Ranking Chicago Bears top rookies by impact in 2025

Q: Who were the top rookies for the Chicago Bears in 2025?

The top rookies for the Chicago Bears in 2025 included tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III.

Q: What impact did the 2025 rookie class have on the Chicago Bears' season?

The 2025 rookie class played a key role in the team's success, contributing significantly under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.

Q: Which Chicago Bears rookie was a seventh-round pick in 2025?

Running back Kyle Monangai was a seventh-round pick in 2025 and emerged as a valuable player for the team.

Q: What challenges did rookie Ozzy Trapilo face after the 2025 season?

Rookie Ozzy Trapilo faced challenges due to a ruptured patellar tendon, putting his future with the team in question.

Ranking Chicago Bears top rookies by impact in 2025

The Chicago Bears had arguably the best 2025 rookie class, which played a key role in the team's success last season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.

One of the biggest reasons for their success was their best-available mindset, which led them to tight end Colston Loveland (10th overall) and wide receiver Luther Burden III (39th overall). Both Loveland and Burden had impressive rookie seasons, and they're poised for bigger roles in Year 2. Meanwhile, Chicago found a diamond in the rough in the seventh round with running back Kyle Monangai while finding a potential answer at left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo (before his ruptured patellar tendon put his future in question).

With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, we're taking a final look at last year's draft class and what they were able to accomplish. Here's a look at our 2025 rookie rankings, by impact, where there's no real surprise with our top five.

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.

Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear

Nov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

Oct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Aug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss

04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT

Sep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

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1. TE Colston Loveland

Colston Loveland showed exactly why he was coveted by Ben Johnson at 10th overall with his receiver-like separation and pass catching ability. Loveland led the team in receptions (58) and receiving yards (713), and he really didn't even get going until midway through the 2025 season. In the final 12 games of the season (including two postseason contests), he caught 59 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns. Loveland led the Bears' rookie class across the board. He played the most snaps (818), led the team in WAR (0.514), led the team in PFF grade (85.3) and also ranked first among all rookie tight ends (85.3). It's clear that Loveland has the potential to be a superstar in the NFL.

2. WR Luther Burden III

The Bears didn't go into the 2025 NFL Draft looking to select a wide receiver. But when Luther Burden III was there in the second round, they couldn't pass up on his talent, and it's already payed off for Chicago. While it took Burden some time to get going on offense as a rookie, amid an abundance of talent on offense, he showcased himself as a dangerous downfield weapon in just one year with Ben Johnson. Burden totaled 47 catches on 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns. Burden is the reason why the Bears were able to trade DJ Moore, land a second-round pick and free up $16.5 million in salary cap space. Chicago is expecting big things from Burden in Year 2.

3. RB Kyle Monangai

The Bears tried and failed to draft a running back earlier in the draft, but waiting until the seventh round ended up working out. Kyle Monangai proved to be one of the biggest steals of the draft after just one year. While the Bears tried to land some impact running backs earlier in the draft, Monangai turned out to be incredible value. As a seventh-round pick, he served as part of a dynamic duo at running back alongside D'Andre Swift. Monangai totaled 783 rushing yards on 169 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and five touchdowns. He enters his sophomore season looking to build on his rookie success and keep this Chicago run game among the top of the league.

4. LT Ozzy Trapilo

There's an argument that Ozzy Trapilo should bypass Kyle Monangai, but given Trapilo didn't step into the left tackle role until midway through the season, he sits in the fourth spot. The Bears drafted Trapilo in the second round, and he got off to a bit of a slow start after losing out to Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet in the left tackle competition. But following injuries to Jones and Benedet, Trapilo got his opportunity in Week 12 and never looked back. He elevated the offensive line's play and was one of the most underrated players on Chicago. Trapilo looked to be the potential long-term answer at left tackle, and that could still very well be true. But he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during a wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers that leaves his future in question.

5. WR Jahdae Walker

There wasn't a whole lot of competition for the final spot considering two players missed most of the year and one didn't make a significant impact while the other didn't see the field much as depth. Wide receiver Jahdae Walker was a preseason standout for Chicago, which helped earn him a final roster spot. While Walker didn't see the field much last season, he made the most of his opportunities when in the game. His biggest impact came in a Week 16 prime-time showing against the Green Bay Packers, where Walker caught the game-tying touchdown from Caleb Williams to force overtime, where the Bears eventually pulled away with a win. Following the departures of DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay, Walker finds himself as the WR4 behind Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and free-agent addition Kalif Raymond.

Missed the cut

LB Ruben Hyppolite II
OG Luke Newman
DT Shemar Turner
CB Zah Frazier

Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, who was a controversial pick in the fourth round, didn't make a significant impact during his rookie season. With newcomers at linebacker, he'll have to earn his roster spot. Defensive tackle Shemar Turner played in just five games as a rookie before suffering a torn ACL in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. Guard Luke Newman didn't see the field often, but when he did he looked like he has the potential to be a solid depth piece for Chicago. Meanwhile, cornerback Zah Frazier missed the entire summer due to personal reasons, and the Bears shut him down for his entire rookie season. Frazier is gearing up to return to the lineup this year, where he'll finally have an opportunity to show what he can do in the secondary.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears' top rookies ranked by impact in 2025

Ranking Chicago Bears top rookies by impact in 2025

TL;DR

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

1. TE Colston Loveland

2. WR Luther Burden III

3. RB Kyle Monangai

4. LT Ozzy Trapilo

5. WR Jahdae Walker

Missed the cut

Q&A

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