Last year's draft picks on defense for the Chicago Bears mostly did not live up to expectations.
The biggest disappointment was Shemar Turner, who suffered an ACL injury and was out for much of the 2025 campaign. While Turner is working his way back from the injury, he currently looks like a bust.
There is another defender from that draft class who had a very quiet 2025 season with the Bears: linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II. While last year didn't go according to plan, training camp might be showing Hyppolite in a different light.
Ruben Hyppolite II is starting to look like who the Bears wanted to see in 2025
The Bears were supposed to have an open practice on Sunday in front of the fans, but it had to be moved inside due to storms. CHGO's Adam Hoge shared what fans missed with Hyppolite putting on a good performance in training camp.
"Ruben Hyppolite had this best practice of camp. Very active on defense."
Last year was a mix of Hyppolite not getting enough playing time and his being banged up. In seven games with one start, he racked up six tackles.
There was a lot of buzz around Hyppolite coming out of college after being taken in the fourth round by the Bears. His 4.39-second run gave everyone a reason to believe he could be a good player in the NFL, as that kind of speed is rare to see in a linebacker.
Hyppolite could still fit into Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme well as a versatile defender. He needs to be more consistent on the field in run-stopping and pass coverage.
Entering training camp, Hyppolite was projected to be a backup inside linebacker with Devin Bush and T.J. Edwards starting. Hyppolite is competing with Noah Sewell, who is out with an injury; rookie Keyshaun Elliott, who is also out with an injury; Nephi Sewell; and Tony Field II.
With the wave of injuries that have hit the Bears of late, Hyppolite has a great opportunity to step up and take the lead in the backup race. If he plays well enough, he might even find himself in the rotation on defense throughout the season.
Read more: It took 2 Bears practices for Xavier Woods to rescue the 2026 season
Hyppolite is not going to have a better shot than now to show Allen and the Bears coaching staff that he can play in the NFL. This is his chance to prove that the 2026 season is his time to break out, and so far, he's showing it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google