The Chicago Bears made another major investment on their new-look offensive line when they selected Ozzy Trapilo with the No. 56 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While Trapilo looks poised to start sooner rather than later, the only question is if he will be at right or left tackle.
Trapilo spent his final two seasons at Boston College playing right tackle. It helped put him on the NFL Draft map. However, the Bears have had Darnell Wright instilled as their right tackle for the past two seasons. He has more than lived up to his first-round hype. While Chicago has a clear need at left tackle as long as Braxton Jones is hurt, it seemed as if the Bears would have to put Trapilo in a position he feels uncomfortable.
However, the offensive lineman has been preparing to shift around the line before he enters the league. After college, Trapilo said he started working more on the left side, via Chicago Sports Network. He wanted to stay ready and do everything in his power to get on an NFL field as quickly as possible. If Trapilo proves he is capable of playing on the left side, it would been a massive boon for Chicago’s Caleb Williams blocking plans.
“Throughout college I knew that I wanted to play in the NFL,” Trapilo said. “Doing so, you have to be versatile. That’s the quickest way to get on the field. The last two years, even though I was a right tackle in college, working left and making sure it still feels good, feels smooth. Especially after the season, I was working more left than right, catching up for lost time.”
“It felt good today,” Trapilo said of practicing at left tackle in rookie mini camp. “If you’re more used to playing right tackle at live speed, and you’re still consistent, still feel good at left, it’s almost easier when you’re learning new technique,” Trapilo continued. “You don’t just get into that flow state Your habits are all coming back. You’re hyper focused on every moment because it’s not as natural. It feels easier to adapt to this new coaching style, new techniques and all the above.”
Rookie tackle Ozzy Trapilo said that the last two years after practice, he would take reps at the left tackle position:
"Throughout college I knew that I wanted to play in the NFL. You have to be versatile. That's the quickest way to get on the field." pic.twitter.com/kWrz7sjifX
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) May 9, 2025
Ozzy Trapilo enters Chicago Bears left tackle mix
Trapilo was named First-team All-ACC at right tackle in 2024, leading many to believe the Bears may consider moving Wright over to left. That may still happen as the Bears figure out their best mix. But at least to start his NFL tenure, Chicago wants to see what Trapilo has to offer on the left side of the offensive line.
If Trapilo proves to be a consistent force at left tackle, he could see immediate playing time as a rookie. Jones is currently penciled in for the starting role. However, his ongoing ankle injury is going to limit him entering training camp. Jones impressed with a 77.4 grade from Pro Football Focus. However, his grade won’t matter if he isn’t on the gridiron.
That fact that Trapilo is staying versatile is crucial for the Bears. Perhaps moving Wright over his the best course of action, Trapilo has extended experience at right. Maybe Jones retains the starting job, then Trapilo becomes a swing tackle. And if either were to suffer a serious injury then Chicago has a rookie they’re prepared to plug-and-play immediately.
The battle for left tackle will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the Bears offseason. With Trapilo now in the mix, quarterback Caleb has a much more formidable blocking scheme in front of him. If the second-round pick puts together a strong rookie minicamp, he’ll be on the fast track to starting at the NFL level.
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