The Chicago Bears selected eight players during the 2025 NFL draft, which included some explosive playmakers on offense and some potential late-round gems.
The Bears had four picks in the first two rounds of the draft, which included some impactful additions of tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner. They also added some high upside rookies in linebacker Ruben Hyppolite III, cornerback Zah Frazier, guard Luke Newman and running backs Kyle Monangai on Day 3.
With new head coach Ben Johnson in place, it’s easy to see the vision on offense with these selections, as well as the additions of some defenders who will fit into Dennis Allen’s aggressive style of defense.
Now that Chicago has its 2025 draft class in place, it’s time dive in and take a look at what the Bears have in their new rookies.
We’re taking a closer look at the Bears’ draft class, including breakdowns, player profiles, scouting reports from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and comments from the Bears on all eight selections.
Round 1, Pick 10: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Breakdown: Loveland’s mix of size (6-foot-6, 248 pounds) and athleticism fit better in the NFL than in college. He’s an experienced route runner who can create mismatches against defenses. He likely won’t be a plus blocker in the run game, though. — Ayrton Outlay
Fit: Loveland has the opportunity to thrive in Ben Johnson’s offense as part of a 1-2 punch with Cole Kmet at tight end. Loveland is an elite athlete, great route runner and can develop into a playmaking weapon for quarterback Caleb Williams.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Michigan, Loveland was a versatile tight end in head coach Sherrone Moore’s pro-style scheme, lining up primarily in the slot (47.6 percent of the time) and inline/wing (32.5 percent) as a junior. From the moment he arrived in Ann Arbor, he was one of the most talented players on the roster and made an immediate impact his first two years, including as the Wolverines’ leading receiver in the 2023 national championship game. His final season was marred by injury and below-average quarterback play, but he still led the team in receiving in nine of the 10 games he played and set Michigan records for the tight end position.
With his speed and ball skills, Loveland can line up anywhere on the field and win as a quarterback-friendly, multilevel receiving threat. He isn’t a liability as a one-pop, get-in-the-way blocker but will struggle to sustain or control NFL edge defenders. Overall, Loveland doesn’t have the skill set for full-time inline responsibilities, but his dynamic movements, natural hands and football awareness should make him one of the primary targets in an NFL offense. His tools and upside are reminiscent of Zach Ertz.
They Said It: “It’s not just one part of his game. It’s the totality of what he can do for us. When you turn on the tape, there’s plays being made constantly. It’s a guy that you could feel confident going to in critical situations. What stands out? Obviously, the dynamic skillset to separate but also when you really study him in the run game, the blocking is way better than I think people realize.” — Bears GM Ryan Poles
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Grade: B+ Taking a tight end with a top-ten pick is a bit of a luxury, especially for a team that still has questions at offensive and defensive line. Still, in a draft with limited stars, Loveland has the potential to shine. It could take some time as he gets acclimated to an offense that has a few mouths to feed, but the upside is intriguing. If the Bears can shore up the trenches during Day 2, the pick will look even better. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 2, Pick 39 (from CAR): Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Breakdown: Burden projects as a playmaking slot receiver with the burst to get chunk yards after catch. He’s built like a running back with reliable hands but likely projects only to the slot in the NFL. A creative offensive playcaller will enjoy getting him the ball in space and he has immediate potential as a returner. — Ayrton Outlay
Fit: Ben Johnson has discussed the importance of the slot receiver in his offense, and that’s exactly the role that Burden will be filling in Chicago’s offense. Burden is one of the most explosive playmakers in this draft, and he’ll be a primary focus in this offense. The Bears landed an absolute steal with Burden at 39th overall.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Missouri, Burden was predominantly a slot receiver in offensive coordinator Kirby Moore’s motion-heavy scheme (85.3 percent of his 2024 snaps came in the slot). With only one 100-yard receiving performance in 2024, he wasn’t able to build on his All-America sophomore season as the entire Missouri offense struggled, but there were enough flashes to tease his high-level talent.
With his run-after-catch skills, Burden saw a high volume of quick-hitters and crossers, which showcased his any-direction burst and physicality to give defenders the shake. His route running is best described as a “work in progress” right now, but he appears unfazed when forced to flip his body and track/adjust to errant throws. Overall, Burden is still working on his undergrad degree in route setup and separation, but he holds a master’s in creating with the ball in his hands, because of his explosive speed and competitive toughness. For an NFL team targeting a YAC weapon with upside to be more, he will be an appealing option early.
