The Chicago Bears made a move on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, trading the 41st, 72nd and 240th picks to the Buffalo Bills for Nos. 56, 62 and 109. But they still stuck with offense for coach Ben Johnson.
With the 56th pick, the Bears addressed their offensive line, taking tackle Ozzy Trapilo. He was a three-year starter at Boston College who played left tackle at first before switching to the right side for the past two seasons.
Trapilo, a massive protector at 6 feet 8 and 316 pounds, was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2024 for the Eagles. He was also a team captain. Playing for Boston College coach Bill O’Brien, Trapilo committed zero penalties over 772 snaps in his final college season.
Trapilo comes from a football family. His father, Steve, was a fourth-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1987 and spent five seasons with the team before a knee injury ended his career. Steve died of a heart attack at 39 years old. Trapilo followed his father’s path to Boston College. Steve was on the field for quarterback Doug Flutie’s “Hail Flutie” touchdown against Miami.
‘The Beast’ breakdown
Trapilo ranked No. 79 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“A three-year starter at Boston College, Trapilo locked down the right tackle spot in head coach Bill O’Brien’s offense, which used a mix of zone and gap schemes. Despite interest from college football powerhouses (both out of high school and in trying to entice him to the transfer portal), the Boston native stayed home and was the most consistent part of the Eagles’ offense, earning All-ACC honors as a junior and senior (allowed only two sacks over his final two seasons).
“Although he never had the chance to see his late father, Steve, play in the NFL, Trapilo has the same offensive line talent in his DNA, with the natural movements and technical control. He stays patient and under control in his pass sets and understands hand placement to maintain space between himself and rushers. He needs to be more consistent blocking low to high in the run game, but he quickly establishes body positioning to manipulate spacing and cut off defenders. Overall, Trapilo is a towering athlete and can be jarred at contact on occasion, but he has swing-tackle traits with his smooth weight distribution and the impressive strike timing he uses to consistently complete the mission. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him compete for starting right tackle reps as a rookie.”
Nick Baumgardner grades the pick
“One of the tallest players in the draft and a three-year starting right tackle inside a dynamic run game at Boston College, Trapilo might have a tougher time with speed on the left side than the right, but he’s a consistent technician who found a way to eat space and maintain protection off the edge. Trapilo will always have to work to stay low, but his hands are outstanding.”
Grade: B-plus
How he fits
It was only a matter of time before the Bears addressed their offensive line in the draft. Improving quarterback Caleb Williams’ protection has been a priority for general manager Ryan Poles. Waiting until pick No. 56 can be debated, but Trapilo’s experience at Boston College should help him acclimate at Halas Hall. Trapilo is the first lineman drafted by Johnson and offensive line coach Dan Roushar. Director of player personnel Trey Koziol made it sound as if there will be a competition coming at left tackle (or somewhere else up front). “We feel highly that this is a guy that is going to come in and compete for a spot,’ he said.
Depth chart impact
The concerns are at left tackle. Braxton Jones, the Bears’ starter since he was drafted in the fifth round in 2022, is in the final year of his rookie contract — and he’s returning from ankle surgery. The Bears drafted Kiran Amegadjie last year in the third round as a developmental player. Trapilo improves the depth of the offensive line. He might not be ready to beat out Jones (if he’s healthy), but his arrival should allow Amegadjie to move inside as a backup for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. Wright appears entrenched at right tackle, but the Bears expressed an openness to moving him to the left side, if needed.
They also could have picked …
The Detroit Lions traded up to draft Georgia guard Tate Ratledge with the 57th pick. It’s an interesting selection because of Johnson’s connection to Detroit. But offensive tackle was always viewed as a more pressing priority. By trading back from No. 41 to 56 with the Bills, the Bears missed on Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery (No. 48, Houston Texans) and NC State’s Anthony Belton (No. 54, Green Bay Packers).
Fast evaluation
Trapilo is a worthy selection in the second round who should begin his career as a reserve behind Jones or Wright but will eventually push for playing time. Where that is exactly needs to be determined. “I’m a competitor,” Trapilo said. “Every day, show up and compete.”
(Photo: Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
