The Chicago Bears had a very interesting and, for some fans, controversial approach to the 2025 NFL Draft. Chicago loaded up on skill position players with their first two draft picks, selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and Missouri wide receiver Luther Burdon. Then, they traded down from the 41st overall pick to the 56th.
Many Bears fans would have preferred the team to select a running back and an offensive lineman with picks 39 and 41. Though it's not confirmed, many speculate the Bears were going to draft Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson at 41, but the Cleveland Browns took him with the pick before.
That said, Chicago still had the opportunity to draft University of Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery at No. 41, but they opted against it. Instead, they traded down and drafted Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo.
Chicago drafting Trapilo was out of left field for many fans, leading to people needing to learn more about him. On Tuesday morning, former Houston Texans and current Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien spoke on 670 The Score's Mully & Haugh.
O'Brien said, " He's a really good run blocker and an excellent pass protector. Very smart, very instinctive. He was a unanimous team captain." He added, "He definitely is a swing tackle. He played a little bit of left tackle before I got here... so I don't think there's any doubt that he will be able to do both."
Boston College coach Bill O'Brien shares background on what the Bears are getting in offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo.
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"They have an incredible person, a very smart guy ... They got a 6-foot-8, 315-pound mountain of a man, O'Brien says.
Listen: https://t.co/nec1hag0hG pic.twitter.com/ZHv7xPQ3Nh
Bill O'Brien Gives Glowing Endorsement on New Bear Ozzy Trapilo
O'Brien's comments about Trapilo should excite Bears fans. Although the 23-year-old tackle hinted he was more comfortable playing on the right side during his first media availability, hearing his former coach say he believes he can be a swing tackle at the NFL level is big.
Trapilo last played left tackle during the 2022 season for Boston College. That year, he gave up five sacks, five QB hits and 17 QB hurries, according to PFF. He also received his worst overall grade at 61.8 and allowed more sacks and hits than he did at right tackle.
As a right tackle, Trapilo allowed two sacks, four QB hits and 20 QB hurries in two seasons. Although that does prove he may be a better fit at right tackle, it's been a few years, so he's definitely improved as a player.
In addition to his on-field production, O'Brien shed light on Trapilo's character. Learning that he was respected by all his teammates at Boston College proves he has he qualities to lead. While the Bears brought in veteran leaders on the offensive line this offseason, having a young guy on the line with those qualities is important.
Monitoring how the Bears deploy Trapilo in training camp will be fascinating.