They Said It: “You’re looking for guys that can win before they get the ball in the route, when they get the ball in their hand. I think that’s where he really excels. It’s not hard to see when you watch the ball-in-hand ability. One of the unique things about him is he can win a few ways with the ball in his hand. He can win with speed, he can win with physicality and he can win with elusiveness. Another guy that can separate in routes and produce after the catch with the ball in his hands. Adds another weapon to the room.” — Bears director of college scouting Breck Ackley
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Grade: A- Burden is phenomenal, but it’s fair to wonder if the Bears should have drafted for need instead. Offensive line and defensive line still needed help, and running back is thin, too. It’s a valid argument, and building a franchise from the outside in is risky. But when a gifted playmaker like Burden falls in your lap, sometimes you have to take him and figure out the rest later. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 2, Pick 56 (from BUF): Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
Breakdown: NFL bloodlines (his father played in the NFL) with a huge frame at 6-foot-8, 319 pounds and a 82-inch wingspan. Pass protection is his strong suit at this point with good awareness, hand placement and positioning. His smooth athleticism and footwork help him against longer edge rushers. He needs to improve in the run game but can become a reliable starter early on in his rookie contract. — Ayrton Outlay
Fit: Trapilo has started at right tackle for the past two seasons, but he does have experience playing left tackle (as he started 10 games in 2022). NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called Trapilo a Day 1 starter at right tackle, which could suggest a move for Darnell Wright to left tackle (which is something general manager Ryan Poles hinted is a possibility).
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Boston College, Trapilo locked down the right tackle spot in head coach Bill O’Brien’s offense, which used a mix of zone and gap schemes. Despite interest from college football powerhouses (both out of high school and in trying to entice him to the transfer portal), the Boston native stayed home and was the most consistent part of the Eagles’ offense, earning All-ACC honors as a junior and senior (allowed only two sacks over his final two seasons).
Although he never had the chance to see his late father play in the NFL, Trapilo has the same offensive line talent in his DNA, with the natural movements and technical control. He stays patient and under control in his pass sets and understands hand placement to maintain space between himself and rushers. He needs to be more consistent blocking low to high in the run game, but he quickly establishes body positioning to manipulate spacing and cut off defenders. Overall, Trapilo is a towering athlete and can be jarred at contact on occasion, but he has swing-tackle traits with his smooth weight distribution and the impressive strike timing he uses to consistently complete the mission. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him compete for starting right tackle reps as a rookie.
They Said It: “Play-in, play-out, game-in, game-out, we talk about smart, tough and dependable, he embodies all three of those things. He’s very technically sound. And the dependability piece, especially in the offensive line room, can’t be overrated.” — Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol
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Grade: C+ Overall, it’s a fine pick. Trapilo doesn’t look like he will be a stellar tackle for years to come, but a quality one instead. He may also look drastically different after the coaching staff gets to work with him. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 2, Pick 62 (from BUF): Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
Breakdown: Tweener of a DT at 6-foot-3 and 294 pounds but with good length and power. Turner is an explosive athlete off the line with experience at edge and inside. He gained a reputation for getting flags due to his competitive nature. He projects well with great twitch and powerful hands. If he can play more disciplined, he’ll be a starter in the NFL for a long time. — Ayrton Outlay
Fit: Turner, a three-year starter, is an explosive interior defender who’s a solid run defender and fits the aggressive style of defense that Dennis Allen is looking to employ in Chicago. He’ll start off in a rotational role alongside veterans Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings with the potential to develop into a long-term starter.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Texas A&M, Turner played a three-technique role as a senior in head coach Mike Elko’s four-man front, logging snaps everywhere from zero- to seven-technique. After playing primarily on the edge as an underclassman, he added weight for the transition inside in 2024 and made his presence known on every tape studied, despite playing through a stress fracture.
With his active motor and body quickness, Turner finds ways to pierce gaps and affect the backfield action. He has a strong, explosive grip to snatch and displace blockers in the run game, although he can be a liability at times when he abandons his gap or fails to break down and finish. Much will be made of his overzealous tendencies, which draw attention from officials, but as one scout described him: “He’s the type you want on your side.” Overall, Turner needs to introduce more discipline to his play style, but he prides himself on being the aggressor and relies on his initial twitch, fierce hands and combative mentality to be a factor. He projects best as a penetrating one-gap tackle.
