The Chicago Bears wrapped mandatory minicamp last week at Halas Hall, which marked the beginning of summer break for most players ahead of training camp next month.
There was plenty to unpack from the three-day minicamp (we've got Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 takeaways), where new head coach Ben Johnson made minicamp an extension of OTAs. The Bears had perfect attendance (although they were without some key players due to injury). But it was overall a production set of practices ahead of a final set of OTAs for young players and rookies before a six-week break ahead of training camp.
With minicamp in the books, here's a look at some players who impressed during thee final phase of the offseason program.
RB Kyle Monangai
The Bears didn't address running back until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft, but they might've gotten a steal in Kyle Monangai, who's quickly made an impression during the offseason. According to Clay Harbor, Monangai had an "excellent" practice on Day 2 when it came to "catching the football and making some nice plays." Monangai played a key role during the offense's successful two-minute drill, where he hauled in a touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to cap the 94-yard drive. Harbor said Monangai is "very impressive for a rookie" and that he's "got some juice." While D'Andre Swift is penciled in as the lead back right now, Monangai will certainly push for reps.
"Kyle Monangai has really stepped up," Johnson said. "I appreciate the attention to detail and the pride he takes and how quickly he's picking things up, as well."
LB Ruben Hyppolite
While the Bears are set at linebacker with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, there's a battle for that third linebacker spot brewing between fourth-round rookie Ruben Hyppolite II and Noah Sewell. According to Clay Harbor, Hyppolite "looked good in coverage" as he had some nice reps in 1-on-1 against tight end Cole Kmet. Harbor said you can "see (Hyppolite's) speed and athleticism" on the field. Johnson had some high praise for Hyppolite.
"I thought the player we saw the most improvement from when he stepped in to now was Ruben Hyppolite," Johnson claimed. "He's done a nice job of learning—he's swimming a little bit—but he's taking it seriously, and coach Richard Smith has done a fantastic job with him over the course of the last few weeks."
DE Dominique Robinson
There might be a chance for redemption for former fifth-round pick Dominique Robinson, who's struggled to carve out a role for himself on defense as a pass rusher. Outside of Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears lack depth off the edge, which is a concern heading into the season. But it also means Robinson has a chance to earn a roster spot, and he's gotten off to a good start by impressing Johnson at this point of the offseason.
"Even without the pads on, he's done a great job of consistently speed rush up the field or countering back to the inside," Johnson said. "He's done a really nice job there, and then of course he's got some special teams value that he takes pride in as well."
TE Joel Wilson
For all intents and purposes, the Bears are set at tight end heading into the 2025 season. Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland and Durham Smythe feel like locks to make the roster. But that hasn't stopped Joel Wilson from making a strong impression on his head coach this offseason. Clay Harbor, who's given some good insight this offseason, also named Wilson as an underrated player who's impressed him most. On the final day of minicamp, Mark Carman said that Wilson had "the catch of the day hauling in a 50/50 ball from Case Keenum." But it means a little something extra when it's coming from the head coach.
"He has a little savvy in how he moves," Johnson said of Wilson. "He has a nice route feel about him. The test will really be when we get going in camp, how he holds up in the run game and in the past pro game. But, so far, in the running routes section of tight end play, I think he stood out in a positive light."
OT Ozzy Trapilo
Now, to the first player on this list not mentioned specifically by Ben Johnson (although, he has praised him). Rookie offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo has been rotating with second-year pro Kiran Amegadjie with the first team at left tackle, as incumbent starter Braxton Jones remains sidelined as he recovers from injury. According to Clay Harbor, Trapilo had a "very nice practice" with the starters and noted he looks uncommon for a rookie. Said Harbor: "Reminds me of Ryan Ramczyk as a rookie when I was with the Saints how he fits in so quickly." While the pads don't come on until training camp, Trapilo has made the most of his opportunities with the starters and could make a push for the starting job.
WR Devin Duvernay
Another player who made an impression (but wasn't mentioned by name) is veteran wide receiver Devin Duvernay, who signed a one-year contract with Chicago this offseason. Duvernay is expected to be the Bears' lead kick returner, but his speed makes him an intriguing addition to Johnson's offense. According to Clay Harbor, Duvernay has been a standout player during the entire offseason ("Every open practice we’ve seen he’s made plays.") That continued into minicamp where Duvernay had "another nice day" to open the three-day practice stretch.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 2025 minicamp: Standout players from three practices
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