The depth chart for the Chicago Bears is continuing to take shape as we move closer to their season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
With the eyes of the football world on Soldier Field, first-year head coach Ben Johnson is going to be very motivated to get off to a strong start against a divisional foe. For this reason, it isn't surprising to see him lean on more experienced players at this stage of the season in favor of the team's talented crop of rookies who are still, largely, learning on the job.
While he will certainly be a key piece to the puzzle in the Windy City sooner rather than later, rookie offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo officially learned on Tuesday afternoon that he will be coming off the bench in his NFL debut. With the No. 56 pick in this past April's draft set to start his career as a reserve, veteran OT Braxton Jones has been tabbed by Johnson as Chicago's starting left tackle for Week 1.
Braxton Jones will start at left tackle Week 1 vs. Minnesota, per Ben Johnson
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 2, 2025
Bears Send Message to Ozzy Trapilo by Passing on Him as Week 1 Starter
Standing 6'8" and weighing 312 pounds, Trapilo is a monster of a man who has the physical tools to develop into a reliable starter along the offensive line as he matures as a player.
The 23-year-old rookie from Boston College competed for a starting spot at both tackle positions during training camp, but, ultimately, the coaching staff has decided that bringing him along slowly after Trapilo appeared to hit the rookie wall towards the end of camp. It's clear Johnson and co. are sending the rookie a message here that they need to have more trust after his struggles before he's a starting option.
By serving as more of a swing tackle to start his career, Trapilo will have the opportunity to get reps on both sides of the offensive line. Bringing him along slowly could also help Trapilo's learning curve, as he can focus more on his technique and the blocking schemes he will be asked to execute when Chicago owns the ball. Letting him master those areas before throwing him into the fire against some of the top pass rushers in the NFL is a smart approach by Johnson and his staff.
With the size he brings to the table, Trapilo is the type of prospect that can be molded into a terrific NFL player as long as the coaching staff working with him does things the right way. It is impossible to predict what the future will hold for Trapilo in Chicago, but the approach Johnson is taking with the rookie seems like the responsible one.