When the Chicago Bears used their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Ozzy Trapilo, it signaled an interesting development for their offensive line. Trapilo, who made his mark at Boston College by anchoring the right tackle position, steps into a team with some intriguing lineup choices, particularly on the left side of the line.
Enter Darnell Wright, the incumbent right tackle who made his leap into the NFL spotlight after switching to the right side during his college days. Even with the positional shuffle being a frequent topic, all signs point to Wright holding steady at right tackle for the Bears. Head coach Ben Johnson has hinted that while the door isn't completely shut, Wright's position seems secure, especially as he approaches a pivotal year in his burgeoning career.
This is a crucial season for Wright, who was a highly prized top-ten selection in his draft class. As he heads into his third professional season, the Bears have to make decisions about his future, specifically his fifth-year option post-2025. Given the investment, keeping Wright where he has thrived keeps the evaluation straightforward, paving the way for a possible long-term extension – a necessity for a franchise cornerstone.
Then there's Ozzy Trapilo. Despite being untested in the NFL, the idea of shifting him to left tackle seems prudent.
While it's true he hasn't lined up on the left, it's an opportunity for growth from the get-go, rather than waiting and delaying what could be inevitable development pains. The Bears are likely to find that integrating Trapilo into the starting lineup will be a process, and doing it on the left side aligns with their needs.
Training camp is just around the corner, and it brings its own share of drama. The pressing question: Can Braxton Jones fend off Trapilo and retain his spot as the starter on the left side, or will the Bears roll the dice with their rookie sensation right from Week 1?
Coach Ben Johnson might be keeping his cards close to his chest, but if the breadcrumbs from the OTAs count for anything, Trapilo might just find himself lining up left as the season kicks off. The Bears' decision-making this summer will set the tone for their offensive line's future and showcase their confidence in this new era of their young roster.
