swallow if Carey were cut loose by the new coaching staff, an idea that would have never crossed the mind of Bears fans last season.

Closing Outlook
Ryan Pace did an excellent job of addressing the need for depth at the position this offseason, through free agency and the drafting of Jeremy Langford. Unfortunately for Ka'Deem Carey, the rookie general manager's "best player available" approach led to the Langford pick, which many call the steal of the draft. Will the promising sophomore running back fall victim to the sudden overwhelming depth at the running back position in Chicago?

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Picture sourced from: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/VDcPdowPu84/Jacksonville+Jaguars+v+Chicago+Bears/BTIBpjzp6g7/Ka'Deem+Carey