The Chicago Bears didn't use any of their premium picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on a running back, which was a surprising move in the eyes of many casual observers after D'Andre Swift's difficult 2025 season. The Bears did manage to use a seventh-round pick on someone who could push for some early playing time in Kyle Monangai.
Monangai's combination of a hard-charging style and his ability to break tackles has earned some praise from Swift, who is excited about what Monangai can bring to the table. Swift, a Philadelphia native, is excited about adding another Tri-State area back to the mix.
"Real good, really good. Really excited for him," Swift said. "Very talented, very talented. He's cool, and he's from Jersey. I'm from Philly, he's from Jersey, so close. But he's been really good so far, excited for him." The North Jersey product may end up finding himself in the Bears' rotation.
Bears rookie Kyle Monangai receives big complement from D'Andre Swift
Monangai finished his college career at Rutgers with two straight seasons of 1,300 yards from scrimmage, combining for 22 touchdowns in 2023 and 2024. The Scarlet Knights always had a below-average passing game, meaning Monangai shouldered the load for the entire offense.
Swift will head into the season as the unquestioned top dog in the backfield, which will leave Monangai to compete with Roschon Johnson for snaps. Johnson can be a solid short-yardage grinder, but he leaves quite a lot to be desired when ti comes to reeling off explosive plays.
No one will ever mistake Monangai for Tyreek Hill, but he has enough burst in a short area to eventually overtake Johnson in that area. Monangai may have the clearest path to playing time of any seventh-rounder in this class.
The Bears will try ot establish themselves as one of the best running teams in the league, as Johnson's Detroit Lions teams always ranked near the top of the NFC in many key rushing stats. Swift will shoulder most of the responsibility, but Monangai has the talent he needs to establish himself as a long-term asset.