The Chicago Bears' training camp has been an up-and-down ride for the players and coaching staff. It's the first time that Ben Johnson is running the show as the head coach, and it's a learning curve for everyone involved.
There are several battles happening all over the field, and it's clear that one rookie is running away with the starting job. According to Ben Devine, LT Ozzy Trapilo has been running with the first team for three straight practices. As a result, Braxton Jones is working with the second team, and Devine believes it's Trapilo's job to lose.
Three straight full practices with rookie LT Ozzy Trapilo in with the 1’s. Braxton Jones has been working with the 2’s. At this point, it’s Ozzy’s job to lose. #DaBears
— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) August 6, 2025
Ozzy Trapilo Seems Poised to Start at LT for Bears
The Bears released their first unofficial depth chart on Tuesday, and it listed Jones as the starter, but these are always taken with a grain of salt.
Chicago drafted Trapilo with the 56th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, and he's been standing out all throughout the offseason. He was seen taking first team reps during minicamp as well, and that transitioned over to camp.
The fact that the rookie is getting these valuable first-team reps and is always holding his own in these practices indicates he could be ready to take over that starting position. Johnson and his staff clearly liked what they saw from Trapilo, which is why they made him a top 60 pick in the first place.
His massive frame is what sticks out, as he stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs 316 pounds. Despite being that big, he's very nimble and strong at the point of attack. In his last season at Boston College, Trapilo committed zero penalties over 772 snaps.
He has NFL blood running through his veins as well, as his late father, Steve, was a fourth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 1987.
Trapilo is taking full advantage of the opportunities in front of him, and that doesn't bode well for Jones, who's going into a contract year.
Over three seasons, Jones has 40 starts under his belt, but injuries have been a problem lately. He has missed at least five games in each of the last two seasons, and it looks like the new staff isn't fully bought in on Jones. And that isn't shocking due to the high selection of Trapilo.
Instead of paying Jones, it looks like the Bears are more than content having Trapilo be the starter and have him be their LT on his rookie deal.
The Boston College product will need to continue his positive play during the preseason, but it's looking like he'll win that competition at LT.