The Chicago Bears made it clear this offseason that fixing their offensive line was one of their highest priorities. After watching rookie quarterback Caleb Williams endure a rough first season as the most-sacked passer in the NFL, the front office knew they had to make significant changes up front. General manager Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson were determined to protect their franchise signal-caller and give the offense a chance to thrive in 2025.
One of the most talked-about position battles throughout training camp was at left tackle, a spot that has long been under the microscope in Chicago. The Bears entered the summer with three main contenders for the job: incumbent starter Braxton Jones, second-year pro Kiran Amegadjie, and rookie Ozzy Trapilo, the team’s second-round draft pick out of Boston College.
Early signs pointed toward Trapilo making a strong push for the job. Known for his athleticism and powerful hands, he impressed coaches and teammates during the first stretch of camp. At one point, there was real belief that he could overtake Jones and win the job outright. But as the weeks went on, the rookie’s momentum began to fade.
Ryan Poles Acknowledges Trapilo’s Struggles
When asked about the situation, Bears general manager Ryan Poles admitted that Trapilo had hit what many call the “rookie wall” a common hurdle for first-year players adjusting to the speed, complexity, and grind of the NFL.
“I did like when we moved him back to the right [tackle spot], I think he settled in,” Poles said. “It looked very natural his hands, his footwork. But it looked like that when he started at left early, too. I think he just hit a rookie wall in the middle of camp when things got a little out of place, and he just needed to settle in and reset.”
Trapilo originally spent most of his college career at right tackle, so the Bears gave him a shot at left to test his versatility. While he flashed potential early on, his struggles to sustain consistency eventually led the staff to slide him back to his more natural side.
How the Depth Chart Stands Now
With the regular season just around the corner, it appears Braxton Jones will retain his role as the starting left tackle at least for the time being. Trapilo will likely get developmental snaps behind him and could see time at right tackle if the need arises. The Bears also have 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright locked in on the right side, while Theo Benedet has earned some surprising reps ahead of the inconsistent Amegadjie.
This does not mean Chicago has given up on Trapilo. Far from it. The organization remains committed to developing the rookie, knowing that offensive linemen often take time to adjust to the NFL. Poles’ comments made it clear that they view Trapilo as a long-term piece of the puzzle.
The Bigger Picture for the Bears
The ultimate priority for the Bears is protecting Caleb Williams. After a rocky rookie campaign, Williams enters Year 2 with soaring expectations and the weight of Chicago’s hopes on his shoulders. With new weapons on offense and Ben Johnson’s reputation as one of the league’s brightest young coaches, the Bears are banking on significant improvement.
That improvement will not be possible without stronger play in the trenches. Developing linemen like Trapilo is essential to creating a unit capable of keeping their young quarterback upright and confident. While the rookie may have shown signs of slowing down late in camp, that should be viewed as a normal part of his growth curve rather than a setback.
For now, the Bears will lean on veterans while easing Trapilo along, ensuring he is not forced into action before he is ready. If managed correctly, this approach could pay major dividends down the line. After all, many of the league’s best linemen took time to find their footing before blossoming into cornerstones.
Chicago fans should view Trapilo’s preseason decline not as a disappointment, but as part of the learning process. His early flashes show promise, and with patience and the right coaching, he still has the potential to become a fixture on the Bears’ offensive line for years to come.