There is still way too much time before Week 1 for any Chicago Bears depth chart to be truly finalized. However, there is sure to be a bit more clarity now that the 2025 NFL Draft is over.
New head coach Ben Johnson has said that there is, “no depth chart,” as he enters his first year at the helm. But the Bears have clear talent locked into starting roles across the roster. What will be key during training camp is seeing how Chicago fills their more precarious positions and how their depth chart eventually shakes out.
As things stand, the Bears have a pair of standout linebackers in TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds at middle and weakside respectively. But when it comes to the strongside linebacker, that’s where things get a little murkier. Following the draft, Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns of The Athletic expect fourth-rounder Ruben Hyppolite II to ultimately land the starting strongside role.
“If the Bears had to be in their base defense tomorrow, it’d likely be Hyppolite as the starting strongside linebacker,” Fishbain wrote. “While Hyppolite didn’t catch the eye of draft experts, our Dane Brugler noted that his ranking would’ve been different when factoring in the pro day. That’s what really stood out to the Bears.”
“[Dennis] Allen wants speed on his defense,” Fishbain continued. “We’ll see how much Hyppolite’s speed can make up for his lack of height, but this is also a position that won’t be on the field much. Depth is a question mark here.”
Ruben Hyppolite II brings speed to Chicago Bears defense
The fact a fourth-round pick would be starting wouldn’t necessarily be a shock. In a sense it’s a testament to the team’s scouting department if they find a starting caliber player on day three. However, Hyppolite specifically didn’t draw as much buzz as his linebacker counterparts. While hype doesn’t automatically equate to success, his selection was a bit out-of-left-field pick by the Bears.
Hyppolite spent five years at Maryland, appearing in 50 games. The linebacker racked up 236 tackles, 13 coming for a loss and three sacks. His numbers never jumped off the page, although Hyppolite did tie his career-high in tackles with 66 in 2024, setting a new high in TFLs with seven.
What really convinced the Bears to select Hyppolite was his dynamite Pro Day. He reportedly ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, which is absolutely unheard of from a linebacker. If Chicago is getting that kind of speed consistently from Hyppolite, it’s easy to see why he was their fourth-round pick.
Pro Day Highlights
ILB Ruben Hyppolite II @rubenknows1 @TerpsFootball pic.twitter.com/y6b47AbtzL
— Precision Sports (@PSportsMG) April 24, 2025
But the linebacker’s numbers at Maryland paint a murky story. As does the fact he didn’t show up on many analyst’s pre-draft big boards. Hyppolite wasn’t even invited to the NFL scouting combine. Still, the Bears think the linebacker can be a diamond in the rough. If he is up to the task to start immediately is still up in the air.
Bears’ other options
The idea of Hyppolite starting becomes more realistic when you look at Chicago’s other options. As backups to Hyppolite on their debut depth chart, Jahsn and Fishbain list Noah Sewell and Swayze Bozeman.
Sewell was a fifth-round pick of the Bears in 2023, appearing in 22 games since joining the team. He has racked up 13 tackles and two forced fumbles. Still only 23-years-old, there is still plenty of upside in Sewell. But eventually he’ll have to produce on the gridiron.
The Bears signed Bozeman to a one-year contract earlier in the offseason. Spending the 2024 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, he at least knows what it takes to make a Super Bowl. But predominantly a special teamer, it doesn’t seem like Bozeman will make a major impact on defense.
Chicago could always turn to the free agent market, there are plenty of big names still available. More will come as veterans get trimmed from opposing rosters. But for now, Hyppolite seems to be the Bears’ best option at strongside linebacker entering 2025.
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