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New York Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Defining short- and long-term expectations for the Bears' Day 3 draft picks
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Running back Kyle Monangai, the Chicago Bears' seventh-round pick this year, knows his film includes highlights of linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, a new teammate from Maryland. They simply played against each other a lot in the Big Ten. 'I'm sure if we looked, it's going to be a lot of just him-and-I collisions,' Monangai said, smiling. 'I hope I won most of them.' Advertisement The Bears' selection of Hyppolite in the fourth round seemingly surprised many. He didn't participate in the NFL combine or Senior Bowl. But Monangai knows what the Bears have in Hyppolite. 'Him being around me, that's what I remember,' Monangai said. 'At Maryland, I saw him every year. Me and Ruben know each other well on the field, obviously. Now we get to know each other off the field. Great player, great linebacker. We've met a lot of times in that hole.' Both players will have opportunities to play for the Bears early on this season. This is Part 2 of my annual look at the short- and long-term expectations of the Bears' 2025 NFL Draft class. (You can find Part 1 on the Bears' first four picks below.) Round 4, No. 132 pick Where he fits in 2025: Jobs can't be won in the spring in shorts. Coach Ben Johnson said that, and others have repeated his message. But there is a wide-open competition at strongside linebacker in the Bears' base defense. Hyppolite is in that mix along with Noah Sewell, Carl Jones and Amen Ogbongbemiga. 'The No. 1 thing is he can run,' defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said of Hyppolite. 'The things that we're going to have to ask our 'backers to have to do, they've got to be able to match up with tight ends, with running backs at times. They've got to be able to match up with wide receivers; sometimes that's carrying things vertical down the field. We're looking for guys that can run, and then we're looking for guys that have a physical mentality, physical demeanor. I felt like he exhibited those things on tape.' Hyppolite can fly. He ran the 40 in 4.39 seconds at Maryland's pro day. His time would have been first among linebackers at the combine if he had attended. His speed should help him secure a place on special teams but also as the top backup behind T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. The Bears are teaching him the responsibilities of all three linebacker spots. Advertisement 'I played mike and will in college,' Hyppolite said. 'We had a great (defensive) line my entire career there, so the big boys ate a lot when I was playing. It was just about me being a leader and going out there and playing, doing my best, doing my job. When the plays came, they came. I made the plays. Now, just looking forward, I look to make a lot of plays and get a lot of opportunities to do so. That's where my head's at now.' .@rubenknows1 gettin' after it 💪 — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 11, 2025 Where he fits in the long term: Speed is important. But it's not everything. What Edwards lacks in speed, he makes up for with instincts and smarts. He went undrafted out of Wisconsin but is in his seventh NFL season and on his third contract. Production matters. 'Obviously, T.J. has earned his keep,' Hyppolite said. 'Tremaine has earned his keep. I'm just here to learn. … I got great vets in the room. I'm grateful for that, and I just want to pick their brains, have them coach me up, and we go forward from there.' The floor for Hyppolite seems to be as a special-teamer. His speed is needed there. But there are reasons he wasn't invited to the combine and Senior Bowl. He's thankful for the Bears' belief in him, but he also feels slighted by others. That could benefit the Bears. 'I just love my story for anyone who's out there who thinks that they need things like the combine, things like a Senior Bowl invite, who thinks that they need those things to get drafted,' he said. 'You don't. You just got to put your best foot forward. You got to run fast. And you've just got to be your best self every day, and I feel like I'm showing that.' Hyppolite won over Allen and the Bears during his visit to Halas Hall before the draft. 'I'll tell you what I did learn is that he's very mature and he's very business-oriented,' Allen said. 'He's got his life together off the field, which is going to allow him to be able to focus on the field with the football. There's not going to be a lot of outside distractions with this guy, and I think that's a positive. I think he's going to be a guy that's going to learn how to be a pro really quickly because of that maturity level. Advertisement Round 5, No. 169 pick Where he fits in 2025: The Bears appear set at cornerback with Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. How well Stevenson bounces back from last season and fits in with Allen calling the defense will be a storyline throughout the year. So it's difficult to see where Frazier fits in the early going beyond earning a special teams role. Allen described Frazier as a 'young, developmental corner.' But he also sees some of Al Harris in Frazier. Harris is the Bears' defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator. He played 14 years in the NFL, including seven years with the Green Bay Packers, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2007 and 2008. He began his career as a sixth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1997. 'Who better to work with him than Al Harris?' Allen said. 'A guy that's got kind of a similar frame and played a long time in this league, had a lot of success. I think we're excited about getting the opportunity to work with him and seeing him grow.' Where he fits in the long term: Harris is more than a coach for Frazier. He's the one who helped put Frazier on the Bears' radar before the draft. He should get his opportunities to impress Allen, Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles because of it. At worst, it's safe to view Frazier as a long-term backup option. 