We’re up to topic number three of our Bears post-draft roundtable.
We’ve already shared a couple of questions in our latest Chicago Bears’ 2025 NFL Draft roundtable series, and here’s topic number three.
Which Bear will have the biggest impact as a rookie?
Chime in below with your picks after checking out what we had to say.
Jacob Infante: Whether it shows up in the stat sheet or not, I’ll go with the easy option in Colston Loveland. Not only do I anticipate he’ll participate in the receiving game, but his sheer presence will give the Bears added offensive versatility. When Chicago utilizes both him and Cole Kmet in 12 personnel, you naturally have to respect the run with two tight ends in the mix. It’s Loveland’s athleticism, though, that makes him a reliable threat receiving out of the slot.
Josh Sunderbruch: Probably Shemar Turner. The defense didn’t get a lot of love in this draft, and the impact of the offensive additions will likely get pretty diluted at first. However, this team absolutely needs impact players on the defensive line, and I think Turner will have the opportunity to be exactly that.
Sam Householder: It’s tough for tight ends to make a day one impact, but I think for being a top-10 pick and seeing what Ben Johnson got out of Sam LaPorta as a rookie, I think it’s Colston Loveland.
Mongo Peanut: Colston Loveland. He simply seems like a unique talent at TE, and that is going to be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Considering opponents will be putting their best cover corners on Moore and Odunze, that means Loveland will often be matched up with a slot corner or linebacker. In either situation, he will either have the size or speed/agility to beat his man. He will have a major impact this year.
Jeff Berckes: Colston Loveland is the obvious answer as the first-round pick, and the stats will be easy to count. However, I do think it’ll take time for the offensive hierarchy to shake out as Ben Johnson figures out how all the pieces fit together. Shemar Turner will get reps early on that defensive line rotation and should settle in quickly. I could see him making some splash plays during his rookie campaign.
Erik Duerrwaechter: A lot of people are sleeping on the Bears’ selection of Ozzy Trapilo in the 2nd round. Ryan Poles already confirmed that he’s squarely in the mix to compete for the job at LT, and I have a hunch Ryan Poles would never have selected him in round 2 if he wasn’t convinced Ozzy could start on week 1. It’ll be a battle between him, Kiran Amegadjie, and Braxton Jones. Let’s not kid ourselves here – Ozzy will get every chance to be one of the starting hogs in the trenches. He also compares favorably to Lions Pro Bowl LT Taylor Decker.
Bryan Orenchuk: I think Ozzy Trapilo will make the greatest impact, but it’s more because of how critical starting snaps at LT will be, and that’s where I’m expecting him to begin his career in earnest, week 1. Others will have better stats, but keeping Caleb upright and the offense on schedule will be the greatest impact in my book. Even if only for a few weeks until Braxton returns to full health.
Dr. Mason West: I think it’ll be Luther Burden directly and indirectly. His route running, explosion, and top-end speed add something the Bears have not had in a while. His presence should open things up for another playmaker. Plus, as Ben Johnson said, the ball seems to find its way to the slot.
TJ Starman: Obviously, Loveland and Burden will have a chance to go off, but given the number of mouths the offense will have to feed, I think it’s fair to temper the expectations for their rookie seasons at least a bit. With that in mind, I think Ozzy Trapilo has the next best opportunity as he could be in line for a starting offensive tackle position sooner rather than later.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.: Burden may have more receiving yards in year one, but Loveland’s versatility makes him the answer for me. Ben Johnson can line him up anywhere on the offense, and most of the time, Loveland will have the advantage. He’s too fast for most linebackers to cover, and too big for most defensive backs. As a blocker, I envision him more on whams, cracks, and stalk blocks over being lined up at the point of attack, but his size and willingness to block will be a plus in the run game.