The Chicago Bears are preparing for the start of training camp this week, where their new crop of rookies will hit the practice field with the chance to compete for starting jobs and roster spots.
The Bears added some potenital impactful rookies, including first-round tight end Colston Loveland and second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner. There are also some potential late round gems in linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, cornerback Zah Frazier, offensive lineman Luke Newman and running back Kyle Monangai.
As the Bears prepare for training camp this week, this class of rookies has a lot to prove and learn ahead of some valuable preseason action in August.
Here’s a look at the seven most intriguing Bears rookies to watch during training camp:
TE Colston Loveland
The Bears used the 10th overall pick on tight end Colston Loveland for a reason, and it’s clear they believe he can be an impactful contributor to Ben Johnson’s offense. There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding Loveland considering he’s yet to hit the practice field since joining Chicago. Loveland, who’s recovering from surgery on his AC joint back in January, was limited throughout the offseason program and the recovery timeline indicated he’d be ready for the start of training camp in late July. While Loveland was sidelined during OTAs and minicamps, he spent the offseason immersing himself in the playbook as he aims to build those important mental reps. Now, assuming Loveland is right on schedule, we’ll get a glimpse at what Loveland can bring to this offense.
OT Ozzy Trapilo
Second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo has quickly become one of the team’s most important rookies as he’s entrenched in a battle for the starting left tackle job. While Trapilo started at right tackle in his final two years at Boston College, he also has experience at left tackle having started 10 games in college. The Bears opted to try Trapilo at left tackle, and the result is an open competition for the starting left tackle job between Trapilo, incumbent starter Braxton Jones and second-year pro Kiran Amegadjie. Trapilo has actually gotten a head start in the competition, along with Amegadjie, as Jones recovers from surgery after fracturing his fibula late last season. Trapilo rotated with Amegadjie with the first-team offense during OTAs and minicamp, and that’s expected to continue this summer. If Trapilo can win the starting job, he’ll serve the most important role of all Bears rookies this season protecting Caleb Williams’ blindside.
WR Luther Burden III
The Bears landed a huge steal in wide receiver Luther Burden III in the second round of the NFL draft, which gives Ben Johnson another weapon to utilize on offense. But Burden has been sidelined since rookie minicamp after suffering a soft tissue injury, but Johnson expects him to be ready for training camp. While Chicago already has its top two receivers in DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, Burden has the potential to make a significant impact as a rookie if utilized to his full potential. Johnson has talked about the importance of the slot receiver in his offense, as that’s where the ball typically goes. While Johnson will move guys around, it’s worth noting that Burden ran 88% of his routes from the slot over the past two seasons at Missouri. Burden is a speedy, explosive receiver who can line up inside, outside or even out of the backfield.
LB Ruben Hyppolite II
While Ruben Hyppolite II was a surprise pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft, it’s clear that the Bears believe he can be impactful as a rookie. Hyppolite is an incredibly speedy linebacker and has already made an impression on head coach Ben Johnson, who dubbed him a standout player this offseason. And the media in attendance echoed the sentiment. Hyppolite is currently entrenched in a battle for the third linebacker spot behind T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, where he’ll be looking to beat out Noah Sewell. So if Hyppolite wins the starting job, his importance as a rookie will skyrocket.
RB Kyle Monangai
D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson are penciled in as Chicago’s top two running backs right now, but seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai could shake things up with a strong training camp. Monangai was one of the standout players from the offseason, and he enters his rookie season with the opportunity to compete for significant reps in a Bears run game that needs a boost. Monangai has impressive contact balance and embraces his reps in pass protection. A notable stat: Monangai has zero career fumbles in 670 attempts, per Pro Football Focus, which should go a long way for Chicago.
DT Shemar Turner
The Bears shored up their interior defensive line with the addition of Shemar Turner, who brings a violent, aggressive style of play to the table. In four seasons at Texas A&M, Turner totaled 115 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Turner figures to factor into the rotation along the interior behind Gervon Dexter Sr., Grady Jarrett and Andrew Billings. Turner is a versatile defensive lineman who’s played both defensive tackle and defensive end, which raises questions about where Chicago could line him up. Turner said he’s willing to play wherever the Bears line him up, but defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said the plan is for Turner to play inside.
CB Zah Frazier
The Bears drafted Zah Frazier in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft to add even more depth to their deepest position group. Frazier caught the eye of defensive backs coach Al Harris during the pre-draft process, so he certainly has that going for him. While Tyrique Stevenson is expected to start for the third straight season, he could see competition from Frazier and Terell Smith for that starting spot opposite Jaylon Johnson. Even if Frazier doesn’t win the starting job as a rookie, he would serve as a valuable special teams contributor and step in when needed.
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