2022 NFL Draft: Grading the Bears’ pick of Baylor RB Trestan Ebner

The Chicago Bears selected Baylor running back Trestan Ebner in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Ebner finished the 2021 season with 148 carries for 799 yards and two touchdowns. He added 28 catches for 284 yards and two scores through the air.

Ebner’s immediate value for the Bears is on special teams. He totaled more than 1,100 yards and three touchdowns as a kickoff returner over the last two seasons. Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote about Ebner in advance of the NFL draft:

“Swiss Army Knife with size, speed and versatility to potentially help in three different phases for a team. Ebner is a former all-state prep receiver whose mismatch potential out of the backfield should rank as his most endearing play trait. He’s been a productive kick returner with open-field vision and build-up speed to hit big plays. Despite his size, he’s underwhelming as a runner and struggles to play with consistent decisiveness and aggression in that role. He fits as a future third-down back who can run an expanded route tree and attack vertically when the mismatch aligns for him.”

Ebner’s versatility makes him an intriguing selection. He proved he’s a good route-runner with reliable hands, and at 5-foot-11, 206 pounds, and with 4.46 speed, he has a similar makeup as Bears wide receivers Byron Pringle and David Moore. It’ll be interesting to see if Ebner makes a position change once he gets to Chicago.

Ebner’s best chance to make the roster is as a kick returner and special teams ace. Overall, this pick doesn’t move the needle much and earns a C grade.