
Who is Khalil Herbert? Khalil Herbert, born December 17, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a dynamic running back for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Known for his agility and efficiency, Herbert's journey from Peachtree Ridge High School to Virginia Tech and then to the NFL has been marked by resilience and standout performances. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he quickly proved his worth, especially during David Montgomery's injury in his rookie season. Despite facing injuries himself, Herbert has consistently shown his value on the field, making him a key player to watch in the Bears' lineup.
Key Takeaways:
- Khalil Herbert, a talented NFL running back, overcame challenges and injuries to showcase his skills and resilience, making him a valuable asset to the Chicago Bears.
- Despite facing tough competition and market trends, Khalil Herbert remains dedicated to improving his game and achieving career highs in the upcoming NFL season.
Early Life and Education
Khalil Herbert's journey to the NFL began in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was born and raised. His early years were marked by a strong passion for football.
- 01Khalil Herbert was born on December 17, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 02He attended Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia.
- 03At Peachtree Ridge, Herbert played football and quickly became a standout running back.
College Career
Herbert's college career at Virginia Tech showcased his talent and set the stage for his professional journey.
- 04Herbert attended Virginia Tech, playing for the Virginia Tech Hokies.
- 05During his time at Virginia Tech, he was a key player in the team's offense.
- 06He recorded 158 carries for 3 touchdowns and 158 rushing yards per game on average.
NFL Draft and Rookie Season
Herbert's entry into the NFL came with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
- 07In the 2021 NFL Draft, Herbert was selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round (217th overall).
- 08His rookie season was marked by significant challenges, starting as the fourth running back on the depth chart.
- 09An injury to David Montgomery in Week 4 provided Herbert with an opportunity to showcase his skills.
Breakout Performance
Herbert's breakout performance during his rookie season was a turning point in his career.
- 10During the four weeks Montgomery was out, Herbert averaged 13.45 PPR points per game.
- 11Despite returning to a backup role, his snap percentage continued to increase.
- 12Herbert's efficiency metrics in 2022 were impressive, demonstrating high efficiency in EPA per rush and rush yards over expected (RYOE).
Injury Impact and Resilience
Herbert's ability to perform well despite injuries has been a testament to his resilience.
- 13Herbert's value was enhanced by his ability to perform well despite injuries.
- 14His efficiency remained high even when playing with limited snaps or facing tough defensive opponents.
- 15Herbert faced a hip strain in 2022 that kept him out for four weeks, yet he consistently showed resilience and quick recovery.
Contract Year and Market Trends
As Herbert approaches the final year of his rookie contract, the stakes are higher.
- 16As of the 2024 season, Herbert is in his final year of his rookie contract.
- 17The running back market has seen significant changes, with players like D'Andre Swift and Saquon Barkley receiving substantial guaranteed money.
- 18This trend has heightened the competition for Herbert and other running backs.
Competition at Halas Hall
The Chicago Bears have seen significant changes in their running back corps, increasing competition.
- 19The Bears added D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, pushing Herbert to work harder.
- 20Herbert stands at 5'9" and weighs 212 lbs, making him agile and quick on the field.
- 21As of the 2024 season, Herbert is listed behind D'Andre Swift on the unofficial depth chart.
Professional Statistics and Career Milestones
Herbert's professional statistics and career milestones highlight his contributions to the Bears.
- 22As of the 2024 season, Herbert has accumulated 1,791 rushing yards on 372 carries with nine touchdowns.
- 23He played in every game of the 2021 season with two starts.
- 24Herbert recorded 433 rushing yards on 103 carries and two touchdowns throughout the 2021 season.
Game Stats Analysis
Analyzing Herbert's game stats provides insight into his performance and versatility.
- 25In games against the New England Patriots in 2022, Herbert had 12 rushes for 62 yards and one reception for 25 yards.
- 26His snap percentage has varied significantly, averaging around 40% of snaps per game in 2022.
- 27Herbert's fantasy football value has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts.
Fantasy Football Value
Herbert's performance in fantasy football leagues has made him a valuable asset.
- 28His ability to perform well in limited snaps makes him valuable in fantasy leagues.
- 29Herbert had a 30.90 PPR point performance in Week Three of the 2022 season.
- 30His fantasy football profile includes a scouting report highlighting his efficiency metrics and game stats.
Offseason Training and Positive Outlook
Herbert's offseason training and positive outlook reflect his dedication to improvement.
- 31Herbert has been actively training during the offseason, focusing on his body type and skill position.
- 32He believes that this training will help him adapt to the changing rules and competition in the league.
- 33Despite changes at Halas Hall and around the league, Herbert remains positive about his opportunities.
Leadership Role and Market Trends Impact
Herbert's leadership role within the team and the impact of market trends are significant.
- 34As one of the last remaining players from the Bears' 2021 running back core, Herbert has taken on a leadership role.
- 35The uptick in guaranteed money for running backs has created a more competitive market.
- 36This trend has forced Herbert to work harder and prove himself worthy of a significant contract extension.
New Rules and Regulations
The NFL's new rules and regulations have presented challenges for Herbert.
- 37The NFL has introduced new rules and regulations, including changes in kickoff rules.
- 38Herbert has acknowledged that it has been challenging to digest these changes.
- 39He remains committed to learning and adapting to these new rules.
Preseason Performance and Depth Chart Positioning
Herbert's preseason performance and depth chart positioning reflect his readiness for the upcoming season.
- 40Heading into the first preseason game in 2023, Herbert was listed as the first-string running back.
- 41He also served as the second-string kickoff returner, demonstrating his versatility.
- 42As of the 2024 season, Herbert shares the third running back designation with Roschon Johnson.
Kickoff Returner Role and Schedule Difficulty
Herbert's role as a kickoff returner and the Bears' challenging schedule are noteworthy.
- 43Herbert was initially taken off the kickoff returner role, with Velus Jones Jr. and DeAndre Carter taking over.
- 44The Bears' schedule for the 2024 season includes several challenging games.
- 45Herbert will face tough defensive opponents, which could impact his performance and snap count.
Game Stats Projection and Career Highs
Herbert's game stats projection and career highs highlight his potential for the upcoming season.
- 46In Week 10 of the 2024 season, Herbert is projected to face the New England Patriots.
- 47His game stats projection includes 2 rushing attempts, 2 receptions, and 5.40/71.40 yards per reception.
- 48Herbert achieved a career-high 132 carries in the 2023 season.
Training Philosophy and Competition at Position
Herbert's training philosophy and the competition at his position are crucial to his success.
- 49The Bears' coaching staff emphasizes training all body types and skill positions.
- 50The running back position is highly competitive, with several talented players vying for snaps.
Khalil Herbert: A Rising Star
Khalil Herbert's journey from Peachtree Ridge High School to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. His time at Virginia Tech set the stage for his professional career, where he quickly made a name for himself with the Chicago Bears. Despite starting as the fourth running back, Herbert seized his opportunity when injuries struck, showcasing his talent and resilience. His efficiency metrics, leadership role, and ability to perform under pressure have made him a valuable asset to the Bears. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, the competition is fierce, but Herbert's determination and skill set him apart. Whether it's his breakout performances, fantasy football value, or leadership on the field, Herbert continues to prove his worth. Keep an eye on this rising star; he's just getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.