Rookie Left Tackle Ozzy Trapilo Faces an Uphill Battle for Starting Role

Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 14:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke to the media prior to Friday's practice and what he said about Trapilo doesn't bode well for the rookie.

Bears' Rookie Ozzy Trapilo Faces Uphill Battle in Left Tackle Competition

In the ever-competitive world of the NFL, where roster spots are earned through grit, performance, and sometimes sheer luck, the Chicago Bears' offensive line has become a focal point of intrigue during the preseason. At the heart of this discussion is seventh-round draft pick Ozzy Trapilo, a promising yet unproven talent from Boston College, who entered training camp with high hopes of challenging for the starting left tackle position. However, recent developments suggest that Trapilo may have already slipped behind in what was anticipated to be a heated competition, potentially relegating him to a backup role or even the practice squad as the regular season approaches.

The Bears' offensive line has been a unit in flux for several seasons, plagued by inconsistencies and injuries that have hampered the team's ability to protect their quarterbacks and open running lanes. Entering the 2023 offseason, general manager Ryan Poles made it a priority to bolster this group, drafting Trapilo as part of a strategy to infuse youth and athleticism into the trenches. Trapilo, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing over 300 pounds, possesses the prototypical size and length that offensive line coaches dream about. His college tape showcased a player with solid footwork, good leverage, and the ability to anchor against bull rushes, making him an intriguing late-round gamble for a team like the Bears, who are building around young quarterback Justin Fields.

Yet, the reality of NFL training camp has proven to be a harsh teacher for the rookie. From the outset, Trapilo was thrust into a competition primarily with incumbent starter Braxton Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick who showed flashes of potential last season despite allowing a team-high number of pressures. Jones, with his experience and familiarity with the Bears' scheme under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, entered camp as the presumed favorite. Adding to the mix are veterans like Larry Borom, who has versatility across the line, and other depth pieces such as Ja'Tyre Carter and Aviante Collins, all vying for snaps at left tackle—a position critical for protecting Fields' blind side.

Early reports from Bears' training camp painted a picture of Trapilo struggling to adapt to the speed and physicality of professional pass rushers. In padded practices, he was often seen getting beaten on the edge by defensive ends like Montez Sweat and Yannick Ngakoue, who exploited his tendency to overcommit on initial punches. Analysts noted that Trapilo's footwork, while adequate in college, appeared sluggish against the quicker, more technique-savvy pros. This was particularly evident in one-on-one drills, where he allowed multiple "sacks" that would have put Fields in jeopardy. Such performances have led to speculation that Trapilo's rawness might not align with the immediate needs of a Bears team aiming to contend in the NFC North.

Compounding these on-field issues are the Bears' strategic decisions during the preseason games. In the first exhibition matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Trapilo saw limited action, mostly in the second half with the reserves, while Jones handled the bulk of the first-team reps. This snap distribution was telling; it indicated that the coaching staff, led by head coach Matt Eberflus, already views Jones as the frontrunner. Eberflus, known for his emphasis on competition and merit-based opportunities, has publicly stated that no position is guaranteed, but actions speak louder than words. Trapilo's opportunities dwindled further in subsequent practices, where he was rotated more frequently to right tackle or even guard, suggesting the team is exploring his utility as a swing lineman rather than a dedicated left tackle starter.

It's worth delving into the broader context of the Bears' offensive line philosophy. Under Poles, the team has prioritized athleticism and upside in their linemen, as evidenced by previous drafts and free-agent signings. However, the left tackle spot demands a unique blend of agility, intelligence, and resilience—qualities that Jones has begun to demonstrate more consistently. Last season, Jones started all 17 games, allowing 48 pressures and six sacks, numbers that, while not elite, showed improvement as the year progressed. In contrast, Trapilo's college career at Boston College was marked by inconsistency; he started 22 games but dealt with injuries and faced criticism for penalties and technique lapses. These red flags, combined with his late draft status, mean he's fighting an uphill battle to prove he's more than just developmental depth.

Fan and media reactions have been mixed. Some Bears supporters see Trapilo as a diamond in the rough, pointing to his impressive wingspan and potential in run blocking, where his size could maul defenders in the ground game. Others, however, argue that his early camp struggles are indicative of a steeper learning curve than anticipated. Sports Illustrated's own analysis highlights how Trapilo's pass protection grades in preseason outings hovered in the low 50s on Pro Football Focus metrics, far below the threshold for a starter on a playoff-caliber team. This has fueled discussions about whether the Bears should look externally for reinforcements, perhaps via trade or the waiver wire, as final roster cuts loom.

Looking ahead, the remaining preseason games will be crucial for Trapilo. A strong showing against second- and third-string defenses could reignite his case, but the Bears' coaching staff seems inclined to stick with proven commodities like Jones to ensure Fields' protection from Week 1. If Trapilo continues to falter, he risks being waived or stashed on the practice squad, a common fate for late-round picks who don't immediately impress. This scenario underscores the brutal nature of NFL roster building—talent alone isn't enough; timing and opportunity play pivotal roles.

In summary, while Ozzy Trapilo entered the Bears' camp with optimism and raw potential, his early performances suggest he may have already lost ground in the left tackle competition. The Bears' emphasis on stability up front, coupled with Jones' incumbency, positions Trapilo as more of a long-term project than an immediate solution. As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this rookie can turn the tide or if his NFL journey begins on the sidelines. The Bears' offensive line saga is far from over, but for now, Trapilo's path to starting left tackle appears increasingly obstructed. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/bears/news/ozzy-trapilo-may-have-already-lost-the-left-tackle-competition ]

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