The Chicago Bears had a total makeover during the offseason, thanks to new head coach Ben Johnson, who came from the Detroit Lions. Johnson is known for being one of the greatest offensive minds in the modern NFL, so he’s been doing a lot with the team’s makeup, both when it comes to their draft selections and free agent signings. It’s an exciting time for the Chicago Bears fanbase, because they have one of the hottest coaches in the NFL putting together the pieces of their team.
Now, NFL draft analyst Rob Rang of Fox Sports is naming the top NFL rookies heading into the 2025 season, and one of them is a Chicago Bears rookie.
Chicago Bears Have One of the Top Rookies in the NFL
The NFL season will officially kick off on September 4 with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4. So, the season is just a few months away.
With the season approaching, in a feature published Thursday, June 29, Rang talks about the dynamics of having a new player in the fold. “Over the past quarter-century of evaluating college prospects for the NFL, I have learned one fundamental truth: there is no such thing as a sure thing,” he says.
He adds, “Sometimes, players with all the preferred traits struggle. And sometimes, those lacking tools surprise and become very effective pros. No one really knows who is going to be the best player from a given class until they actually prove it during NFL games.”
So, he looked at all 32 teams in the NFL to determine the best rookie in each team’s class. For the Bears, he goes with offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo, although he also likes tight end Colston Loveland. It’s a sneaky pick because Trapoli isn’t getting all the buzz in the press right now.
“While top pick Colston Loveland warrants a shoutout, most realize that if Caleb Williams is really going to take a leap in Year 2, it will have more to do with an improved Bears’ offensive line rather than Chicago’s pass-catchers or playcaller,” Rang said. “I’m not convinced that Trapilo will be a star in the NFL, but Chicago doesn’t need him to be. The Bears could just use some consistency.”
Rang added that “a star tackle wouldn’t be a bad thing, either. Long is the only tackle in the modern era from Chicago to be named to the Pro Bowl.”
Some Love for Loveland
While Trapilo got most of the love from Rang, other NFL analysts and experts are more sold on Loveland being not only Chicago’s best rookie but one of the best in the league. In an ESPN piece published June 16, Bears reporter Courtney Cronin picks Loveland as her favorite NFC North rookie.
“Teams don’t draft tight ends in the top 10 without expecting them to make an immediate impact,” Cronin stated. “With Johnson calling the shots, Loveland could be the type of weapon that Sam LaPorta was for the Lions as a rookie (10 touchdowns).”
Cronin added, “Fellow Chicago tight end Cole Kmet said the Bears want to be the best 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs) team in the NFL. Securing the top tight end in the draft is one way to ensure that goal becomes a reality, and the outlet Loveland will provide Williams in the passing game is critical for the quarterback making a leap in his second season.”
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