There’s been no shortage of buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears’ linebacker unit this offseason—and it hasn’t all been good news. With starter T.J. Edwards sidelined due to a soft tissue injury, questions have naturally surfaced about depth, rotations, and who might step up. And while much of the attention has centered around veterans, there’s one rookie whose name keeps coming up—and not just in passing.
That rookie is Ruben Hyppolite II, a fourth-round pick out of Maryland who’s steadily made noise since OTA sessions began. The momentum has only grown from there. In a segment from Chat Sports, Hyppolite’s rise was highlighted once again, and ESPN’s Courtney Cronin doubled down on the buzz—naming Hyppolite the biggest surprise heading into Bears training camp. Simply put, this kid is flying under the radar—but not for long.
Chicago Bears helmet
Getty Images
Head coach Ben Johnson made it clear this wasn’t just media hype. During June minicamp, he said:
'The player we probably saw the most improvement from when he stepped in to now.'
Cronin backed him up with even more context:
'Hyppolite — a fourth-rounder with a 4.39 second 40 time — made early impressions on the coaching staff.'
With the Bears opting not to re-sign Jack Sanborn, who was allowed to enter restricted free agency, the drafting of Hyppolite wasn’t just a depth move—it was a signal.
Ruben Hyppolite
Ruben Hyppolite
Getty Images
If you scan the current depth chart, the signs are all there: Hyppolite seems to have the inside track to secure the No. 3 linebacker role, potentially slotting in alongside T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds once the season begins.
No, the No. 3 linebacker spot isn’t going to dominate headlines. But it’s often these unglamorous roles where games are won—or quietly lost. Hyppolite has the speed, the smarts, and now, the momentum. If camp continues to go his way, don’t be surprised if the rookie with the long name becomes one of the season’s earliest breakout stories.