They Said It: “We want violence and we want knock-back, and so if that was the goal, you look at a player like Shemar and he really embodies those things: relentless, violence, changing the line of scrimmage. I think it really checks the boxes. It’s a good fit for scheme and culture and what we’re looking for.” — Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol
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Grade: B If Turner heals quickly and can channel his aggression into plays from whistle to whistle, this could turn out to be a very nice pick as the Bears look to fortify their defensive line. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Turner to Baltimore Ravens star Nnamdi Madubuike, showing just what his ceiling can be if he reaches it. We’ll see how quickly he gets adjusted and how his shin holds up. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 4, Pick 132 (from BUF): Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland
Breakdown: “Hyppolite’s career production is fairly pedestrian relative to the number of starts he’s made, but he has the kind of speed that is rarely dismissed out of hand by NFL evaluators. The more one watches, the more one realizes he plays with natural instincts to sniff out and pursue the play. It appears his lack of take-on technique and tackle consistency will be his biggest hindrances at the next level. A move to Will linebacker could free him from some of the physical rigors inside and allow him to highlight his pursuit speed, but he needs to prove he can make more plays in coverage.” — Lance Zierlein
Fit: The Bears got a speedy linebacker in Hyppolite, who ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at his pro day. But it’s about more than just speed. Chicago also praised his instincts, toughness and leadership. Hyppolite is a fast, athletic linebacker who will serve as key depth behind T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds.
Lance Zierlein’s Scouting Report: Hyppolite’s career production is fairly pedestrian relative to the number of starts he’s made, but he has the kind of speed that is rarely dismissed out of hand by NFL evaluators. The more one watches, the more one realizes he plays with natural instincts to sniff out and pursue the play. It appears his lack of take-on technique and tackle consistency will be his biggest hindrances at the next level. A move to Will linebacker could free him from some of the physical rigors inside and allow him to highlight his pursuit speed, but he needs to prove he can make more plays in coverage.
They Said It: “Someone we were excited about. A guy that is extremely smart, tough, and one thing talking with ‘DA’ is we want to continue to add to our team speed, and he can fly. He’s a low 4.4 player that’s very active. We like the combination of speed and the intelligence.” — Bears GM Ryan Poles
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Grade: D If Hyppolite becomes a heat-seeking missile on special teams and defense, this pick will look a lot better. Having the chance to learn from Tremaine Edmunds and especially TJ Edwards is a big positive for him. With the players and coaches he’ll have, perhaps they can hone his raw ability and refine his technique. As of now, though, it’s a reach. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 5, Pick 169 (from BUF): Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
Breakdown: “Long-limbed corner with low career rep count but impressive production in lone starting season. Frazier is long, fast and athletic but upright and gawky in transitions from off-man coverage. He stays connected to all forms of vertical routes and uses his length/leaping ability to shade deep windows for the quarterback. He sees well from zone coverage and can burst/stride into plays on the football that some can’t get to. Frazier will turn 25 years old as a rookie and started only 10 games at UTSA, but his traits, in-season improvement and ball production could make him a Day 3 pick with upside as an outside corner.” — Lance Zierlein
Fit: The Bears got a cornerback with high upside in Frazier, who possesses elite ball skills, speed and length. He won’t be asked to start immediately in a loaded group that includes Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. But he has the potential to develop into an impact contributor for Chicago.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A one-year starter at UTSA, Frazier was an outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Jess Loepp’s balanced scheme. A hooper growing up, he bloomed late on the football field, making stops at the FCS and juco levels. He broke out in 2024 with six interceptions (No. 2 in the FBS), a UTSA program record. Most of his 2024 production came in a span of three games against East Carolina, North Texas and Temple (11 passes defended, six INTs), and he was inconsistent against better competition on the schedule (see Texas tape).
Frazier has a rare combination of length, speed and on-ball production (even if it is a small sample). His tall, upright posture will work against him at times, especially when he prematurely turns his hips and invites route runners to attack his blind spot. Overall, Frazier is a long, lean bump-and-run corner with the speed and coordination to cling to receivers and find the football, when his technique stays consistent. There isn’t much mystery why a team might feel he is worth the gamble on Day 3 of the draft.
