Ryan Poles got crushed by a lot of people for the Chicago Bears‘ 2025 draft class through the first month of the season. Guys weren’t making notable contributions and some wondered if the GM had just thrown away a golden opportunity to push this team into viable playoff contention. A couple of months later and the script has completely flipped. Colston Loveland has a case for being the best tight end in the class. Luther Burden is ninth among all rookies in receiving. Ozzy Trapillo has taken over at left tackle. All three were pivotal to the Bears’ big upset of the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday.
However, none of them were Poles’ best pick. Experts are reaching a consensus that such a label belongs to Kyle Monangai. Nobody reacted much when the Bears scooped up the running back from Rutgers in the 7th round. People inside Halas Hall felt differently. Despite his limited athletic ceiling, he possessed certain traits that made him a highly productive player, traits that could translate to the NFL. Now he’s fourth among rookies in rushing behind only two 2nd round picks and a 1st round round pick. All have more carries than he does.
The case in Ryan Poles’ favor is an easy one to make.
True steals are often categorized as players who were selected late in the draft. We’ll say between the 5th and 7th rounds. If you look at the statistical results so far this season, there isn’t anybody who eclipses Monangai in productivity. Fifth round tight end Oronde Gadsden II has 534 yards and two touchdowns for the Los Angeles Chargers. Their 6th round pick, safety R.J. Mickens, also has two interceptions. The only player who is even a challenge to Monangai is fellow 7th round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt with the Washington Commanders.
Unfortunately for him, Monangai has more rushing yards, touchdowns, and receiving yards than he does. Not to mention, his team is getting more meaningful success from his contributions. There is no getting around the truth. Ryan Poles scored a major victory for the Bears with that Monangai pick. While his ceiling remains somewhat modest, there is no question that he should be a quality piece in this offense for at least the next couple of years. Getting that from a 7th round pick is no small thing.
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