(Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski, USA TODAY Sports)
While the starting five will get most of the attention, there are a few notable names who will provide depth for the Bears this season.
The most notable is Trapilo, who was drafted in the second round of this past year's draft. Trapilo was a solid player over his three years as a starter at Boston College with experience at both left and right tackle. Standing at 6-foot-8, 309-pounds, Trapilo is an imposing tackle prospect with NFL bloodlines as his father Steve played in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. Trapilo was viewed as a high-floor prospect due to his technical polish in pass protection and solid athletic traits. He will be in the running to earn a starting job at left tackle this season, and could have a head start in training camp if Jones is behind in his recovery.
In the interior, the primary backup is expected to be Ryan Bates. Traded from the Buffalo Bills last offseason for a fifth-round pick, Bates couldn't get on the field last season due to injury, but has been a player that Poles has prioritized since getting the job back in 2022. During that offseason, Poles tried to bring in Bates, making a restricted free agency offer that the Bills eventually matched. For the current team, Bates provides flexibility as a player who can play both guard and center while also being able to block multiple blocking schemes in the run game.
The Bears also have additional notable young players that they are hoping to develop along the offensive line. Amegdajie stands out as a third-round pick from last year's draft who was expected to be a project due to his small-school background and injury history. Amegdajie got on the field last year, but the results were far from inspiring as he struggled mightily in his start against the Minnesota Vikings.
Some other names that stand out on the depth chart include Luke Newman and Bill Murray. Newman was a sixth-round pick in this year's draft who brings solid athleticism and refined technique as a multi-year starter in college. Murray, an undrafted free agent in 2020, got on the field and showed some potential as a backup in the interior with the limited playing time he got in 2024.