The Chicago Bears used this past offseason to make upgrades all over the roster. Training camp is finally around the corner, as rookies report to Halas Hall on July 19 with veterans following shortly after on July 22.
Chicago wasn't afraid to toss out money in free agency, and they also were able to draft eight players back in April. They had three second-round picks, and it already looks like Ozzy Trapilo could be a nice addition to this roster.
Ozzy Trapilo Quickly Stands Out for Bears
Trapilo was snagged with the 56th overall pick as Chicago sought to make big changes along the offensive line. They traded for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson while signing Drew Dalman in free agency. This team wants their offensive line to be a strength for them, and Trapilo is another player who has caught the attention of the coaches, along with members of the media.
During an OTA practice, Clay Harbor reported that Trapilo took every snap with the first team and held his own fairly well. It didn't stop there as Harbor added that Trapilo is making a case to start at left tackle.
The praise didn't halt there either, as Adam Jahns on CHGO Bears continued to hype up Trapilo, comparing him to former Bears guard Kyle Long. Jahns said, "On the field, Ozzy Trapilo looks like Kyle Long. It’s not just his number, but physically, he’s built like Kyle Long. He moves like Kyle Long.”
That's something that will excite the fanbase that saw Long make the Pro Bowl three straight years (2013-2015) for Chicago, in addition to a second-team All-Pro (2014) nod.
Braxton Jones still likely has the edge to be the starter at left tackle, considering he's made 40 starts over the past three years there, but he has dealt with several injuries that have forced him to miss time in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He's also heading into the final year of his rookie deal, so the addition of Trapilo could be them looking down the line.
Trapilo was a three-year starter during his time at Boston College. He is a natural mover with the ability to stay patient and under control during his reps. The Massachusetts native is coming off a season where he committed zero penalties on 772 offensive snaps.
He also stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs 316 pounds. Trapilo is a physically imposing presence upfront, and despite playing zero snaps for this team yet, he looks the part of an NFL player and could develop into a really solid force for this group.