The Chicago Bears made a surprising move with one of their three second-round picks by selecting Boston College right tackle Ozzy Trapilo. The problem is, Trapilo primarily lined up at right tackle during his college career, where 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright has been anchoring. This raises the question: Will the Bears consider reshuffling the offensive line by moving Wright, or will they take a different approach?
Bears’ Biggest Offseason Question Lies in the Offensive Line
A Look at Bears’ New Offensive Lineman Ozzy Trapilo
The best way to describe Ozzy Trapilo is an extremely technical and smart athlete. He started all 34 games at Boston College, lining up at left tackle during the 2022 season and at right tackle in 2023-24. Trapilo is massive at 6’8″ and 309 pounds, but plays with a lot more fluidity than you’ll expect. He had zero penalties on 772 snaps last season and comes from an NFL family where his late father, Steve Trapilo, played five seasons in the NFL as an offensive guard for the New Orleans Saints.
A well-coached player, Trapilo has active feet and quick hands, which he used to excel in the gap-heavy run scheme at Boston College. He was also listed as the ‘most pro-ready’ out of all the offensive line prospects by Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn.
#BostonCollege OT Ozzy Trapilo was an impressive watch late in the process. Leverage issues show up because of his size (6-8, 316) but has excellent play strength and is a stout pass protector.
Played both tackle spots. Trapilo is a potential swing tackle and future starter. pic.twitter.com/qEGqy5DRDA
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 14, 2025
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Could Darnell Wright Switch to Left Tackle?
General manager Ryan Poles didn’t rule out the idea of moving Darnell Wright to the left side when asked about it: “Yeah, I think that is a conversation we’ll see how everything goes. He clearly has the ability to play left or right. We saw that in college. That was part of the value in taking Darnell, so if he had to play left, he can play left, and obviously I think we are all excited about his stuff to go right.”
Wright started 13 games at right tackle during his 2021 season at the University of Tennessee, along with 27 at right tackle and two at right guard. It’s understandable to argue that putting a more experienced player to protect Caleb Williams’ blindside makes sense, but there’s a lot to consider when making the potential switch.
Why Wright Should Stay Put
Darnell Wright has improved at right tackle over the past two seasons in Chicago and looks to improve with the expected stability at right guard. Meanwhile, Ozzy Trapilo expressed his willingness to play wherever needed, stating: I would just be ready to fill wherever is needed. That’s the main goal, right? Get on the field as soon as possible, so that is kind of how I focused my training these last few months. I think I’ve done a good job with that, so I wouldn’t have a preference at the moment.”
#Bears Ozzy Trapilo when asked if he prefers playing left or right tackle.
“No… As soon as the season ended, going to this level especially, you want to be as versatile as possible, so I’ve done a ton of work at all positions except center. I would just be ready to fill… pic.twitter.com/Kzt93KXelt
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) April 28, 2025
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Trapilo started at left tackle during his 2022 season, and moving the only player (Wright) who’s been a consistent presence at his position could be a huge mistake.
Sports Illustrated writer Gene Chamberlain agrees that Wright should stay at right tackle, saying, “Wright is a mauler. Trapilo is a smooth operator. The scouting reports laud his [Trapilo] ability to mirror the pass rushers and move his feet. These are qualities for a left tackle whose job is protecting the right-handed QB’s blind side. The mauler is usually a right tackle because many teams tend to run more to the right side and the right side is usually the better run blocker. This is a strength of Wright’s. Right tackles are big and physical, like Sewell is for Detroit. In fact, Johnson has likened Wright to Sewell when he talked about him.”
Along with being open to the idea of moving Wright to LT, Ryan Poles recently appeared on ESPN 1000 and made it sound like they will switch Trapilo, not Wright, to LT and go from there.
Last Word on the Bears’ Tackle Situation
Trapilo’s selection may hint at the Bears preparing for life after Braxton Jones, whose contract expires after the 2024 season. This sets up an intriguing competition between Ozzy Trapilo and 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie for the starting left tackle role. Regardless of who wins the job, the Bears have made significant strides this offseason to solidify the offensive line and better protect their franchise quarterback.
Main Image: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
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