As the Chicago Bears continue to navigate the rest of their 2025 schedule, player development will be one of many key areas to monitor.
Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams will, of course, be at the top of the list, but seeing how young offensive tackles Theo Benedet and Ozzy Trapilo progress will also be important.
Benedet started his first game for the Bears in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 6-foot-7, 305-pound offensive lineman started that game at right tackle since Darnell Wright was injured and then was moved to the left side to replace Braxton Jones, and has remained the starting left tackle for the last three games.
In the matchups against the Commanders, Saints, and Ravens, Benedet has had a fluctuation of good and bad reps. He's given up one sack in those three weeks, but also has allowed six total quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
How does Bears OC Declan Doyle view the young tackles
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle gave an update on Benedet in his Thursday media availability.
“I think Theo's athleticism in the run game is a positive,” Doyle said. “As you watch the tape, we can continue to do a better job in protection, as well as in combination at times in the run game. So obviously, he provides some value for us as far as denting the line of scrimmage, and there are other areas that we're continuing to work with him and try to get better.”
One area that needs improvement is the pass protection. Although Benedet gave up just one sack against the Ravens, it occurred on a third down during the Bears’ first offensive drive of the game. Rookie edge rusher Mike Green beat Benedet around the edge and sacked Williams to force a field goal.
Doyle talked about that play and mentioned that the team has to do “a better job with the protection.” Especially since the pressure happened on Williams’ blind side as he was looking through the route progressions on his right.
Benedet will have to continue to prove that he can be a reliable pass blocker for Williams as the season continues.
Trapilo has played just 47 offensive snaps this season (40 vs. the Raiders and seven vs. the Ravens). With limited snaps, it will be tougher to evaluate the progress of the Bears’ 2025 second-round draft pick.
In the 30-16 loss to the Ravens, the Bears featured him as an additional lineman, and he lined up on both sides of the formation. Doyle gave his analysis of Trapilo's reps against the Ravens.
"He only had a handful of plays,” Doyle said. “He's down in that goal line rep. I thought he did a good job. Obviously, the play doesn't work out quite as well because we had an issue elsewhere. Ozzy's done a good job with everything we've asked of him. Anytime he's gone out there, we trust him. We trust that he's going to do it the way we're coaching it during the week, and so there's comfort in putting a player out like that.”
Trapilo was the No. 56 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With 10 games remaining in the 2025 regular season, it will be notable to monitor how the Bears continue to implement the 6-foot-8, 309-pound tackle in each game plan.
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When general manager Ryan Poles made the selection, there was an intention to have Trapilo start at left tackle. That can still be a possibility, primarily if Benedet doesn't provide consistent play that the Bears need as the season progresses.