New Chicago Bears offensive lineman preaches versatility before debut

The Chicago Bears have made sweeping changes to their offensive line, adding three new players along the interior. However, it is far from a finished unit. Especially since the Bears led the league with 68 sacks allowed in 2024.

As they look for a major turnaround, Chicago has turned to tackle Ozzy Trapilo. Selected with the No. 56 overall pick, the Bears are expecting him to make an impact sooner rather than later. If all pans out as the franchise hopes, the 6-foot-8 lineman will play a massive role, pun intended, in Ben Johnson’s offense for the foreseeable future.

The only question is exactly where Trapilo is going to play. He began his collegiate career at left tackle before moving over to the right fot his final two seasons. The Bears have had Darnell Wright entrenched at right tackle for the past two seasons, which could send Trapilo back to left. But no matter where he is playing, Trapilo is ready to perform and prove why the Bears used a second-round pick on him, via team reporter Larry Mayer.

“If you asked me that during [last] season, I would obviously say right because that is where I practiced,” Trapilo said. “But as soon as the season ended, going into this level especially, you want to be as versatile as possible, so I’ve done a ton of work at all positions except center.”

“I would just be ready to fill wherever is needed. That’s the main goal, right? Get on the field as soon as possible, so that is kind of how I focused my training these last few months,” Trapilo continued. “I think I’ve done a good job with that, so I wouldn’t have a preference at the moment.”

Ozzy Trapilo joins Chicago Bears

After using their first two picks on skill position players, the Bears finally addressed their offensive line with their second second-round pick. His draft position will put lofty expectations on Trapilo’s shoulders. But Chicago is confident in his continued development.

Trapilo spent four years at Boston College, appearing in 43 games. Becoming a starter during his redshirt sophomore season, the tackle ended his time with the Eagles as a First-team All-ACC member.

It was clear to see Trapilo’s growth during his time at BC. Furthermore, his type of size can’t be taught. As he works his way into an NFL system, Trapilo will continue to work on his footwork and prepare for an entirely different level of pass rusher. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com thinks he has what it takes though, comparing Trapilo to San Francisco 49ers tackle Colton McKivitz.

“Tall tackle prospect with NFL bloodlines and a noticeable improvement in play strength last season. The run-blocking tape falls below the protection tape due to leverage and adjustment limitations we frequently see with taller tackles,” Zierlein wrote. “Trapilo won’t generate much movement in the run game, but good upper-body power helps him neutralize the edge.”

“He operates with sound pass sets, active hands and excellent arm extension. He has a good feel for pocket depth with an ability to ride rushers over the top, but he will get beat by inside counters and speed-to-power rushers at times,” Zierlein concluded. “Trapilo could operate as a swing tackle early on but his potential in pass protection gives him a good chance to become a starter.”

The Bears drafting an offensive linemen was one of the worst kept secrets in the draft. Now it’s up to Trapilo to forge a successful beginning to his NFL career in Chicago.

Left or right? 

The fact that Trapilo was named First-team All-ACC as a right tackle seems to point he would remain there. However, Wright has been elite since joining Chicago in 2022. He earned a sterling 79.3 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, ranking 16/140.

Still, Wright is a seasoned veteran at this point. He has experience playing left tackle at the college level, and moving him to the other side of the line is an idea general manager Ryan Poles has already discussed. It may be easier playing Wright at left tackle and keeping Trapilo at right rather than having the latter re-learn the position.

Ultimately, it may come down to the health of Braxton Jones. He is expected to open the season at left tackle. But an ankle injury will have him limited throughout the offseason program. If Jones’ injury continues to linger, maybe moving the more proven Wright to the position becomes likelier.

Trapilo will have a major role in 2025, whether it be immediate starter or as a swing tackle to start. But Bears fans should expect to see the tackle regularly as Johnson continues to build out his offense.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-bears-offensive-lineman-versatility?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chicago-bears-offensive-lineman-versatility