The Chicago Bears have been all-in on the Ben Johnson era from the moment they signed the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator to be their new head coach. The team took an aggressive approach to the offseason, completely revamping its offensive line with four notable additions via trades, free agency, and the draft.
It didn’t stop there, with two offensive playmakers drafted with Chicago’s first two picks in April, while a few defensive line reinforcements were also added. Now, the Bears are poised to get back into the playoffs mix with nearly every hole covered on the roster.
Top Chicago Bears’ Rookie To Watch Out For at Minicamp
Ryan Poles and the Bears’ front office hit the offensive side of the ball early and often in this draft, starting with Colston Loveland at the top. He bolsters Chicago’s passing attack and has the tools to be an instant upgrade over Cole Kmet.
An explosive receiver in Luther Burden III was another impressive addition for the Bears, but the most notable was the late second-round selection of offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo. The Bears significantly bolstered their interior offensive line before the draft with the addition of center Drew Dalman, left guard Joe Thuney, and right guard Jonah Jackson, and it was time they found a replacement for Braxton Jones as well.
Look at the stance, the footwork, the form and the size. Ozzy Trapilo is going to be a monster on the OLine. pic.twitter.com/QEDQcFS7Ck
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) May 10, 2025
Trapilo has been making headlines for his impressive performances at the rookie minicamp and the OTAs, and PFSN’s Brandon Austin believes he will be the most exciting first-year player to watch out for at the minicamp next week.
“Chicago selected Boston College’s Ozzy Trapilo in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft,” Austin wrote. “He has been turning heads early at OTAs, according to NFL player-turned-analyst Clay Harbor. With the futures of left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright uncertain, the rookie could play his way into either starting job in 2025.
“Trapilo is more of a natural right tackle, as his size profile (6’8″, 330 pounds) is more fitting there, and he has significantly more experience playing on the right side. He is massive, athletic for his size, flexible in recovery, and he can overwhelm and drive defenders off the ball. Trapilo quietly profiles as a long-term starter.”
While Trapilo has more experience playing on the right side, he has been lining up on the left side in practice so far, and the fact that he is still impressing will certainly bring more eyes on him at the minicamp. He has the size and strength to anchor effectively in both pass protection and run blocking and displays good footwork and balance, allowing him to handle speed rushers while maintaining a strong base against power moves.
Trapilo is widely projected to be a starting-caliber player, and the first indication of whether he can replace Jones will come at the minicamp next week.