They Said It: “”I think he has really good instincts and he’s got really good ball skills, so there is a couple plays on there where he turns and he can find it, track it down field, which is a really difficult thing for a lot of defensive backs to do. That to me is what jumped out on tape. Is if the ball is up in the air, it’s one thing to have that frame and that length, it’s another thing to be able to go up and play it like a wide receiver, which was really fun to watch.” — Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol
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Grade: B The Bears have done fairly well finding defensive backs late in the draft. Terell Smith in 2023, Elijah Hicks in 2022, and even Kindle Vildor in 2020 were all productive players at certain points. Taking a shot on Frazier makes sense, and he should help increase the competition at outside corner with Smith and Tyrique Stevenson. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 6, Pick 195 (from LAR): Luke Newman, OG, Michigan State
Breakdown: “Newman is a competitive zone-scheme guard with below-average power by NFL standards. He plays with adequate foot quickness to mirror his gaps but his lunging and wide hands need to be corrected. Holes in his technique will be exploited by NFL talent and he might not have enough runway to get them corrected with more coaching.” — Lance Zierlein
Fit: Newman is a versatile offensive lineman with a ton of potential. He won’t be called upon as a starter as a rookie — with the Bears committing resources to overhauling the entire interior — but he could develop into a contributor down the line. Whether that’s at tackle, guard or even center remains to be seen.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: Luke Newman grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., with his parents (John and Tinney). He prepped at Brother Rice High, an all-boys Catholic school, and earned all-league honors at left tackle and defensive tackle. Weighing just 250 pounds, he received only FCS recruiting interest and committed to Holy Cross over Lafayette. He earned the starting left tackle job in his second season and ripped off 37 straight starts. After the 2023 season, he considered going pro but instead jumped into the portal and transferred back home (his parents are both Michigan State alums). Looking to showcase his versatility, he moved to left guard and started every game there in 2024.
Newman is quick in his pass sets to shuffle, slide and mirror while also tracking blitzers. He has the upper-body torque to dump rushers but doesn’t show the same power as a drive blocker to displace in the run game. Overall, Newman will have a tough time controlling the point of attack against long-armed defensive linemen, but his movement skills, demeanor and durability should give him a chance to stand out in an NFL training camp.
They Said It: “He was one of those guys that as you went through the process, he slowly checked every box and did everything right. And you get to the end of the process and he’s clean, bring him on a top 30 [visit], coaches liked him, and it kind of married up.” — Bears director of college scouting Brett Ackley
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Grade: C This feels like the Doug Kramer pick from three years ago if Kramer showed promise of playing multiple positions in college and was a little bigger. Having that type of versatility on the offensive line is key, and it’s fair to wonder where the Bears might want to put Newman. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 7, Pick 233: Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
Breakdown: “Short but stout two-time team captain who is bundled tightly into a compact, muscular frame. Monangai is quicker than fast and lacks breakaway speed but can change the track of the run at a moment’s notice with unpredictable cuts at sharp angles. His vision is average and his lack of run-lane discipline will irk offensive line coaches, but he creates yardage out of nowhere and has exceptional contact balance to repel would-be tacklers. He lacks ideal third-down value, so teams will need to be comfortable with tabbing Monangai as an early-down backup who can handle a heavier carry load if needed.” — Lance Zierlein
Fit: Monangai is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with Rutgers, and one of his greatest assets is in pass protection. He joins a Bears running back room led by D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, so the Rutgers product will have an opportunity to compete for carries and a roster spot.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Rutgers, Monangai was the featured weapon in offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s zone-blocking scheme that was built around the run game. Despite being one of the lowest-ranked recruits in Greg Schiano’s 2020 class, Monangai became one of the best running backs in the Big Ten and finished No. 2 in school history with 3,221 rushing yards (behind only Ray Rice).
A first-generation Cameroonian-American, Monangai isn’t going to stand out as the fastest or most powerful back in this class, but he runs hard and decisive, following his blocks on traps and reaches to motor through gaps. His ball security (zero career fumbles) and overall dependability as a workhorse will be appreciated by NFL coaches. Overall, Monangai lacks breakaway speed, but he can pick, slide and weave through the defense with shifty quickness and run toughness. His competitive profile and promising reps on passing downs should make him an effective utility back in the NFL.
They Said It: “Physical, tough runner. High, high, high football and personal character. We believe he can come in and compete. We like his contact balance. And again, just the physical nature of how he plays football, and his pass protection is really good as well.” — Bears GM Ryan Poles
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Grade: B Monangai’s production was consistent while at Rutgers, averaging 5.0 and 5.2 yards per carry in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He also has never lost a fumble, which is arguably his best trait coming into the NFL. We’ll see where he winds up on the depth chart and if the Bears opt to add another veteran at some point, but Monangai has a chance to show something in a fairly thin running back room. It’s not the pick Bears fans were hoping to see at running back when the draft started, but it’s something. — Brendan Sugrue
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Chicago Bears rookie class
The Chicago Bears selected eight players during the 2025 NFL draft, which included some explosive playmakers on offense and some potential late-round gems.
