Who Should I Start? Kyle Monangai or Montrell Johnson Jr.

Friday, June 6, 3:17 PM

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that rookie seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai has "really stepped up" during mandatory minicamp, including catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams during a situational drill on Wednesday. "I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he's picking things up," Johnson said of Monangai. The 23-year-old Rutgers product doesn't have excellent speed or hands for a running back, but he could be an asset for the Bears in short-yardage and goal-line situations down the road. D'Andre Swift is Chicago's clear lead back still heading into the 2025 season, but Monangai could have a real shot to battle with Roschon Johnson for the backup role. And we all know that Johnson has a history of a two-back system from his time running Detroit's offense. Monangai won't be on the redraft fantasy radar, though.

Wednesday, May 7, 7:58 PM

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed undrafted free agent running back Montrell Johnson Jr. to an undisclosed contract. Dylan Olive of Sports Illustrated reported the news. The former Florida Gator spent three seasons with the team in college after a rookie-year stint with the University of Louisiana. Johnson Jr. was better during his first three collegiate campaigns, rushing for at least 817 yards in each while lauding double-digit TD totals in two of them. However, his production ticked down in 2024 while operating as the lesser half of a timeshare with former teammate Jadan Baugh. The New Orleans native has good size and speed as a runner, but also a bevy of competent rushers ahead of him on the Eagles' depth chart.