With a lot of the starting spots locked in for the Chicago Bears’ 2025 season, there’s a lot of unknown in the second and third units. The incoming rookies pose a serious threat to many veterans vying for a spot on the 53-man roster, but who will ultimately emerge victorious?
Rookies Ready to Redefine the Chicago Bears’ Roster
LB 3: Ruben Hyppolite II vs. Noah Sewell
The third linebacker role behind Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards might be the most talked-about Bears’ training camp battle this offseason. With the Bears drafting Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and the departure of Jack Sanborn, it’ll be interesting to see whether he, Noah Sewell, or another linebacker rises up to take the LB3 spot.
Bleacher Report listed Hyppolite as the team’s projected breakout player this offseason, and Bears’ defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had some high praise for the Maryland product.
“It was a great ’30’ visit,” Allen said. “He’s mature, he’s self-aware about who he is as a football player. We went into the draft saying we have to try to increase our athleticism and speed, and he certainly does that at the linebacker position. You spend some time with these guys, and you kind of get a feel for what their personality is going to be like. He’s got a serious personality and he’s kind of got a pro’s mentality already, and that’s a good starting point.”
As for Sewell, he’s been on the roster but mainly played as a special-teams contributor while being in the shadow of Sanborn, Edwards, and Edmunds. If he wants to prove he’s more than that, now’s the perfect opportunity. Roster spots aren’t set, and already having playing time in the NFL can give him the advantage over Hyppolite.
Predicted Winner: Ruben Hyppolite II
LT 2: Ozzy Trapilo vs. Kiran Amegadije
There is a reality where either one of these players takes over as the starting left tackle with Braxton Jones’ injury or wins the starting job, but for now, let’s focus on just Ozzy Trapilo vs Kiran Amegadije.
Amegadije had some playing time last season, filling in for Jones, but struggled. He was seen as more of a developmental project despite being drafted in the third round, and was unfortunately thrown into the fire earlier than expected. Despite his struggles, there’s still a lot of optimism that Amegadije will bounce back when the time is right.
As for Trapilo, he is one of the Bears’ three second-round picks from this year’s draft. He was viewed as a “pro-ready” prospect by many analysts and scouts and has made great progress this offseason with the Bears. It’ll be interesting to see just how fast Amegadije has developed, and whether Trapilo leap frogs him and takes the backup LT spot.
Predicted Winner: Ozzy Trapilo
Here’s a rep from OT Ozzy Trapilo at today’s rookie minicamp practice (via Chicago Bears IG) pic.twitter.com/RfAo0UbN1Z
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) May 9, 2025
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RB 2: Roschon Johnson vs. Kyle Monangai
There was so much talk about the Bears potentially going after a top-tier running back in the draft, only to end up drafting Kyle Monangai in the seventh round. But that presents a golden opportunity for not only Monangai, but third-year running back Roschon Johnson as well. Both, along with other running backs on the squad like Ian Wheeler, will have ample opportunities to prove the Bears don’t need to look elsewhere for help at RB.
However, Monangai, along with Hyppolite, was one of four players who stood out according to Ben Johnson in the offseason thus far.
“In the running back room, Kyle Monangai has really stepped up,” Johnson said. “I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he’s picking things up.”
There could be a change of guard behind D’Andre Swift.
Predicted Winner: Kyle Monangai
Main Image: David Banks – Imagn Images
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