(Photo: © David Banks-Imagn Images, 247Sports)
The Chicago Bears are just weeks away from reporting to training camp and one of the major questions that surrounds the team is the state of the running back position. Despite having D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson on the roster, the Bears added Rutgers' Kyle Monangai with the 233rd overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As he enters his first season with the franchise, there will be questions about what Monangai will accomplish. Beyond Swift and Johnson, Monangai will compete for reps against Travis Homer, Ian Wheeler, and Deion Hankins.
While Homer, Hankins, and Wheeler will end up competing for reps on special teams, Monangai should be given a real chance to develop into the third running back on the depth chart, behind Swift and Johnson.
After 35 starts in college, he is certainly the type of player who could find himself becoming a playermaker in 2025 for Chicago.
Monangai's fit in the Bears offense:
For head coach Ben Johnson, a dual-threat running back who can create mismatches is a necessity on offense. Monangai's ability to be a rusher and receiver will make him valuable against linebackers and safeties, espeically when he's out in space. His last two seasons in college (2023 and 2024) proved he can take the pressure off a quarterback and open up the offense significantly.
While he had just 38 receptions and 252 receiving yards in college, Monangai did improve as a receiver every year. Improving as a route runner will be vital during training camp if he's really going to take the next step.
What people inside Halas Hall are saying:
"There are a lot of areas we are going to have to coach him up, but he is a very physical player," said offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. "He's very willing. The best thing about him that translates is that he's a consummate pro."
From the Bears perspective, Monangai is the type of player who has a long way to go before he realizes his true potential. The ability to be a physical runner who possesses good pass protection skills and contact balance will be major reasons why he finds himself on the field regularly in 2025.
Expectations for the 2025 season:
As mentioned above, Monangai will end up being part of the Bears running back by committee. During the first few weeks of the season, his reps might be lower than expected. Part of this is because the Bears offense will be trying to figure out its identity as an entire unit. As the season progresses, if he finds success in a limited role, Ben Johnson may opt to increase his responsibilities.
Conclusion:
The Bears are leaving the door wide open for what Monangai can accomplish in 2025. While he will be competing with two veterans for playing time and carries, the sole advantage he possesses is that he was drafted by this coaching staff, compared to Swift and Johnson, who were acquired by the previous staff.
While his uphill climb to become the primary starter isn't a massive one, his fit on offense makes him one of the most interesting players to watch throughout 2025.
Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? Sign up now to get access to everything publisher Zack Pearson and the entire Bear Report team have to offer on all things Chicago Bears and access to the No. 1 site covering the team!