Chicago Bears Get Strong Validation on Ozzy Trapilo Pick Despite Injury
A new NFL redraft validates the Bears’ Ozzy Trapilo pick after his late rookie breakout, even as he recovers from a serious knee injury.
The Chicago Bears saw Ozzy Trapilo emerge as a cornerstone late in his rookie season.
Then everything stopped.
A devastating patellar tendon injury cut short one of the most promising developments on Chicago’s roster, putting his 2026 outlook in serious question.
And yet, even with that setback, the rest of the league has taken notice.
In The Athletic’s latest 2025 NFL redraft, Trapilo still lands in the first round at No. 27 overall.
Ozzy Trapilo’s Emergence Changed Everything
Trapilo opened the 2025 season as a reserve. But by Week 12, he had taken over at left tackle for the Chicago Bears.
From that point forward, he didn't just hold his own; he excelled at one of the NFL's premium positions.
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Trapilo made seven starts down the stretch, including a playoff appearance in a Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers. His performance in that span turned heads across the league and solidified his status as a legitimate long-term piece on the offensive line.
Trapilo's Breakout Cut Short
That's what makes what happened next to Ozzy Trapilo so difficult.
Trapilo’s rookie season ended with a devastating patellar tendon injury in the Bears' Wild Card playoff win, one of the most serious injuries an offensive lineman can suffer. It abruptly halted what had become one of the most promising late-season breakouts on the roster.
Trapilo had just established himself as a cornerstone player, and his development curve was trending sharply upward. Instead of building on that momentum heading into 2026, he now faces a long and challenging rehabilitation process.
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The upside is undeniable, but so is the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline.
Why the Redraft Still Matters for the Bears
Even with the injury, Trapilo still earned first-round consideration in a redraft. That speaks volumes.
Teams place a premium on certain positions, and left tackle is near the top of that hierarchy. When a young player proves he can handle that role at a high level, he almost always rises into the first round in redrafts.
Trapilo is exactly that now.
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His combination of size, movement ability, and success in pass protection made him one of the most encouraging developments on Chicago’s roster in 2025.
The Bears’ Bottom Line
The Bears are betting on the long game. If Ozzy Trapilo returns healthy, they will have a cornerstone left tackle protecting Caleb Williams for years to come.
But that “if” matters.
Patellar tendon injuries are not minor setbacks, and Trapilo’s recovery will be one of the most important storylines for this team entering 2026.
Still, the redraft sends a clear message. Chicago got the pick right.
Now, it is about getting their rising star back on the field.
