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Bears set at running back

With Matt Forte as their main man and Michael Bush as a more-than-competent backup and short-yardage option, the Bears are in great shape at running back.

That position is not expected to be a Bears priority in the draft. But, as the Washington Redskins proved last year with sixth-round pick Alfred Morris, productive runners can be found late in the draft.

Morris was second in the NFL with 1,613 yards on the ground in 2012.

Forte has carried the ball at least 203 times and caught at least 44 passes in each of his five seasons. Over the past three seasons he has rushed for 3,160 yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry.

The 6-foot-1, 245-pound Bush can move the pile and is the Bears’ preferred goal-line runner, which helps ease the wear and tear on Forte. But Bush missed most of the final month with a rib injury that eventually landed him on injured reserve.

Armando Allen’s 4.6-yard average in limited duty (27 carries) was the best among Bears running backs last season. At 5-8 and 190, Allen is a quick, change-of-pace option who also can catch the ball out of the backfield.

— Bob LeGere

NFL draft: Top 10 running backs

Name, school Ht. Wt. 40

Eddie Lacy, Alabama 5-11 231 4.52 Most complete runner in weak class has injury concerns.

Montee Ball, Wisconsin 5-10.4 214 4.48 Productive workhorse had NCAA-record 83 career TDs.

Giovani Bernard, N.Car. 5-8.3 202 4.53 Soph. with low miles, soft hands; slowed by minor nicks.

Andre Ellington, Clemson 5-9.2 199 4.50 Quick; more big-play pop than top 2; not an every-down type.

Jonathan Franklin, UCLA 5-10 205 4.49 No elite physical traits but has exceptional intangibles.

Kenjon Barner, Oregon 5-9.2 196 4.44 Finesse, situational, big-play RB could also excel as RS.

Le’veon Bell, Michigan St. 6-1.3 230 4.57 Good agility and run skills for big back but lacks a burst.

Kerwynn Williams, Utah St. 5-8.1 195 4.46 Mostly RS until big 2012 season; soft hands but lacks size.

Cierre Wood, Notre Dame 5-11.2 213 4.49 Nice run skills and vision; not a burner or pile-driver.

Marcus Lattimore, S.Car. 5-11.2 221 4.56 Big, strong and tough; returning from severe knee injury.

Number after decimal point under “Ht.” refers to eighths of an inch.

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