Before you watch the video in this article, it is important to remember that you cannot make an accurate or responsible assessment about an NFL prospect's long-term ability based on the way they handle one drill in preseason minicamp.
With that disclaimer in place, I wouldn't be doing my job as a Chicago Bears reporter if I failed to point out the harsh message running back coach Eric Bieniemy delivered to rookie running back Kyle Monangai in practice this week. To make matters a little worse for Monangai, it happened with reporter's cameras recording and with clear audio.
Kyle Monangai
Raba Kali
The fiery Bieniemy can be heard telling Monangai: "Boy, you movin like an old ass man" as Monangai displays some less-than impressive footwork in a basic running back drill. Here's a look at the moment in practice.
In case you're wondering why the Bears thought enough of Monangai to draft him with their seventh-round pick, take a look at these two clips of him blocking and making plays with the ball in his hands.
For Monangai, this may be his first NFL wake-up call. But it likely won’t be his last.
D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer all handled the drill, which tests footwork and lateral movement, without much of a problem. Those guys are also far more experienced than the rookie who built his name on heart, hustle and muscle as he finished second in the Big Ten in rushing in 2024 for Rutgers.
Something tells me Monangai is not necessarily the kind of guy who will wow you in a drill, but on the field, he'll bring the kind of energy that a team needs. I'm still optimistic about his potential impact–if not this year, then in 2026.