The Bears had four picks in the first two rounds of the draft, which included some impactful additions of tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner. They also added some high upside rookies in linebacker Ruben Hyppolite III, cornerback Zah Frazier, guard Luke Newman and running backs Kyle Monangai on Day 3.
With new head coach Ben Johnson in place, it’s easy to see the vision on offense with these selections, as well as the additions of some defenders who will fit into Dennis Allen’s aggressive style of defense.
Now that Chicago has its 2025 draft class in place, it’s time dive in and take a look at what the Bears have in their new rookies.
We’re taking a closer look at the Bears’ draft class, including breakdowns, player profiles, scouting reports from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and comments from the Bears on all eight selections.
Round 1, Pick 10: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Breakdown: Loveland’s mix of size (6-foot-6, 248 pounds) and athleticism fit better in the NFL than in college. He’s an experienced route runner who can create mismatches against defenses. He likely won’t be a plus blocker in the run game, though. — Ayrton Outlay
Fit: Loveland has the opportunity to thrive in Ben Johnson’s offense as part of a 1-2 punch with Cole Kmet at tight end. Loveland is an elite athlete, great route runner and can develop into a playmaking weapon for quarterback Caleb Williams.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Michigan, Loveland was a versatile tight end in head coach Sherrone Moore’s pro-style scheme, lining up primarily in the slot (47.6 percent of the time) and inline/wing (32.5 percent) as a junior. From the moment he arrived in Ann Arbor, he was one of the most talented players on the roster and made an immediate impact his first two years, including as the Wolverines’ leading receiver in the 2023 national championship game. His final season was marred by injury and below-average quarterback play, but he still led the team in receiving in nine of the 10 games he played and set Michigan records for the tight end position.
With his speed and ball skills, Loveland can line up anywhere on the field and win as a quarterback-friendly, multilevel receiving threat. He isn’t a liability as a one-pop, get-in-the-way blocker but will struggle to sustain or control NFL edge defenders. Overall, Loveland doesn’t have the skill set for full-time inline responsibilities, but his dynamic movements, natural hands and football awareness should make him one of the primary targets in an NFL offense. His tools and upside are reminiscent of Zach Ertz.
They Said It: “It’s not just one part of his game. It’s the totality of what he can do for us. When you turn on the tape, there’s plays being made constantly. It’s a guy that you could feel confident going to in critical situations. What stands out? Obviously, the dynamic skillset to separate but also when you really study him in the run game, the blocking is way better than I think people realize.” — Bears GM Ryan Poles
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Grade: B+ Taking a tight end with a top-ten pick is a bit of a luxury, especially for a team that still has questions at offensive and defensive line. Still, in a draft with limited stars, Loveland has the potential to shine. It could take some time as he gets acclimated to an offense that has a few mouths to feed, but the upside is intriguing. If the Bears can shore up the trenches during Day 2, the pick will look even better. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 2, Pick 39 (from CAR): Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Breakdown: Burden projects as a playmaking slot receiver with the burst to get chunk yards after catch. He’s built like a running back with reliable hands but likely projects only to the slot in the NFL. A creative offensive playcaller will enjoy getting him the ball in space and he has immediate potential as a returner. — Ayrton Outlay
Fit: Ben Johnson has discussed the importance of the slot receiver in his offense, and that’s exactly the role that Burden will be filling in Chicago’s offense. Burden is one of the most explosive playmakers in this draft, and he’ll be a primary focus in this offense. The Bears landed an absolute steal with Burden at 39th overall.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Missouri, Burden was predominantly a slot receiver in offensive coordinator Kirby Moore’s motion-heavy scheme (85.3 percent of his 2024 snaps came in the slot). With only one 100-yard receiving performance in 2024, he wasn’t able to build on his All-America sophomore season as the entire Missouri offense struggled, but there were enough flashes to tease his high-level talent.
With his run-after-catch skills, Burden saw a high volume of quick-hitters and crossers, which showcased his any-direction burst and physicality to give defenders the shake. His route running is best described as a “work in progress” right now, but he appears unfazed when forced to flip his body and track/adjust to errant throws. Overall, Burden is still working on his undergrad degree in route setup and separation, but he holds a master’s in creating with the ball in his hands, because of his explosive speed and competitive toughness. For an NFL team targeting a YAC weapon with upside to be more, he will be an appealing option early.
