Early August is the time in the NFL calendar where it’s not only normal to make sweeping declarations and fire off bold takes regarding depth charts, it’s seemingly encouraged within the news cycle. So consider this an attempt to get in the mix… I think it’s time we start talking about rookie running back Kyle Monangai becoming a real factor in the Chicago Bears offense in 2025.
Monangai, a 7th round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Rutgers University, arrived at Bears training camp with hopes of earning a spot on the 53-man roster heading into the season. That’s the reality of the situation for most 7th rounders. But Monangai has made the most of his early opportunities, and now it seems that he has the inside track on securing the number two spot on the depth chart.
Perhaps this is a little presumptive, considering it’s only August 4. But there are three things working in Monangai’s favor as the Bears approach their first preseason game on August 10. First and foremost, it’s not as if Chicago’s running back room is loaded with known commodities who are providing a road block for Monangai to climb the depth chart.
Yes, D’Andre Swift has been a starter in the league in Detroit, Philadelphia AND Chicago, but his 2024 campaign left a lot to be desired. Roschon Johnson arrived in the Windy City with a lot of fanfare as a 4th round pick in 2023, but thus far, the former Texas Longhorn hasn’t flashed much that makes you think he’s worthy of a large role. Travis Homer has tremendous special teams value, but doesn’t have a large body of work as a factor on the offensive side of the ball.
Swift and new head coach Ben Johnson have history dating back to the 2022 season with the Detroit Lions, but Johnson and Homer have no attachment at all to the current Bears coaching staff. In that regard, Monangai has the edge for the RB2 spot.
Bears Coaching Staff Raving About Kyle Monangai
The second thing that indicates Kyle Monangai could be heading toward a role within the Bears offense is how highly Chicago’s coaching staff has spoken of the rookie throughout the summer.
âHe wants to do everything exactly like you coach it, and thereâs a lot of merit to that. Heâs going to be one of those glue guys that you can count on to do it the right way,â Ben Johnson said after practice on August 3, per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times. âI think heâs a guy that weâre going to be able to trust this fall.â
First-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has liked what he’s seen out of Monangai as well, specifically noting that what the rookie has done as a pass-protector has impressed the staff.
âHeâs more than willing to stick his face in there and go after it,â Doyle said.
Monangai doesn’t have blazing speed — he ran a 4.6 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine — or eye-popping size, but he does a lot of the little things well. Pass protection, ball security, coachability. Those things matter. As does the fact that Monangai notched back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in the Big Ten in 2023 and 2024, proving he can produce at a high level against top-tier opponents.
Recent History Suggests Rookie Running Backs Can Thrive
The third thing working in Monangai’s favor is recent NFL trends, which suggest that rookie running backs uniquely suited to make an impact right out of the gate. Over the last five years, thirteen different rookie running backs have finished the season in the top 20 in rushing yards.
One of those backs was Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs, who split carries with David Montgomery during the 2023 NFL season. Now Gibbs was a 1st round pick who was expected to produce at the rate of a starting running back immediately. This is not the situation that Monangai finds himself in, but it’s possible that Ben Johnson will lean on a two-back rotation just as he did during his time in Detroit.
The closest comparison for Monangai over the last five years that Bears fans should be eyeing is Isiah Pacheco, who like Monangai, was a 7th round pick out of Rutgers. Pacheco finished 25th in rushing yards in his rookie season, but the former Scarlet Knight had a big role from jump street, leading the Kansas City Chiefs in rush attempts (170), rushing yards (830) and rushing touchdowns (5) during his rookie campaign.
In the end, Monangai’s path to a role will be dependent on how he performs during the preseason. Practicing at a high level is a great way to get recognized, and during a fan-packed practice on Sunday, Monangai was one of the standouts, scoring three touchdowns during scrimmaging. But standing out when live bullets are being fired is a totally different animal.
Monangai is apparently unfazed by the stakes, though. In his mind, he’s just living the dream.
âItâs something you dream about as a kid,â Monangai said. âNow when youâre living it, itâs no longer a dream. Itâs my job. Itâs something I wake up and do every day.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Is Kyle Monangai a Threat to Take D’Andre Swift’s Job? appeared first on Heavy Sports.