Bears Draft Indiana RB Jordan Howard With 5th-Round Pick
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- The Bears have bolstered their backfield by drafting Indiana running back Jordan Howard with their fifth-round pick at No. 150 overall.
Howard, a 6-foot, 230-pounder, transferred to Indiana when UAB temporarily shut down its football program. He was projected by some as a second- or third-round pick.
"I feel like my game suits the NFL more than it does college," Howard said.
Howard averaged 5.7 yards per carry and tallied 24 touchdowns during his three years as a starter.
Through seven picks, the Bears have drafted just two offensive players -- Howard and second-round guard Cody Whitehair. Chicago has also drafted linebackers Leonard Floyd and Nick Kwiatkoski, plus defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard, safety Deon Bush and defensive back Deiondre' Hall.
The Bears backfield just witnessed the departure of eight-year veteran Matt Forte -- who was freed up to sign with the Jets -- and includes second-year back Jeremy Langford and third-year back Ka'Deem Carey. Howard believes he can make an impact, too.
"I'm going to come in and prove that I can play," he said.
Chicago's still slated for picks in the sixth and seventh round.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.