They Said It: “You’re looking for guys that can win before they get the ball in the route, when they get the ball in their hand. I think that’s where he really excels. It’s not hard to see when you watch the ball-in-hand ability. One of the unique things about him is he can win a few ways with the ball in his hand. He can win with speed, he can win with physicality and he can win with elusiveness. Another guy that can separate in routes and produce after the catch with the ball in his hands. Adds another weapon to the room.” — Bears director of college scouting Breck Ackley
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Grade: A- Burden is phenomenal, but it’s fair to wonder if the Bears should have drafted for need instead. Offensive line and defensive line still needed help, and running back is thin, too. It’s a valid argument, and building a franchise from the outside in is risky. But when a gifted playmaker like Burden falls in your lap, sometimes you have to take him and figure out the rest later. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 2, Pick 56 (from BUF): Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
Breakdown: NFL bloodlines (his father played in the NFL) with a huge frame at 6-foot-8, 319 pounds and a 82-inch wingspan. Pass protection is his strong suit at this point with good awareness, hand placement and positioning. His smooth athleticism and footwork help him against longer edge rushers. He needs to improve in the run game but can become a reliable starter early on in his rookie contract. — Ayrton Outlay
Fit: Trapilo has started at right tackle for the past two seasons, but he does have experience playing left tackle (as he started 10 games in 2022). NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called Trapilo a Day 1 starter at right tackle, which could suggest a move for Darnell Wright to left tackle (which is something general manager Ryan Poles hinted is a possibility).
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Boston College, Trapilo locked down the right tackle spot in head coach Bill O’Brien’s offense, which used a mix of zone and gap schemes. Despite interest from college football powerhouses (both out of high school and in trying to entice him to the transfer portal), the Boston native stayed home and was the most consistent part of the Eagles’ offense, earning All-ACC honors as a junior and senior (allowed only two sacks over his final two seasons).
Although he never had the chance to see his late father play in the NFL, Trapilo has the same offensive line talent in his DNA, with the natural movements and technical control. He stays patient and under control in his pass sets and understands hand placement to maintain space between himself and rushers. He needs to be more consistent blocking low to high in the run game, but he quickly establishes body positioning to manipulate spacing and cut off defenders. Overall, Trapilo is a towering athlete and can be jarred at contact on occasion, but he has swing-tackle traits with his smooth weight distribution and the impressive strike timing he uses to consistently complete the mission. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him compete for starting right tackle reps as a rookie.
They Said It: “Play-in, play-out, game-in, game-out, we talk about smart, tough and dependable, he embodies all three of those things. He’s very technically sound. And the dependability piece, especially in the offensive line room, can’t be overrated.” — Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol
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Grade: C+ Overall, it’s a fine pick. Trapilo doesn’t look like he will be a stellar tackle for years to come, but a quality one instead. He may also look drastically different after the coaching staff gets to work with him. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 2, Pick 62 (from BUF): Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
Breakdown: Tweener of a DT at 6-foot-3 and 294 pounds but with good length and power. Turner is an explosive athlete off the line with experience at edge and inside. He gained a reputation for getting flags due to his competitive nature. He projects well with great twitch and powerful hands. If he can play more disciplined, he’ll be a starter in the NFL for a long time. — Ayrton Outlay
Fit: Turner, a three-year starter, is an explosive interior defender who’s a solid run defender and fits the aggressive style of defense that Dennis Allen is looking to employ in Chicago. He’ll start off in a rotational role alongside veterans Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings with the potential to develop into a long-term starter.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Texas A&M, Turner played a three-technique role as a senior in head coach Mike Elko’s four-man front, logging snaps everywhere from zero- to seven-technique. After playing primarily on the edge as an underclassman, he added weight for the transition inside in 2024 and made his presence known on every tape studied, despite playing through a stress fracture.
With his active motor and body quickness, Turner finds ways to pierce gaps and affect the backfield action. He has a strong, explosive grip to snatch and displace blockers in the run game, although he can be a liability at times when he abandons his gap or fails to break down and finish. Much will be made of his overzealous tendencies, which draw attention from officials, but as one scout described him: “He’s the type you want on your side.” Overall, Turner needs to introduce more discipline to his play style, but he prides himself on being the aggressor and relies on his initial twitch, fierce hands and combative mentality to be a factor. He projects best as a penetrating one-gap tackle.
