The Chicago Bears went into the NFL draft with a hole in their roster at running back. Current starter D’Andre Swift finished last season as the only running back in the league to not crack 1,000 yards on more than 230 carries, in addition to only having five or more yards per attempt four times throughout the season. After the season, the Bears announced that they would try to find someone to challenge the incumbent starter.
Many Bears fans thought their team might be looking to get a running back early in the draft, perhaps even Ashton Jeanty or TreVeyon Henderson in the first or second round.
In actuality, the Bears waited until the seventh round to draft Kyle Monangai.
Since he was such a low pick in the draft, expectations for what he could be were mild at best. (Except from Rutgers fans, of course)
Now it appears that Monangai is turning heads at the Bears’ training camp.
“Known for his hard-nosed, downhill style in college, Monangai’s draft stock took a hit due to below-average testing numbers in speed and explosiveness. But early returns in Chicago tell a different story. He’s drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike, and head coach Ben Johnson even named him as one of four standouts from the Bears’ offseason camp. Confident, focused, and already turning heads, Monangai enters training camp with a real chance to carve out a role in a crowded backfield. And if his past is any indication, being overlooked won’t stop him.”-Athlon Sports Prince Horton
He has even received praise from Swift, who he is in competition with for playing time.
“Real good, really good. Really excited for him,” Swift said. “Very talented, very talented. He’s cool, and he’s from Jersey. I’m from Philly, he’s from Jersey, so close. But he’s been really good so far, excited for him.”- D’Andre Swift On Kyle Monagai
Despite Monangai being there to challenge Swift for playing time and push him to be better, the Bears' incumbent running back has taken on a mentor role for the rookie.
There is a good chance that Monanagai cracks the starting rotation as a rookie, even if he is the next man up for Swift. Monanagai could even sneak himself into the starting role if Swift has another down year and he proves that he could be an NFL starting-caliber running back. Either way, he is expected to receive a decent amount of playing time this season to prove what he is made of.
To support me and my work, please follow [@Andrew78Rice](https://x.com/Andrew78Rice) on X!