Bears' Plans For Ozzy Trapilo Reportedly Much Bolder Than We Thought

The Chicago Bears' plan for the offensive line appeared set following the 1st round of the draft. They'd invested heavily in the interior with two new guards and a new center. Once they didn't select a left tackle at 10th overall, it was confirmation they planned to let Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie battle it out for that left spot in training camp. There was a brief bit of intrigue when Ozzy Trapilo was selected out of Boston College in the 2nd round. That dissipated once people discovered he spent most of his career at right tackle.

He was likely a swing tackle option who might get moved inside to guard depending on what happens with Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. However, things took a twist during an interview with GM Ryan Poles on ESPN 1000. He was asked about the tackle situation and the recent rumor that Darnell Wright could move from the right side to the left under the new coaching staff. Poles not only denied that possibility, but he made it plain as day that Trapilo has the green light to compete for the starting left tackle spot right away.

Ozzy Trapilo is well-prepared for this opportunity.

Offensive line expert Brandon Thorn called him the most pro-ready prospect in the entire 2025 draft class. While not a premier athlete, his mixture of size, power, intelligence, and polished fundamentals makes him the likeliest to start immediately of any rookie blocker this season. He was compared to Rob Havenstein, the Los Angeles Rams' longtime starting right tackle. Havenstein started right away in 2015 and has been one of the most dependable tackles in the league for years.

Besides, if Jones could become a starter as a former 5th round pick, there is no reason to think Ozzy Trapilo can't. It sounds like this situation will be decided in OTAs and minicamps. Bears coaches will get a feel for whether the rookie can handle shifting to the left side. If he looks comfortable, that is where he will stay once training camp starts. His chances of winning the job are considerable, especially since Jones has still not recovered from his ankle injury.