UPDATE: The competition heats up for the Chicago Bears’ left tackle position as rookie Ozzy Trapilo officially joins the roster after signing his contract just yesterday. With training camp set to begin, all eyes will be on Trapilo as he battles established players for a pivotal role in the upcoming season.
As the Bears prepare for the start of camp on June 10, 2025, general manager Ryan Poles emphasized the importance of competition at left tackle. The 6-foot-8 Trapilo, selected in the second round as the 56th overall pick, is expected to vie for the starting spot against Kiran Amegadjie and returning starter Braxton Jones, who is recovering from an ankle injury.
Trapilo’s journey to this point is compelling. A notable figure at Boston College, he played 44 games and was a team captain, earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2024. His family legacy adds depth to his story; his father, Steve Trapilo, was an All-America offensive lineman in the 1980s and played six seasons in the NFL before his untimely passing in 2004.
The Bears’ decision to draft Trapilo came after extensive speculation about their needs on the offensive line. Following the addition of veteran starters Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson during the offseason, the left tackle position remains a critical question mark. Trapilo’s unique ability to play both left and right tackle offers the Bears flexibility in their offensive strategy.
During minicamp earlier this month, Coach Ben Johnson praised Trapilo’s quick adaptation to the NFL’s demands, noting his polished understanding of the game. “Ozzy is really picking up the nuances quickly,” Johnson said, emphasizing the ongoing adjustments the rookie must make as training camp approaches.
As the competition intensifies, Trapilo knows he must demonstrate his capability in pass protection, a key focus for Johnson. The rookie will face formidable practice challenges, including teammates like Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo. “You need to be able to block their best pass rusher one-on-one,” Johnson stated, reinforcing the high stakes of the upcoming training period.
Trapilo is eager to learn from veteran Thuney, a four-time Super Bowl champion, as he navigates this crucial transition. “Talking through reps with him is invaluable,” Trapilo remarked, highlighting the benefits of having Thuney alongside him on the line. “It’s great to dissect plays in real-time and understand the game better.”
The left tackle battle is not just about immediate results; it could shape the Bears’ offensive line for years to come. With Jones entering the final year of his contract, Trapilo’s performance in training camp could determine his future role, whether he secures the starting spot now or prepares for a more significant role down the line.
As Bears fans gear up for training camp, the anticipation surrounding Trapilo’s performance is palpable. His journey from a promising college athlete to a potential NFL starter encapsulates the excitement of rookie season. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and witness how Trapilo’s skills unfold on the practice field.
