The Chicago Bears got the most out of their 2025 draft class, with talent being shown from the first round to the seventh.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles proved to have a good eye for talent by landing big fish like Colston Loveland and Ozzy Trapilo. Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox shared two Bears from the 2025 draft class he sees as being breakout candidates for 2026: second-round pick Luther Burden III and seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai.
"If Chicago finds a stable O-line combination, second-year players Kyle Monangai and Luther Burden III could both be on the verge of breaking out. Burden showed a ton of promise down the stretch last season, overcoming a slow start to finish with 652 yards and two touchdowns. Following the D.J. Moore trade, Burden should be entrenched as the Bears' No. 2 target opposite Rome Odunze. Monangai, meanwhile, recorded 947 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns while largely working behind D'Andre Swift. With Swift entering a contract year, it wouldn't be a shock to see Monangai take over as the lead back and Chicago's long-term starter at some point in 2026."
Kyle Monangai and Luther Burden are ready for breakout 2026 seasons
Burden has been mentioned by everyone as a breakout candidate for 2026, including Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who is buying into the buzz around his young receiver. The speed that Burden has, as well as being a reliable receiver, has helped him get to the point that he will be filling in that WR2 role in place of DJ Moore.
Monangai was truly someone who came out of nowhere and had a great season after being a late-round selection. He helped D'Andre Swift form one of the top backfields in the NFL as the two combined for over 1,700 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Both second-year players are going to have even larger roles in the offense, as Burden will team up with Rome Oduzne at receiver, and Monangai will run it back with Swift. Burden is all speed, and Monangai is all power, giving the Bears' offense so many different dynamics that it needs variety.
Read more: Draft expert is preparing for massive Year 2 leap from Bears weapon
Things will be different in 2026, with Burden and Monangai now in their second season. With the numbers they put up in 2025, there's no telling what they will put up this year.
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