'Being coached by (Harris) is really a blessing,' Frazier said. Harris' confidence in Frazier should be a factor this season and throughout his rookie contract. Harris is the one who envisioned Frazier as the long and fast cornerback who can handle the man coverage that Allen wants. And Frazier knows that. 'It definitely boosted my confidence because I got a coach that did it, too,' he said. 'So he's just going to give me the game. I can just add to my toolbox and be ready to work every day.' Advertisement Round 6, No. 195 pick Where he fits in 2025: It wouldn't be surprising if Newman is cut and signed to the practice squad after training camp. But it also wouldn't be surprising if Newman beats out Ryan Bates (who struggled to stay healthy last season) or Doug Kramer and becomes one of the Bears' interior reserves up front. The Bears appear to have a late-ascending player in Newman. He was a decorated left tackle at Holy Cross before transferring to Michigan State, where he started every game last season at left guard and faced better competition — players who have since been drafted — from Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon. Newman played left guard during rookie minicamp, which included time next to rookie tackle Ozzy Trapilo. But he seemingly wants the challenge of playing center. He has acknowledged that center fits his physical makeup. 'I really look forward to learning and adapting to center a lot more,' he said. Where he fits in the long term: The interior of the Bears' offensive line is set with left guard Joe Thuney, center Drew Dalman and right guard Jonah Jackson. Dalman and Jackson are signed through 2027, and an extension for Thuney is still expected at some point. For Newman, it's a great spot to develop, even if that's as a reserve for the foreseeable future with the Bears. 'I just want to see and learn how they handle themselves as a professional,' Newman said. 'Like, I want to see what those guys do for their bodies, their recovery. I want to see what they do nutrition-wise, what's right for them. I want to see how much time, what they're studying in the film room, what exactly they're looking at and what they're keying in on. And I just really want to learn how they handle themselves, really more off the field than on.' Round 7, No. 233 pick Advertisement Where he fits in 2025: Monangai's place on the roster is different from the Bears' other Day 3 picks. There's a role to be had immediately in Johnson's offense. D'Andre Swift remains the Bears' top back, but this appears to be a make-or-break year for running back Roschon Johnson. 'Adding Kyle to that mix is going to be awesome with the group that's in there, with Roschon and those guys,' offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said. 'Adding Kyle is a very positive thing, but I think that we're going to find out more about this group as we move forward.' The Bears also have Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler, but Johnson has the most to lose with the addition of Monangai. Homer's value is on special teams, and Wheeler, an undrafted signing last year, is returning from a torn ACL. It's only May, but Monangai has made an impression on the coaching staff. 'There are a lot of areas where we're going to have to coach him up,' Doyle said. 'He's a very physical player. He's very willing. And then, the best thing about him that translates is that he's a consummate pro. The last couple of days, we've been able to meet with these guys. He's front and center. He's taking notes. He's attentive. We're asking questions of the group, and he's answering. I think he's going to carry himself that way. I think that guys who do handle themselves that way give themselves a shot.' Where he fits in the long term: For now, Monangai can enjoy being a running back drafted by Johnson and Doyle. But that could change. Monangai's position is one the Bears will thoroughly evaluate every year. Johnson will always be looking for elite weapons. Monangai could be the Bears' No. 2 back in 2025, but two years later, he could be their No. 3 if the team drafts his replacement. Of course, how well Monangai plays in Johnson's offense will affect the perceived need at his position. 'I haven't thought about any roles or nothing,' Monangai said. 'I'm just trying to prove to the coaching staff, let them know that they made the right decision to bring me here.' (Top photo of Kyle Monangai: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ruben Hyppolite modeled his game after this legendary Bears linebacker
Ruben Hyppolite modeled his game after this legendary Bears linebacker The Chicago Bears added to their linebacker group in the 2025 NFL draft with the selection of Maryland's Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round. Chicago had a need at the position after losing veteran Jack Sanborn in free agency, and they'll look to call on Noah Sewell, Amen Ogbongbemiga, or Hyppolite to have a prominent role alongside veterans T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edumnds. The team has already told Hyppolite that they feel he can be a versatile weapon for them on defense, and coordinator Dennis Allen will work with the rookie to find what role best suits him. Coming to Chicago as a linebacker means there is legendary history to live up to, and Hyppolite has modeled his game after one of the best linebackers to ever come out of the franchise: Hall of Fame Mike Singletary. "Mike Singletary, I've been watching interviews and highlights of him since I could remember," Hyppolite told The Sick Podcast with Adam Rank. "I kind of credited a lot of the way I play the game to just watching him and hearing him speak. Navorro Bowman who played with Singletary coached me a bit at Maryland and a lot of his drills and the things that he taught me came from Coach Singletary. There's a lot of those things that I still take in and apply to this day." Modeling his game after Singletary is a trait that'll make him loved by the Bears fanbase, and if he can play even a quarter of the way in which Singletary did for years in Chicago, the franchise will have struck gold with their fourth round pick. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ruben Hyppolite: Bears teammate Kyle Monangai is best running back he's faced