They Said It: “We want violence and we want knock-back, and so if that was the goal, you look at a player like Shemar and he really embodies those things: relentless, violence, changing the line of scrimmage. I think it really checks the boxes. It’s a good fit for scheme and culture and what we’re looking for.” — Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol
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Grade: B If Turner heals quickly and can channel his aggression into plays from whistle to whistle, this could turn out to be a very nice pick as the Bears look to fortify their defensive line. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Turner to Baltimore Ravens star Nnamdi Madubuike, showing just what his ceiling can be if he reaches it. We’ll see how quickly he gets adjusted and how his shin holds up. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 4, Pick 132 (from BUF): Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland
Breakdown: “Hyppolite’s career production is fairly pedestrian relative to the number of starts he’s made, but he has the kind of speed that is rarely dismissed out of hand by NFL evaluators. The more one watches, the more one realizes he plays with natural instincts to sniff out and pursue the play. It appears his lack of take-on technique and tackle consistency will be his biggest hindrances at the next level. A move to Will linebacker could free him from some of the physical rigors inside and allow him to highlight his pursuit speed, but he needs to prove he can make more plays in coverage.” — Lance Zierlein
Fit: The Bears got a speedy linebacker in Hyppolite, who ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at his pro day. But it’s about more than just speed. Chicago also praised his instincts, toughness and leadership. Hyppolite is a fast, athletic linebacker who will serve as key depth behind T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds.
Lance Zierlein’s Scouting Report: Hyppolite’s career production is fairly pedestrian relative to the number of starts he’s made, but he has the kind of speed that is rarely dismissed out of hand by NFL evaluators. The more one watches, the more one realizes he plays with natural instincts to sniff out and pursue the play. It appears his lack of take-on technique and tackle consistency will be his biggest hindrances at the next level. A move to Will linebacker could free him from some of the physical rigors inside and allow him to highlight his pursuit speed, but he needs to prove he can make more plays in coverage.
They Said It: “Someone we were excited about. A guy that is extremely smart, tough, and one thing talking with ‘DA’ is we want to continue to add to our team speed, and he can fly. He’s a low 4.4 player that’s very active. We like the combination of speed and the intelligence.” — Bears GM Ryan Poles
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Grade: D If Hyppolite becomes a heat-seeking missile on special teams and defense, this pick will look a lot better. Having the chance to learn from Tremaine Edmunds and especially TJ Edwards is a big positive for him. With the players and coaches he’ll have, perhaps they can hone his raw ability and refine his technique. As of now, though, it’s a reach. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 5, Pick 169 (from BUF): Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
Breakdown: “Long-limbed corner with low career rep count but impressive production in lone starting season. Frazier is long, fast and athletic but upright and gawky in transitions from off-man coverage. He stays connected to all forms of vertical routes and uses his length/leaping ability to shade deep windows for the quarterback. He sees well from zone coverage and can burst/stride into plays on the football that some can’t get to. Frazier will turn 25 years old as a rookie and started only 10 games at UTSA, but his traits, in-season improvement and ball production could make him a Day 3 pick with upside as an outside corner.” — Lance Zierlein
Fit: The Bears got a cornerback with high upside in Frazier, who possesses elite ball skills, speed and length. He won’t be asked to start immediately in a loaded group that includes Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. But he has the potential to develop into an impact contributor for Chicago.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A one-year starter at UTSA, Frazier was an outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Jess Loepp’s balanced scheme. A hooper growing up, he bloomed late on the football field, making stops at the FCS and juco levels. He broke out in 2024 with six interceptions (No. 2 in the FBS), a UTSA program record. Most of his 2024 production came in a span of three games against East Carolina, North Texas and Temple (11 passes defended, six INTs), and he was inconsistent against better competition on the schedule (see Texas tape).
Frazier has a rare combination of length, speed and on-ball production (even if it is a small sample). His tall, upright posture will work against him at times, especially when he prematurely turns his hips and invites route runners to attack his blind spot. Overall, Frazier is a long, lean bump-and-run corner with the speed and coordination to cling to receivers and find the football, when his technique stays consistent. There isn’t much mystery why a team might feel he is worth the gamble on Day 3 of the draft.
