Jeremy Langford knows that he has big shoes to fill, but the 2015 fourth-round pick is undaunted by the challenge of replacing Matt Forte as the Bears' No. 1 running back.
"I feel ready," Langford said. "I learned a lot last year from Matt. I think it's going to help going into [this] season. I'm ready. I've just got to continue to learn and get better."
The Bears' faith in Langford and 2014 fourth-round pick Ka'Deem Carey played a major role in their decision not to offer a contract to Forte, who has since signed with the New York Jets.
As Forte's backup last season, Langford rushed for 537 yards and a team-high six touchdowns on 148 carries and caught 22 passes for 279 yards and one TD.
When Forte was sidelined with a knee injury last November, Langford helped the Bears win back-to-back games by generating 142 yards from scrimmage (72 rushing, 70 receiving) against the Chargers and 182 yards (73 rushing, 109 receiving) versus the Rams.
In the process, he became just the second Bears rookie to compile at least 70 yards rushing and 70 yards receiving in multiple games, joining Hall of Famer Gale Sayers.
Eli Kaberon of ChicagoBears.com selects every NFL team's top pick in last year's draft.
Johnson had 13 touchdowns as a rookie, scoring as a runner, receiver and kick returner.
Physical run stuffer was a pleasant surprise, as Jarrett played in 15 games for Atlanta.
It took Williams a while to get going, but he should be a key part of the Baltimore offense moving forward.
One of the top defensive backs in the league as a rookie, Darby had two interceptions and 21 passes defensed in his debut season.Â
A key target for league MVP Cam Newton, Funchess caught five touchdowns as a rookie.
Langford led the Bears with seven touchdowns and also had more than 500 rushing yards.
While his biggest impact came as a blocker in the run game, Kroft started six games for the AFC North champs and hauled in 11 receptions.
Both as a runner and receiver, Johnson flashed game-breaking potential in 2015 for the Browns.
An athletic speedster, Jones showcased those skills by making 66 tackles as a rookie for Dallas.
Garcia played in all 16 regular season and three postseason games for the Super Bowl champs, including five starts at the end of the year.
One of the fastest players in the 2015 class, Abdullah finished his rookie year averaging nearly 30 yards per kickoff return.
Rollins had 27 tackles and two interceptions - including one returned for a touchdown - during his rookie campaign.
Playing on one of the NFL's top defenses, McKinney registered 63 tackles while starting 11 games for Houston.Â
Injuries limited the production of Indy's rookie class, but Parry was productive, starting all 16 games and recording 31 tackles.Â
Cann started 13 games for Jacksonville and was a major key for an improving offensive attack.
A Pro Bowler and the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, Peters has lockdown abilities. As a rookie, he had eight interceptions and two defensive TD's.
Despite playing only 14 games, Gurley won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns.Â
McCain played in all 16 games for Miami last season, recording 28 tackles.
One of the biggest sleepers in the entire rookie class, Diggs led Minnesota with 720 receiving yards, averaging nearly 14 yards per catch.
Mason started 10 games for New England as a rookie, proving to be a strong building block on the team's offensive line.
Anthony proved to be a stout force against the run for the Saints, registering 112 tackles as well as two forced fumbles and an interception.
New York needed a physical tackler and found that in Collins, who recorded 112 tackles during his debut season.
Williams started 15 games for the Jets and showed his tremendous talent, finishing with 63 tackles and three sacks.Â
The key to Oakland's offense, Cooper is a future star, averaging nearly 15 yards per reception in his rookie season.
Hicks had 50 tackles, a sack and two interceptions before his season ended after eight games because of a torn pectoral.
A developmental project, James found a role with the Steelers, playing in eight games as a third tight end.
Playing mostly on special teams, Emanuel had 25 tackles and a sack during his first season in San Diego.
With good speed, Tartt was an impact player against the run for the 49ers, finishing his rookie year with 65 tackles.
As a receiver, Lockett hauled in 51 catches for Seattle, but his biggest impact came on special teams, where he proved to be an electrifying kickoff and punt returner.
The most prolific passer in the rookie class threw for more than 4,000 yards while starting all 16 games for the Buccaneers.
A skilled passer and runner, Mariota did well in his first season, throwing for 19 touchdowns and running for two more.Â
Scherff was an anchor up front for Washington, starting all 16 games and earning a spot on the all-rookie team.
"I was pleased with my rookie year," Langford said. "Being as competitive as I am, I think there are a lot of things I could have done better. This year I want to try to be an every-down back and really have no reason to come off the field unless I'm tired."
Langford was a workhorse in his final two seasons at Michigan State, rushing for 1,422 yards and 18 touchdowns on 292 carries as a junior in 2013 and 1,522 yards and 22 TDs on 276 attempts as a senior in 2014. But his path to becoming one of college football's top running backs was a bumpy one.
After redshirting as a freshman, Langford was switched from running back to cornerback before the 2011 season and responded by recording a sack and scoring his first collegiate touchdown on a 37-yard fumble return.
Moved to receiver during spring practice a year later, Langford finally returned to running back before the 2012 season. But he received few opportunities while backing up current Steelers star Le'Veon Bell, rushing for 23 yards on just nine carries.
Langford eventually earned the starting job for the first time in 2013 and exceeded all expectations. Three years later, the Bears are hoping that he makes a similar jump.
Earlier this offseason, ESPN's Matt Bowen selected Langford as one of five NFL players who will make big strides in their second pro seasons.
"At 6-feet, 208 pounds, Langford has some downhill power," wrote Bowen, a former safety who played seven NFL seasons from 2000-06. "He hits the hole with a burst, and he has the game-breaking ability to make plays with his 4.42 speed once he gets into the open field. Plus, he runs hard. The young man is tough.
"Even with [offensive coordinator] Adam Gase leaving for Miami, I expect the Bears to have some carryover in the offensive game plan, with more run-pass options (packaged plays) and shotgun runs. That's where we will see Langford's ability to find daylight and push the ball through the hole with zone blocking up front."
