The Chicago Bears have selected Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai with the 233rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This marks the Bears' final selection of the draft barring a trade up, and head coach Ben Johnson is thrilled to add Monangai to the roster after missing out on some top prospects earlier in the draft.
Monangai has made a name for himself in college football, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Scarlet Knights. In his final year at Rutgers, he carried the ball 256 times for an impressive 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed in the passing game with 14 receptions for 75 yards and one score. Remarkably, Monangai has zero career fumbles in 670 attempts, a statistic that certainly caught the attention of NFL scouts.
According to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, "Monangai is a short but stout two-time team captain who is bundled tightly into a compact, muscular frame. He is quicker than fast and lacks breakaway speed but can change the track of the run at a moment’s notice with unpredictable cuts at sharp angles. His vision is average and his lack of run-lane discipline will irk offensive line coaches, but he creates yardage out of nowhere and has exceptional contact balance to repel would-be tacklers. He lacks ideal third-down value, so teams will need to be comfortable with tabbing Monangai as an early-down backup who can handle a heavier carry load if needed."
Monangai joins a Bears running back room that includes D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, presenting him with an opportunity to compete for carries and a roster spot. The Bears' 2025 draft class includes several notable picks: in addition to Monangai, they selected tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick, wide receiver Luther Burden III at 39, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo at 56, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner at 62. They also picked linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, cornerback Zah Frazier, and offensive guard Luke Newman in the later rounds.
Monangai's journey to the NFL is impressive. He finished second in Rutgers program history behind Ray Rice in rushing attempts (669) and yards (3,221), while ranking seventh in touchdowns (27). His 14 100-yard rushing games are third in program history, trailing only Rice and JJ Jennings. The Roseland, New Jersey native becomes the third former Scarlet Knights running back currently in the NFL, joining Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs) and Gus Edwards (Free Agent). Monangai’s performance in college has solidified his status as one of the program's all-time greats.
In his junior season, Monangai led the Big Ten with 1,262 rushing yards in 2023, earning unanimous All-Big Ten Second Team honors. He ran for over 140 yards in five games, including a standout performance of 145 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over Virginia Tech, as well as 163 yards and a touchdown in a Pinstripe Bowl win against Miami (FL). Following that, he had another stellar season in 2024, rushing for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns, which earned him unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honors—the first running back to achieve this since Paul James in 2013.
Despite missing two games in 2024, Monangai led the Big Ten in rushing attempts (256) and finished second in yards and fourth in touchdowns. His breakout as a starting running back came after showing flashes of effectiveness in previous seasons, including a career-high 162 rushing yards against Michigan State and a strong performance in season-opening wins over Boston College and Wagner.
Monangai’s path to the NFL began at Don Bosco Prep, where he transferred after starting his high school career at Seton Hall Prep. He was recognized as a second-team All-North Jersey player for both his junior and senior years and earned All-New Jersey honorable mention as a senior in 2019. He chose Rutgers as his college destination after Greg Schiano's hiring in 2020, eventually growing into an All-Big Ten player.
At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Monangai measured in at 5-foot-9 and 209 pounds. He participated in numerous drills, showcasing his skills and confirming his readiness for the professional level. NFL Draft Analyst Dane Brugler from The Athletic noted, "A three-year starter at Rutgers, Monangai was the featured weapon in offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s zone-blocking scheme that was built around the run game. Despite being one of the lowest-ranked recruits in Greg Schiano’s 2020 class, Monangai became one of the best running backs in the Big Ten and finished No. 2 in school history with 3,221 rushing yards (behind only Ray Rice)."
As Monangai steps onto the professional stage, he carries with him a legacy of success and a determination to make his mark in the NFL. His consistent performance and strong work ethic have prepared him for this moment, and Bears fans are eager to see how he will contribute to the team's future. With the Bears now turning their attention to adding undrafted free agents, Monangai's addition is a promising sign for the franchise as they look to build a competitive roster.
In conclusion, Kyle Monangai's selection in the 2025 NFL Draft is not just a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for Rutgers football, marking the most picks for the program in a single year since a record seven selections in 2013. As he embarks on his NFL journey, Monangai will undoubtedly strive to honor the legacy of those who came before him while carving out his own path in the league.
