The Chicago Bears front office has made reloading the offensive line a priority this offseason and they have done so in multiple ways. General manager Ryan Poles hit the trade market hard the week before free agency opened up by acquiring Joe Thuney from the Chiefs and Jonah Jackson from the Rams. The two veterans will handle the guard spots for Caleb Williams ahead of his second NFL season.
Once free agency was in full swing, Poles added the final piece to the puzzle for Chicago’s offensive front. He went out and signed center Drew Dalman to a three-year deal after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. Williams was dropped a league-high 68 times last season and the Bears could never seem to get their run game going on a consistent basis, so these changes up front were much needed.
Despite Chicago having a set group to protect Williams for the upcoming season, the front office still has to have the future of the unit in mind. They drafted a project tackle in last year’s draft and many were wondering what their approach would be for the 2025 class. Poles selected two offensive linemen last weekend, one of which was a second-round draft choice that he already has a plan for.
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles has a plan for Ozzy Trapilo
When Poles went on ESPN 1000 on Thursday morning, Trapilo was a topic of conversation. The general manager said his plan is to start the Boston College product out at left tackle and that they will go from there. With current starting left tackle Braxton Jones having a season ending injury back in December, it is important for Trapilo to hit the ground running at the position in case he needs to be ready to roll early on in the fall.
Trapilo was taken with the 56th overall pick in the second round by Chicago. It was a pick the Bears acquired in a trade back with the Bills and is one that could work out well for them down the road. Trapilo is a big guy, as he stands at six-foot-eight and weighs 316 pounds. The Boston College connection to Poles certainly helped the prospect’s case in becoming a Bear, but his ceiling in the second round makes him a promising piece to the organization’s future.
Trapilo has more experience at right tackle, which makes this announcement from Poles rather interesting. He did start 10 games at left tackle in 2022, but he spent most of his time at the collegiate level on the other side. Many believed that Darnell Wright would flip to left tackle to allow Trapilo to slide into his natural spot, but there is a different vision from the coaching staff and front office moving forward.
Ozzy Trapilo could be a big part of the Chicago Bears future
Based on when he was selected and his projectable frame, Trapilo could be a major part of Chicago’s offensive line in the future. Jones is on the last year of his current contract and if the front office isn’t sold on what he can bring to the table on a second deal, it could provide a perfect opportunity for Trapilo to take his place.
It’s great that the Bears have a solid offensive line in place for 2025, but the future needs to be kept in mind at all times and depth is always a good thing to have up front. Kiran Amegadjie was taken in the third round last season and he too is viewed as a project for this coaching staff.
While Amegadjie struggled mightily when given a spot start in December against the Vikings, he could always transition to being a guard if it helps the franchise down the road. Luke Newman was the second lineman drafted by the Chicago Bears last weekend in the sixth round out of Michigan State. He too will play on the inside and can hopefully serve as depth for the unit in his time with the organization.
Chicago Bears’ NFL Draft class praised as one of the NFL’s best
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