Bears' Dennis Allen finally sheds light on what stood out about Ruben Hyppolite II and gave the team confidence in drafting him well above consensus

On March 28th, Maryland hosted their Pro Day with multiple team representatives from around the league in attendance. And at that event, Hyppolite capitalized on the opportunity to turn some heads in a major way.

Hyppolite's blazing 4.42 40-yard-dash time at 5'11, 236 pounds would have led all linebackers had he been invited to the Combine, and that same speed shows up on the tape in coverage and when he's moving downhill.

After seeing him shine at the Pro Day, multiple teams realized they needed to take another look at this guy and began lining up Top-30 visits to further get to know him. Of those many visits, Hyppolite noted his trip to Chicago was the "highlight" out of them all.

"I just wanted to get across to them that obviously I have the speed to play this position, and I have the ability to play this position," Hyppolite said about his visit. "Just really talking to them as far as my scheme, how I can fit into their scheme... Meeting with the coaches, all the front office people, all the staff. It was just great meetings all around. I loved the visit."

The feeling was mutual from the front office and coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen specifically noted Hyppolite's professionalism and mentality as two traits that shined during his visit to Chicago.

"You spend some time with these guys and you kind of get a feel for what their personality is going to be like," Allen said via ChicagoBears.com. "He's got a serious personality and he's kind of got a pro's mentality already, and that's a good starting point."

As for the on-the-field traits, Hyppolite totaled 236 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss in 50 games patrolling the middle of the field. While the stats aren't that eye popping, Hyppolite has physical tools to develop while being one of the top leaders of the entire Maryland program, a trait that fits with each of the other Bears' selections.

"He's mature, he's self-aware about who he is as a football player," Allen added. "We went into the draft saying we have to try to increase our athleticism and speed, and he certainly does that at the linebacker position."

Having a smart player in the middle is key for Dennis Allen's defensive scheme and something he sought previously in the position while with the Saints. The speed factor added to it make the decision much easier to make in the fourth-round, saying the coaching staff can bring out the best in his game.

Hyppolite is also smart enough to know that the quickest way to see the field is to prove yourself on special teams. Working with Richard Hightower on the special teams unit, Hyppolite should see the field early in 2025 while rotating in and eventually carving out a role for himself on defense.