Ruben Hyppolite: Bears teammate Kyle Monangai is best running back he's faced The Chicago Bears were expected to add a running back in the 2025 NFL draft, but they didn't do it until the seventh round with the selection of Kyle Monangai out of Rutgers. Monangai, who was named to the All-Big Ten team in 2023 and 2024, is a powerful runner who put himself among the best running backs in the conference, and he left a lasting impression on one of his new teammates and fellow rookies. Before they selected Monangai in the seventh round, the Bears drafted Maryland linebacker Ruben Hyppolite in the fourth round. Having gone against Monangai in their college careers -- both playing in the Big Ten -- Hyppolite had high praise for his new teammate, calling him the best running back he's ever faced. "I tell everybody that he's the best running back I faced in my career in the Big Ten," Hyppolite told the CHGO Bears Podcast. "He has a great ability to run behind his pads, he's fast and slippery. He knows how to get through the holes and he knows how to finish runs, he's physical. When you look at him you don't really expect physicality with his size, when he runs the football you definitely feel it when you tackle him. I played him for about three, four years, so I had to see him every year, it was always a good battle." Both Monangai and Hyppolite will have a chance to earn playing time as rookies with competition at their respective positions. There's optimism about both rookies having a role in what should be a very competitive roster for new head coach Ben Johnson. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
New Bears WR Luther Burden III sees "great situation" on offense with Caleb Williams
Reality was still sinking in on Saturday for the three players the Bears picked up in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday, as they were introduced at Halas Hall. Wide receiver Luther Burden III called the organization and working with quarterback Caleb Williams a "great situation" to be in, after finishing a standout career at Missouri. "I feel like he's a great quarterback. I feel like great quarterbacks need great receivers. So, perfect fit," he said. The Bears also added an offensive lineman who has been described as a "technician" in Ozzy Trapilo, who didn't commit a penalty playing right tackle all season at Boston College in 2024. "Playing with a violent play style, but still under control, poised, not letting my emotions take over and put me in a bad spot; I really try to dial in on that, play under control with good technique as close to 100% of the game as I can," he said. The Bears' first defensive pick of 2025, defensive lineman Shemar Turner out of Texas A&M is excited about transferring a violent, aggressive style of play to a Dennis Allen defense. "Teaming up with Dennis, man, Coach DA, is going to be great, especially because of what they coach and what they speak on – physicality, and playing hard, playing long. It's going to be good," he said. Turner also added he's feeling pretty much 100% after dealing with a stress fracture, and should be ready to go for Bears rookie minicamp next month. Meantime, on the final day of the NFL Draft, the Bears focused on speed and depth on the offensive line, with general manager Ryan Poles also doing some wheeling and dealing to acquire more picks this year and next year. After their first trade back of the day, the Bears selected Ruben Hyppolite, a linebacker out of Maryland. Hyppolite didn't get invited to the NFL Combine, but showed off his blazing speed at his pro day, running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, which would've have been the best at his position at the combine. Bears scout Francis St. Paul said it's more than speed that drew them to Hyppolite, touting his toughness and leadership. The Bears got an extra fifth-rounder out of that trade back with the Bills, selecting speedy defensive back Zah Frazier out of UTSA. The 24-year-old Frazier started his long and winding college career at Southern Illinois. The Bears made another deal, sending a fifth-round pick to the Rams for a 4th round pick in 2026, and sixth sixth-round pick for 2025, which they used on Michigan State offensive lineman Luke Newman. Newman is versatile, starting 37 games at tackle at Holy Cross, before transferring to MSU where he played left guard.
Miami Herald
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former Hollywood McArthur star LB Hyppolite a surprise pick in fourth round of NFL Draft
Ruben Hyppolite II didn't garner much interest from college football's powerhouses when he was starring at Hollywood McArthur. He didn't score an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine after wrapping up a solid career with the Maryland Terrapins. He didn't pop up in many mock drafts — if any — leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft this week. Even so, Hyppolite is headed to the Chicago Bears as the 30th pick of the fourth round — No. 132 overall — in the NFL Draft on Saturday. The 6-foot, 232-pound linebacker was a five-year contributor at Maryland — he got to play an extra season because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and piled up 236 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and six passes defended during his time in College Park, starting all but five games during his time as a Terrapin. As a senior last year, Hyppolite had 66 tackles and set a career high with seven tackles for loss. Speed has always been Hyppolite's greatest tool and he ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.39 seconds at his Pro Day in the lead up to the Draft — the time would have been the fastest at the Scouting Combine had Hyppolite been invited. Although most of the biggest programs in college football were not interested in him, Hyppolite still finished his high school career in Hollywood as a four-star prospect in the Class of 2020, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. He was a two-time first-team All-Broward County selection and had 61 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception during his senior season with the Mustangs. Hyppolite is now poised to end a lengthy drought for McArthur in the NFL. The last Mustang to suit up in an NFL game was defensive back Bryant McFadden, in 2011. Hyppolite is also the first McArthur alumnus to be drafted into the NFL since McFadden and defensive end Erasmus James were both picked in the 2005 NFL Draft.
