Bears Rookie Class Earns Top Marks After Breakout 2025 Season

Chicago's draft haul led by Loveland, Burden, Trapilo, and Monangai propels team to playoffs

Feb. 11, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The Chicago Bears' 2025 rookie draft class, including standouts like Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, Ozzy Trapilo, and Kyle Monangai, played key roles in the team's surprise playoff run under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. The group was ranked as the best rookie class in the NFL by analysts, helping transform the Bears' offense from one of the league's worst to a top-10 unit.

Why it matters

After years of struggles, the Bears' strong 2025 draft class signals a potential turnaround for the franchise, providing a young, talented core to build around alongside second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. The rookies' immediate impact has the Bears set up well for the future as they look to challenge for the NFC North title and beyond.

The details

Loveland, Burden, Trapilo, and Monangai all made significant contributions as rookies, helping the Bears' offense improve from 32nd in the league in 2024 to 6th in 2025 under new head coach Ben Johnson. The quartet played crucial roles in the team's surprise playoff appearance, with the Bears even earning a postseason win.

  • The Bears drafted Loveland, Burden, Trapilo, and Monangai in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • The Bears' rookie class made an immediate impact, helping the team reach the playoffs in the 2025 season.

The players

Colston Loveland

A key contributor in the Bears' offense as a rookie in 2025.

Luther Burden III

One of the standouts in the Bears' 2025 draft class, playing a crucial role in the team's surprise playoff run.

Ozzy Trapilo

A rookie draft pick who made a significant impact for the Bears in 2025.

Kyle Monangai

Another member of the Bears' impressive 2025 rookie class that helped transform the team's offense.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' first-year head coach in 2025 who helped guide the team to the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“Chicago just went from worst to first in the NFC North, thanks in large part to Ben Johnson tapping into Caleb Williams' rare ability. But the first-year head coach wasn't the only person to help the second-year quarterback. Four rookies played crucial roles in a Bears attack that went from dead last in total offense in 2024 to No. 6 in '25.”

— Gennaro Filice, NFL.com Analyst (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Bears will look to build on their 2025 success and challenge for the NFC North title in 2026, with their young core of Loveland, Burden, Trapilo, and Monangai expected to continue improving.

The takeaway

The Bears' impressive 2025 draft class, led by Loveland, Burden, Trapilo, and Monangai, played a pivotal role in the team's surprise playoff run and has the franchise set up well for the future. After years of struggles, the Bears appear to have found a winning formula with their young talent and new head coach Ben Johnson.