They Said It: “”I think he has really good instincts and he’s got really good ball skills, so there is a couple plays on there where he turns and he can find it, track it down field, which is a really difficult thing for a lot of defensive backs to do. That to me is what jumped out on tape. Is if the ball is up in the air, it’s one thing to have that frame and that length, it’s another thing to be able to go up and play it like a wide receiver, which was really fun to watch.” — Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol
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Grade: B The Bears have done fairly well finding defensive backs late in the draft. Terell Smith in 2023, Elijah Hicks in 2022, and even Kindle Vildor in 2020 were all productive players at certain points. Taking a shot on Frazier makes sense, and he should help increase the competition at outside corner with Smith and Tyrique Stevenson. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 6, Pick 195 (from LAR): Luke Newman, OG, Michigan State
Breakdown: “Newman is a competitive zone-scheme guard with below-average power by NFL standards. He plays with adequate foot quickness to mirror his gaps but his lunging and wide hands need to be corrected. Holes in his technique will be exploited by NFL talent and he might not have enough runway to get them corrected with more coaching.” — Lance Zierlein
Fit: Newman is a versatile offensive lineman with a ton of potential. He won’t be called upon as a starter as a rookie — with the Bears committing resources to overhauling the entire interior — but he could develop into a contributor down the line. Whether that’s at tackle, guard or even center remains to be seen.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: Luke Newman grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., with his parents (John and Tinney). He prepped at Brother Rice High, an all-boys Catholic school, and earned all-league honors at left tackle and defensive tackle. Weighing just 250 pounds, he received only FCS recruiting interest and committed to Holy Cross over Lafayette. He earned the starting left tackle job in his second season and ripped off 37 straight starts. After the 2023 season, he considered going pro but instead jumped into the portal and transferred back home (his parents are both Michigan State alums). Looking to showcase his versatility, he moved to left guard and started every game there in 2024.
Newman is quick in his pass sets to shuffle, slide and mirror while also tracking blitzers. He has the upper-body torque to dump rushers but doesn’t show the same power as a drive blocker to displace in the run game. Overall, Newman will have a tough time controlling the point of attack against long-armed defensive linemen, but his movement skills, demeanor and durability should give him a chance to stand out in an NFL training camp.
They Said It: “He was one of those guys that as you went through the process, he slowly checked every box and did everything right. And you get to the end of the process and he’s clean, bring him on a top 30 [visit], coaches liked him, and it kind of married up.” — Bears director of college scouting Brett Ackley
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Grade: C This feels like the Doug Kramer pick from three years ago if Kramer showed promise of playing multiple positions in college and was a little bigger. Having that type of versatility on the offensive line is key, and it’s fair to wonder where the Bears might want to put Newman. — Brendan Sugrue
Round 7, Pick 233: Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
Breakdown: “Short but stout two-time team captain who is bundled tightly into a compact, muscular frame. Monangai is quicker than fast and lacks breakaway speed but can change the track of the run at a moment’s notice with unpredictable cuts at sharp angles. His vision is average and his lack of run-lane discipline will irk offensive line coaches, but he creates yardage out of nowhere and has exceptional contact balance to repel would-be tacklers. He lacks ideal third-down value, so teams will need to be comfortable with tabbing Monangai as an early-down backup who can handle a heavier carry load if needed.” — Lance Zierlein
Fit: Monangai is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with Rutgers, and one of his greatest assets is in pass protection. He joins a Bears running back room led by D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, so the Rutgers product will have an opportunity to compete for carries and a roster spot.
Dane Brugler’s Scouting Report: A three-year starter at Rutgers, Monangai was the featured weapon in offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s zone-blocking scheme that was built around the run game. Despite being one of the lowest-ranked recruits in Greg Schiano’s 2020 class, Monangai became one of the best running backs in the Big Ten and finished No. 2 in school history with 3,221 rushing yards (behind only Ray Rice).
A first-generation Cameroonian-American, Monangai isn’t going to stand out as the fastest or most powerful back in this class, but he runs hard and decisive, following his blocks on traps and reaches to motor through gaps. His ball security (zero career fumbles) and overall dependability as a workhorse will be appreciated by NFL coaches. Overall, Monangai lacks breakaway speed, but he can pick, slide and weave through the defense with shifty quickness and run toughness. His competitive profile and promising reps on passing downs should make him an effective utility back in the NFL.
They Said It: “Physical, tough runner. High, high, high football and personal character. We believe he can come in and compete. We like his contact balance. And again, just the physical nature of how he plays football, and his pass protection is really good as well.” — Bears GM Ryan Poles
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Grade: B Monangai’s production was consistent while at Rutgers, averaging 5.0 and 5.2 yards per carry in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He also has never lost a fumble, which is arguably his best trait coming into the NFL. We’ll see where he winds up on the depth chart and if the Bears opt to add another veteran at some point, but Monangai has a chance to show something in a fairly thin running back room. It’s not the pick Bears fans were hoping to see at running back when the draft started, but it’s something. — Brendan Sugrue
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Chicago Bears rookie class
