The Chicago Bears sign 2024 draft picks Ozzy Trapilo & Shemar Turner ahead of camp. See how Trapilo could start day one with Braxton Jones on the PUP list.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Chicago Bears solidified their lines on both sides of the ball Thursday, officially signing two of their three second-round draft picks. Offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive lineman Shemar Turner have inked their rookie contracts, a huge sigh of relief for fans and a critical step for the team as rookies prepare to report to training camp.
With Braxton Jones expected to start camp on the PUP list, the door is wide open for Ozzy Trapilo to seize the starting left tackle job from day one.
General Manager Ryan Poles can check two major items off his to-do list. The signing of OT Ozzy Trapilo from Boston College is particularly timely. With incumbent left tackle Braxton Jones expected to begin camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list after a fractured ankle, Trapilo isn't just coming in for depth; he's competing for a starting role immediately. Praised for his quick feet and ability to seal the edge, he has the potential to form a bookend tackle duo with Darnell Wright for years to come. On the other side of the ball, Texas A&M product Shemar Turner brings much-needed interior pass-rush juice. Getting his deal done is significant, as negotiations for second-round picks have been tricky across the league this offseason due to disputes over guaranteed money. Turner will now be able to focus on learning the ropes from veteran standout Grady Jarrett and energizing the defensive front.
These signings don't happen in a vacuum. They are crucial pieces of a 2025 draft class designed to make an immediate impact. With first-round tight end Colston Loveland and second-round receiver Luther Burden III also in the fold, the Bears are assembling a formidable young core. By getting Trapilo and Turner signed before camp, the team ensures two of its most important rookies can hit the ground running without any contract distractions. The front office's goal was clear: get the foundational players signed and integrated early, and today was a major victory in that effort.
While the ink is still drying on these deals, attention now turns to the remaining questions. The team still needs to lock up its final second-round pick, receiver Luther Burden III, to complete the set. On the field, the biggest storyline will be the offensive line competition. Beyond that, the team also announced a special teams preview, highlighting that the kick and punt returner jobs are wide open. While less glamorous than rookie contracts, winning the field position battle is crucial, and the competition for those spots will be a key storyline to watch once the pads come on.
With two of the three crucial second-rounders now under contract, the Bears' front office has taken care of major business ahead of training camp. The focus now shifts squarely to the field, where these rookies will be expected to contribute immediately. The battles at left tackle and on special teams will be fierce, but today's news is a massive step in the right direction, solidifying the foundation for what fans hope is a dominant 2025 season.
