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Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Draft Roundup
Photo: Dale Young/Imagn Images

The first draft of the Ben Johnson era is in the books. This draft marked a departure from the Eberflus way. Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson's staff are confident enough in their culture and standards to take risks on talent with bigger personalities. Just a few years ago, Eberflus passed on Jalen Carter for the safer choice of Darnell Wright. While Wright has been a solid right tackle, Carter has been a dominant force for the Philadelphia Eagles. Ben Johnson adopted the approach that helped transform the Lions' roster into a Super Bowl contender.

Without further ado, let's review!

Meet the Rookies

Round 1, Pick 10: Colston Loveland

Position: Tight End
Age:
21
Height:
6' 6"
Weight:
248 lbs
College:
Michigan

On Tap Scouting Report

Loveland is the pick that most Bears fans did not expect. However, if you look at what Johnson had in Detroit, it makes perfect sense. Loveland is touted as LaPorta 2.0. He is athletic, a fluid route runner, a solid blocker, and tough as nails. During his time at Michigan, he suffered from inconsistent quarterback play in a run-first system, yet still managed 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns in his collegiate career.

Round 2, Pick 39: Luther Burden III

Position: Wide Receiver
Age:
21
Height:
6' 0"
Weight:
206 lbs
College:
Missouri

Many expected the Bears to select a running back or offensive tackle with the 39th pick. Instead, Ben Johnson added another weapon to his play-calling arsenal. Many viewed Burden III as a first-round talent due to his speed and electric playmaking ability. His production fell during his junior season, which could have contributed to his decline. If you look at the tape, he, like Loveland, suffered from inconsistent quarterback play. He certainly will be playing with a chip on his shoulder moving forward.

Round 2, Pick 56: Ozzy Trapilo

Position: Offensive Lineman
Age:
23
Height:
6' 8"
Weight:
316 lbs
College:
Boston College

On Tap Scouting Report

Ozzy Tripalo is a towering individual. He also shares a similar size and traits with the current Lions left tackle, Taylor Decker. Although he was not as strong a prospect as Decker coming out of college, the similarities are notable. Tripalo is a high-character, intelligent player. He has the tools to develop into a starting tackle or, at worst, a strong swing tackle. He may not have been the tackle Bears fans were clamoring for, but it is easy to see why Poles and Johnson admire him.

Round 2, Pick 62: Shemar Turner

Position: Defensive Tackle
Age:
22
Height:
6' 3"
Weight:
290 lbs
College:
Texas A&M

On Tap Scouting Report

Shemar Turner is the kind of player that good teams need and bad teams fear. He has a violent play style and passion. With proper coaching, Turner could become a dominant three-technique that this team has been missing for years. There is a significant risk with a player like this. If not reined in, he'll draw plenty of flags. He also needs to stay healthy if he is going to reach his ceiling. Turner will have a great mentor to look up to in Grady Jarrett. Dennis Allen must be excited to bring him into the fold.

Round 4, Pick 132: Ruben Hyppolite II

Position: Linebacker
Age: N/A
Height:
5' 11"
Weight:
236 lbs
College:
Maryland

This may be the biggest "reach" of Ben Johnson's first draft. Ruben Hyppolite II was the 35th-ranked linebacker in Dane Brugler's "The Beast." It's a pick that many fans were upset about. Ruben was not a name many knew going into the draft. His pro day propelled him up many draft boards. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash would have been the fastest time of any linebacker at the NFL Combine. Hyppolite II will need to improve his technique and physicality in the run game if he wants to become a starting-caliber linebacker. He likely will be relegated to SAM linebacker and special teams duties until he can improve.

Round 5, Pick 169: Zah Frazier

Position: Cornerback
Age:
24
Height:
6' 3"
Weight:
186 lbs
College:
UTSA

Zah Frazier possesses the physical traits of a Madden-created player. He stands tall at 6' 3" with elite speed. Frazier recorded an impressive six interceptions in his final season at UTSA; however, his overall production during his collegiate career left much to be desired. He has the size, length, and speed that will make any Defensive Coordinator salivate, but he remains very raw as a prospect. If Al Harris can unlock his potential, as he did with numerous Defensive Backs in Dallas, the Bears could have a special player here.

Round 6, Pick 195: Luke Newman

Position: Offensive Lineman
Age:
23
Height:
6' 3"
Weight:
308 lbs
College:
Michigan State

Luke Newman may not be the sexiest name in the draft, but he is an intelligent lineman with versatility to play both guard and center. He has solid foot quickness and does a good job mirroring defensive tackles. However, he will have to hit the weight room hard if he wants to take his game to the next level. Newman will have the benefit of sitting behind All-Pro Lineman Joe Thuney for at least this season. If he can improve his play strength and hand usage, he could develop into a solid depth piece.

Round 7, Pick 233: Kyle Monangai

Position: Running Back
Age:
22
Height:
5' 8"
Weight:
211 lbs
College:
Rutgers

It took till the 7th round for the Bears to take a running back. He may not be Ashton Jeanty, but he still can play an important role in this offense. His strengths are his patience, vision, toughness, and contact balance. His tape is reminiscent of Frank Gore Sr. Johnson has utilized quite a few running backs in his time with Detroit with great success. Monangai could prove to be a great complement to D'Andre Swift.

This draft has been scrutinized quite a bit for the trades, perceived reaches, and lack of fan-favorite selections. Scouts and fans can give all the instant reactions they like, but no one truly can grade this class for 2-3 years.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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