D’Andre Swift had a weird season in 2024. On the one hand, he only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. From a pure running back standpoint, he was a disappointment. However, he also had 1300 yards from scrimmage, making him the most productive offensive player the Chicago Bears had. That made it difficult for fans to outright hate him. They knew he was good enough to keep, but at the same time also knew he wasn’t equipped to be a true workhorse back. They needed somebody who could complement him. Free agency passed without any moves. The first six rounds of the draft passed as well. Then Kyle Monangai arrived in the 7th round.
He’d spent his career at Rutgers, producing back-to-back seasons over 1200 yards rushing. That is pretty good for the Big Ten, especially playing for a program known for being a bottom dweller. Draft experts saw a tough, strong, determined runner with good vision. The knock was his overall lack of speed and burst. Chicago was still excited to get him, and Swift admitted he could see why. His comments about the rookie during OTAs spoke volumes.
“Real good, really good. Really excited for him. Very talented, very talented. He’s cool, and he’s from Jersey. … He’s been really good so far, excited for him.”
Kyle Monangai is already making noise.
Swift isn’t dumb. He understands running back is a fluid position. It is easy to lose a starting job just as quickly as you gain it. That already happened once in Detroit, where he went from starter to traded. Kyle Monangai might be a 7th round pick, but that means little. Good players arise from every background. Late round running backs emerging to become starters is far from unheard of. Ben Johnson has already sung the rookie’s praises for his work in spring practices. Swift is the starter. That is unlikely to change. However, this will be about percentages. How many touches does each player get? Monangai doesn’t need the starter title to get significant workloads. If Swift wants to maintain his spot as a primary guy, he better come to training camp ready to compete.