The Chicago Bears are looking to get more out of their ground game, and they may have been willing to make a trade during the 2025 NFL Draft to do so. In the end, the Bears selected former Rutgers tailback Kyle Monangai. Bears GM Ryan Poles spoke glowingly about the incoming rookie.
However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported a belief that the Bears had their sights set elsewhere in the draft.
Bears RB Kyle Monangai Poised to Benefit After Rumored Failed Trade
Kyle Monangai a ‘Physical, Tough Runner’
“Some inside the league believe the Bears tried to make an early Day 2 move, possibly to move up four spots to Tennessee’s selection at No. 35. Knowing Chicago’s legwork on running backs, Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson would have made a lot of sense in that regard,” Fowler wrote on May 7.
“Chicago has been linked to free agent running backs, typically teams like to first see what their rookies can do in May and June, with live on-field reps — a great chance for seventh-round back Kyle Monangai, who has an intriguing skill set.
Monangai led the Big Ten with 256 carries in 2024, one season after leading the conference with 1,262 rushing yards.
He averaged 5.1 yards per tote en route to 2,541 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2023 and 2024.
“Physical, tough runner. High, high, high, football and personal character. We believe he can come in and compete,” Poles told reporters in April. “We like his contact balance, and, again, just the physical nature of how he plays football, and his pass protection is really good as well.”
Monangai did not test well, potentially leading to his slide into the seventh round of the draft.
“Monangai isn’t going to stand out as the fastest or most powerful back in this class, but he runs hard and decisive, following his blocks on traps and reaches to motor through gaps. His ball security (zero career fumbles) and overall dependability as a workhorse will be appreciated by NFL coaches,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote on April 9.
“He can pick, slide and weave through the defense with shifty quickness and run toughness. His competitive profile and promising reps on passing downs should make him an effective utility back in the NFL.”
Kyle Monangai’s Arrival a Mixed Bag for Bears RBs
Monangai must first make the roster, which is no guarantee for late-round draft picks. If he does, it could be good news for current Bears RB1 D’Andre Swift and good for backup Roschon Johnson.
For Swift, Monangai would be another mouth to feed in the backfield. The Bears could also get contributions from 2024 undrafted free agent Ian Wheeler.
Johnson remains the biggest back in the room, which could lock in a short-yardage role for him.
For the Bears, it is a potentially good problem to have. The Bears are historically known for their hard-nosed rushing attacks behind only their imposing defenses. They ranked 25th on the ground and 27th in yardage allowed in 2024.
Monangai may not be the solution to the Bears’ rushing woes on his own. They seemingly need him to be part of the solution, though.