One of the building theories following the Chicago Bears' 2025 NFL Draft was that the team may be planning to start rookie Ozzy Trapilo at right tackle while moving Darnell Wright to left tackle.
Given where Trapilo was drafted, in the second round, he is carrying the expectation of someone who will be on the field often for the Bears during the 2025 season. Considering Trapilo had played mostly right tackle at Boston College, there had been speculation that his arrival could shift Wright to left tackle.
Bears' general manager Ryan Poles joined the team's flagship radio station, ESPN 1000, on Thursday morning and seemed to make it pretty clear where Trapilo will open his NFL career. Poles mentioned that the plan going into the Bears' rookie mini-camp next week is for Trapilo to start at left tackle and be in the mix for a potential starting spot. Poles also mentioned that the team would like to have stability for their offensive line before the start of training camp in July.
Ryan Poles silences a popular Bears' offensive line rumor
There is no question that the Bears have worked aggressively this offseason toward stabilizing their offensive line for not just the 2025 season but the years to come. Wright, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman are all under contract with the Bears past the 2025 season. The Bears are also prioritizing an extension for Joe Thuney this summer. If Trapilo does earn his way to being the team's starting left tackle, that means the entire Bears' starting offensive line could be in place for not just the 2025 season.
Such a starting offensive line would leave Braxton Jones on the outside looking in. Jones is expected to miss the start of training camp as he continues to recover from an ankle injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely. Jones not being a starter for the Bears in 2025 would give the team one of the best swing tackles in the NFL. Jones' rookie contract expires at the end of the 2025 season.