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The 2025 NFL Draft is complete, and the Bears came away with some potential game changers and key contributors. The draft was the first with Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson working together, and it was clear that Johnson’s voice played a prominent role in the team's decisions, starting with the selection of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall in the first round.
Notable picks:
Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan), Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri), Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M) and Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers)
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Grade: B
After numerous attempts to trade up, the Bears took Colston Loveland over No. 1 rated TE Tyler Warren. Loveland lined up inside and outside, matching up with cornerbacks and consistently beat them off the line of scrimmage. He has strong hands and doesn't rely on his body to come down with catches. Ben Johnson has shown that he knows how to take advantage of a tight end who can create mismatches. Loveland profiles as a much different kind of player than Sam LaPorta, whom Johnson helped become a Pro-Bowler in Detroit.
WR Luther Burden III, Missouri - Grade: B+
The former Missouri receiver didn’t put up elite numbers on the field last fall or at the combine, but he’s a nice after-the-catch weapon with strong hands. The best part of bringing Burden aboard is that he gets to learn from DJ Moore, someone who has a similar skillset and has been utilized in a similar role, as well as Antwaan Randle El, who developed Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit. Burden gives Ben Johnson another opportunity to move guys around, create mismatches, and keep defenses off balance.
OT Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College - Grade: C+
Trapilo profiles as a solid right tackle with some experience on the left side. The biggest advantage Trapilo has is his size. He's one of the tallest players in the entire draft, and with his size and strength, he's been able to keep defenders right in front of him. Trapilo does struggle with lateral quickness and speed off the ball. His stiff hips could be an issue against speed rushers, but the draft's shallow depth at the tackle position pushed him up the board. You can see his potential and the fact that Trapilo has experience on both sides of the line will very beneficial for the Bears.
DT Shemar Turner, Texas A&M - Grade: B-
Turner was a three-year starter at Texas A&M. The tape on Turner shows an explosive interior defender who's a solid run defender and fits the aggressive style of defense that Dennis Allen is looking to bring to Chicago. Turner's quick-twitch ability seemed to impress the Bears during the Draft process despite his limited productivity in college. Turner projects as more of a finesse type who wins with first-step quicks and elite hand work. Solid pick to learn behind Grady Jarrett.
Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland - Grade: D
Chicago seems to be banking on upside with the selection of Ruben Hyppolite II. Hyppolite II ran a 4.42-second 40-yard-dash during the combine. He should start his NFL career as a core-special teamer and add some athleticism to the linebacker room. His tackling has been inconsistent, and it's an area that he will need to improve in the NFL. Replacing Jack Sanborn, an undrafted free agent, with Hyppolite feels like a bad decision. Hyppolite felt like a prospect who could have been had near the end of the draft. Having the opportunity to learn from TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds will be a huge advantage for him.
Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA - Grade: C+
Frazier ran a 4.36-second-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He only started one full season at the FBS level, but Frazier ended the campaign with six interceptions. He's an older prospect who turns 25 in October, but the Bears seem willing to develop a player who has all the traits they seek in a cornerback. While Chicago's secondary is set at corner with Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson, Frazier should provide depth and hopefully carve out a role on special teams.
Luke Newman, OL, Michigan - Grade: C-
Newman has played both tackle and guard in college at two different schools. He began his career at Holy Cross before transferring to Michigan State for his final season. Having that type of versatility on the offensive line is important but it's unknown where the Bears want to put Newman. They could keep him at guard or work him in as a backup center behind Drew Dalman. This feels a lot like the Doug Kramer pick from three years ago.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers - Grade: A-
Monangai only ran a 4.6-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine but he’s one of the class’ best pure backs. He possesses elite athleticism in and out of his cuts, runs with authority and shows elusiveness in space. He ran for over 2,500 yards over the last two seasons in the Big Ten. Areas of Monangai’s game that may have caused his stock to drop were the lack of top gear speed, and he doesn’t offer much as a pass-catcher. However, current Bears starting running back D’Andre Swift shouldn’t take Monangai lightly as he is someone that could compete for carries right away.
Overall Draft Grade: B-
The Bears did a good job of upgrading the passing game even though we questioned the selection of Colston Loveland over Tyler Warren. Many will wonder if Chicago optimized their early draft picks as they missed out on top running back prospects that were available. However, they were able to add depth at some key positions but some of the Day 3 picks lacked strong upside.