When Ben Johnson orchestrated the Detroit Lions' offense, he crafted one of the NFL’s most formidable rushing attacks. This was achieved by blending the explosive talent of first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs with the chain-moving prowess of David Montgomery, formerly of the Chicago Bears.
The combination was a nightmare for defenses, with Gibbs breaking off big plays and Montgomery excelling in goal-line situations. Now, it seems Johnson might be eyeing a similar setup with the Bears.
Last year, Johnson found success with the dynamic duo of D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai. However, with Swift approaching free agency, the Bears are on the lookout for fresh talent in the upcoming draft.
Enter Seth McGowan from Kentucky, who’s reportedly visiting the Bears at Halas Hall. McGowan brings a skill set reminiscent of Montgomery, making him a tantalizing prospect for Johnson’s ground game.
Johnson’s interest in McGowan fits his well-known preference for tough runners with vision and a knack for finding the end zone. Despite sharing carries last season, McGowan racked up 12 touchdowns, showcasing his nose for the goal line.
His vision, patience, and refusal to go down on first contact make him stand out. Plus, he’s a reliable pass protector, ready to take on blitzes.
However, McGowan’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Ball security is a concern, with five fumbles over the past two years.
Additionally, he missed two seasons due to legal troubles, including a stint in jail. He’s been working hard to turn things around since returning in 2023.
Interestingly, he could have teamed up with Caleb Williams at Oklahoma in 2021, had things gone differently.
The Bears’ strategy is clear: build an offense grounded in a strong running game. For Johnson, this means continually stocking the backfield with talent.
Just as passing teams regularly draft wide receivers, Johnson aims to keep his running back options plentiful. While McGowan may not be a carbon copy of Montgomery, his ability to score and handle short-yardage situations makes him a valuable asset.
If drafted, likely on day three, he’d fit right into Chicago’s plans.