Bears Offensive Line Progress Report: Ozzy Trapilo Passes First Test ...Middle East

On Tuesday, it was reported that Theo Benedet would likely be the Bears’ starting left tackle on October 13 when the team returns from their bye week to take on the Washington Commanders. Benedet began the Raiders game on the right side before sliding over to the left for just over a half of football. While Benedet is getting high praise for his performance on Sunday (and rightfully so), Ozzy Trapilo also deserves similar acclaim.

Trapilo has had an interesting time in his first year with the Bears. He was selected with one of Chicago’s three second-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. As a prospect out of Boston College, he was seen as a high-floor prospect with maybe not the highest ceiling, but solid all around. Trapilo was given the chance to earn the starting left tackle job in camp over Braxton Jones, but ultimately lost out on the job. After a few weeks of not seeing the field and being a healthy scratch, several Bears fans started to write him off as a bust.

While it’s hard to fault those who believed that after the healthy scratches, Trapilo took a big step toward proving that wrong on Sunday. The rookie played 26 snaps against the Raiders, and he surrendered no sacks or QB hits, allowing just two pressures. Not to mention, he played several reps across from Maxx Crosby. Ben Johnson did a great job helping his rookie tackle in those situations, lining up tight ends next to him or using running backs in protection, but Trapilo held his own in his first real NFL action.

Ozzy Trapilo Impresses In Bears Debut

After going through the film, I thought it was clear that while Ozzy Trapilo was far from perfect, it does appear that he’s NFL-ready on the right side. For whatever reason, both in the preseason and in practice, he’s struggled to convert to left tackle. Some linemen have no issues flipping from one side to the other, and others struggle to transition. Whether that’s flipping the footwork or coming out of the opposite stance, Trapilo, for now, seems to be suited for right tackle only.

While his limited ability to the right side certainly hampers his chances at getting more playing time, his actual play at the position made him someone Ben Johnson can trust going forward.

“He’s a guy that just keeps getting better each and every week, so we were just at the point where we weren’t doing a whole lot on offense and we felt like that would give us a little spark and ignite us on offense there.” – Ben Johnson on Ozzy Trapilo.

When scrolling social media on Monday, I came across someone else whom Trapilo impressed. Former Bears All-Pro Kyle Long had this to say about the rookie’s performance.

Ozzy looked patient in his sets and had a plan. When he had help in form of chip or double from TE he helped his guard for as long as necessary. part of the game is understanding where to help, even more important when to leave the guy you’re helping currently. He seems 2 get it

After watching the film, I couldn’t agree more with what Long had to say. I also think that breakdown from the former Bear is an excellent description for what a “high-floor” player looks like. Is Trapilo going to win every one-on-one rep against Maxx Crosby? Of course not. But he was smart, fundamental, and did his job most of the time. And I loved what Long said about how Trapilo reacted when he knew he had tight end help. Knowing where your help is coming from and where you can turn your attention is a huge part of pass protection.

Trapilo’s first play on Sunday was a perfect example of that.

Here is Ozzy Trapilo's first offensive snap of the game with 3:55 left in the second quarter. He starts by helping out Jonah Jackson before going over to assist the Bears' tight ends, who were tasked with trying to block Maxx Crosby. pic.twitter.com/vXDoj6bXm4

Very wisely, Ben Johnson has two tight ends lined up next to Ozzy Trapilo to help lock up Maxx Crosby. This protection appears to be a version of a three-quarter slide to the left. That means the center, left guard, and left tackle take their left gaps, the right guard is responsible for his inside gap, unless, as in this case, there’s no one inside and he has a man head-up or just outside. Had Trapilo been on an island, he’d obviously have Crosby, but since there was help in the form of two tight ends, he could then first check the three-technique on the inside.

As usual, though, none of us looking at the tape outside of Halas Hall can tell you with 100% certainty what the call is. I always just like throwing that disclaimer in there.

Trapilo here does a great job checking inside and helping Jonah Jackson lock his man up. But once he does that, he smartly takes a quick look outside to check on Crosby. He does a great job keeping his head on a swivel, and he’s able to then give another shot to Jackson’s man before coming back across and knocking a somewhat-free Crosby, making a run at the quarterback.

While it wasn’t the most dominant pass-rush rep of all time, I think it was a perfect indicator of his high level of awareness, and what Kyle Long said, that he seems to get it. We’ve seen a lot of Bears offensive linemen struggle with that over the years. If Trapilo can prove that he gets it and that he’s a quick reactor in real time, he will continue to get looks from Ben Johnson’s staff. Knowing where to be and where to look is more than half the battle in pass protection.

The point of this post isn’t to overreact to one rep or 26 snaps of one football game. I’m not even saying he deserves the first look to start. But I will say that much of the concern (including my own) and judgment of the Ozzy Trapilo pick might have been a bit of an overreaction. It’s a good example of why we should let things play out instead of overreacting quickly or jumping to judgment too early.

That’s also not to say this one game means he’ll go on to have a great NFL career. The point is that performances like the one we saw against Vegas will earn him more trust from this staff. After a few red flags early on, that’s a really nice development to take away from Trapilo’s first game.

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