The Chicago Bears didn’t give much attention to the defense early in the 2025 draft. It wasn’t a big surprise. The defense hasn’t been the primary issue with this team for the past several decades, including the previous two years. What they needed was a significant jolt on offense. That is why GM Ryan Poles used the team’s first three picks on that side of the ball with tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden, and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo. However, towards the end of the 2nd round, it was time to get defensive coordinator Dennis Allen some help.
Things started well when the Bears swung a trade that enabled them to land defensive lineman Shemar Turner. That would give Allen some much-needed juice up front with his violence and aggression. Next? The team needed more speed. Chicago went on the board again in the 4th round. Allen seemed to really like Maryland linebacker Ruben Hyppolite, who’d run a scorching 4.39 at his pro day at 240 lbs. It wasn’t hard to note Allen’s excitement after the Bears got him based on footage from 1920 Football Drive.
Dennis Allen is no stranger to fast linebackers.
It started with D.J. Williams in 2011. He had a 4.45 time on his record. In their one season together, Dennis Allen saw him get five sacks and 90 tackles in just 13 games. DeMario Davis and Alex Anzalone both had near-4.5 speed and were terrific players in New Orleans for him. The same goes for Kwon Alexander, who ran a 4.55. Nobody can say for sure whether Ruben Hyppolite will become anything in the NFL.
Contrary to popular myth, players drafted in the 4th round don’t usually last long. His best hope is to carve out a role on special teams. That said, Allen is a smart enough coach that he will know exactly how to deploy Hyppolite to his strengths. He can see the potential. Speed kills in the NFL. This young man has more than enough to terrorize opponents.
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