LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Jeremy Langford knows the pressure is on compared to last season.

"It’s a lot different," Langford said at organized team activities. "It’s up to me, how I deal with it. Last year, it was more, 'Let’s see what he can do,' and now it’s 'We need you out there to make plays.'

A fourth-round pick out of Michigan State, Langford made plays in 2015, finishing with 816 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns. He joined Hall of Famers Walter Payton and Gale Sayers as the only Chicago Bears rookies with a rushing touchdown in four straight games since 1960. Langford also became the third player in franchise history with 100 receiving yards, one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown in a single game.

Langford, however, played mostly a complimentary role next to veteran Matt Forte.

That all changed when Bears management let Forte (now a member of the New York Jets) leave via free agency. At 24-years old, Langford has ascended to the top of the depth chart, a promotion he says he’s ready for.

"Even last year, I think I prepared a lot, you know, just in case," Langford said. "Playing running back, you never know what can happen. So I prepared a lot to know the whole offense and be the starter if I have to.

"But this year, it’s really just trying to become more of a leader at the position, being a running back in Chicago. Being more of a leader and really just not being that secondary guy. Acting like more of a veteran and know the whole offense. I learned a lot from Forte, being the guy he was, so you ain’t got to be a hoo-rah guy all the time. Being a young player, it’s just being in the right place at the right time and doing what you got to do. Really helping younger guys coming in, or even the guys following you, being a leader by example."

Langford will face competition for playing time. Not only do the Bears return experienced tailbacks Jacquizz Rodgers and Ka'Deem Carey, the team used a fifth-round pick on Indiana/UAB rusher Jordan Howard, who like Langford, excelled in the Big Ten.

The Bears think Howard’s physical rushing style is a suitable compliment to Langford, who possesses breakaway speed in the open field.

"I really didn’t think too much of it [the Bears drafting Howard]," Langford said. "I know it’s just competition. That’s what brings a lot of running backs, a lot of positions to push themselves even more. Competition is always a good thing and playing in the NFL, there’s always going to be competition, so you can’t really become too complacent as a player."