The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft hoping to largely repeat what they accomplished in the 2025 cycle, and running back Kyle Monangai served as a fitting example to send the message.
Monangai’s production rose above his draft slot, proving that there is value to be found in every round of the draft.
The Bears, patting themselves on the back regarding Monangai, made that quite clear.
Bears Send Timely Message on Kyle Monangai
Kyle Monangai a Strong Example for Bears
The Bears selected Monangai 233rd overall in the 2025 draft, 24 slots before the infamous “Mr. Irrelevant” slot. He proceeded to tally 783 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 169 carries for the Bears, who boasted the NFL’s third-best ground game.
Monagai, who turns 24 in June, flashed his dual-threat potential, too, tacking on 164 yards on 18 receptions, all while playing behind D’Andre Swift in a career year.
“A 7th round steal [triumphant face emoji],” the Bears posted on X on April 14.
While a team touting its own draft success can be hyperbolic, the Bears have a strong case for trotting Monangai out following his historic rookie campaign as a rookie for the resurgent NFC North champions.
Kyle Monangai Had Historic Rookie Season
Monangai ranks fifth among seventh-round running backs in rushing yards as a rookie since 1970, per Stathead, following recent qualifiers Isiah Pacheco and Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Those are the only two such players with more rushing yards than Monangai since 1990.
Moreover, Monangai’s rookie rushing yards rank sixth in Bears franchise history, regardless of the round the player was drafted in. Only Jordan Howard, Matt Forte, Anthony Thomas, Rashaan Salaam, and David Montgomery had more.
The Bears have seven selections in the 2026 draft, including two picks in the seventh round. It is unlikely they will find another contributor as productive as Monangai that late.
Still, he serves as a strong reminder for general manager Ryan Poles.
Poles has faced criticism for his draft habits during his tenure, and one can point to the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson last offseason for the Bears’ turnaround in that regard to at least some extent.
Regardless, the Bears need another strong season from Monangai, as they hope to have similar success in this year’s draft.