The Chicago Bears have flipped the script in 2025, going from a team stuck in the NFC basement to one leading the pack-and a big reason for that turnaround has been the emergence of their rookie class. This group didn’t light it up from the jump, but as the season’s unfolded, key pieces have started to click into place.
Tight end Colston Loveland, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and running back Kyle Monangai have all stepped up in meaningful ways. But not every rookie story has been a success.
Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, a fourth-round pick out of Maryland, has yet to find his footing-and with the Bears pushing for a deep postseason run, his lack of impact is becoming harder to ignore.
The Standouts: Loveland, Trapilo, Monangai, and Burden
Let’s start with the good. First-round pick Colston Loveland had some early growing pains, but he’s since found his rhythm.
His breakout came in a statement win over the Bengals on November 2, where he hauled in six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Since then, he’s added 14 receptions for 172 yards and another score over the last four games.
He’s becoming a reliable target in the middle of the field, and his ability to stretch defenses vertically is giving Chicago’s offense a new dimension.
On the offensive line, Ozzy Trapilo’s rise has been just as important. After beginning the year behind Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet, Trapilo got his shot at left tackle in the Week 12 win over Pittsburgh.
He held his own again the following week against Philadelphia, allowing just five pressures over 83 pass-blocking snaps across the two starts. That’s a 6.0% pressure rate-solid numbers for a rookie protecting the blindside.
With his size and footwork, Trapilo looks like a long-term answer at one of the most important positions on the field.
Second-round pick Burden is also trending upward. He flashed early with a 101-yard performance against Dallas back in Week 3, but it’s his recent consistency that’s catching coaches’ attention.
Over the past few games, he’s totaled 13 receptions for 157 yards and is beginning to push veteran Olamide Zaccheaus for more snaps. His route running has sharpened, and he’s showing the kind of versatility that makes him a valuable weapon in multiple formations.
And then there’s Kyle Monangai. The seventh-rounder took a little time to get going, but he’s been a revelation over the last seven games.
He’s racked up 510 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. That kind of production from a Day 3 pick is rare-and it’s given the Bears a tough, downhill runner who can grind out tough yards and break big plays when the blocking’s there.
The Outlier: Ruben Hyppolite II
While the rest of the rookie class is gaining steam, Hyppolite stands out for the wrong reasons. In seven games, he’s registered just six total tackles-a quiet stat line for a player who was expected to add depth and speed to the linebacker corps.
And it’s not just about the numbers. With multiple rookies around him either excelling or showing real developmental promise, Hyppolite’s lack of impact is becoming more glaring.
What makes his situation even more frustrating for the Bears is the context. Injuries have hit this rookie class hard.
Shemar Turner, Zah Frazier, and Luke Newman are all on injured reserve. Turner and Frazier hadn’t made much of a dent before going down, but Newman was carving out a role as a dependable backup on the offensive line.
That should’ve opened the door for Hyppolite to step in and make his mark. Instead, he’s struggled to stay on the field and hasn’t made much noise when he’s been out there.
He did finally get his first career start in Week 12 against the Steelers, but it was short-lived. A knee injury forced him out of the game, and he missed the Week 13 win over the Eagles. It’s a tough break for a player who showed flashes during the preseason and had a chance to carve out a role on a team that’s clearly willing to give its young players real opportunities.
Where Things Stand
There’s no sugarcoating it-Hyppolite is the lone rookie who hasn’t found his stride in what’s otherwise shaping up to be a stellar draft class for Chicago. The Bears have gotten meaningful production from multiple rookies, some of whom are already playing like seasoned vets. That makes Hyppolite’s struggles stand out even more.
With the season entering its final stretch and the Bears eyeing a playoff run, every roster spot matters. If Hyppolite can’t contribute soon-or show enough promise to justify his place-Chicago may be forced to look elsewhere for linebacker depth in the offseason.
For now, the Bears will ride the momentum of a rookie class that’s doing more than just holding its own. It’s helping lead the way. But as the stakes get higher, the pressure on every player-including Hyppolite-to deliver only grows.