Another Report

from Foxsports.com

Running back Thomas Jones is coming off his best season as a professional, but he suffered through another losing season in a star-crossed career that has taken him from Arizona to Tampa Bay and Chicago. He produced a career-high 948 rushing yards and added 56 receptions to become the first player to lead the team in both those categories since Neal Anderson in 1989. So why are the Bears talking about taking a running back with the No. 4 pick in the April draft? There are a couple of reasons. Anthony Thomas was not offered a contract to return once he hit unrestricted free agency, and there are differing opinions within the organization if Jones will suit the new offense under Ron Turner. Jones was brought in as a perfect fit for the old system that was based on the St. Louis and Kansas City offenses. He's a cutback runner with breakaway speed who uses excellent vision and patience to break plays. He might not be the ideal fit for a power running game. Still, his excellent hands and route-running ability make him a double threat out of the backfield, and he will have a significant role in 2005.