Chicago Bears Rookie Impress In 2025 Preseason Debut
The Chicago Bears opened their preseason campaign on August 10, 2025, with a 24-24 tie against the Miami Dolphins. While preseason games may not count in the standings, they offer a critical opportunity for new players to prove their worth on the field. For the Bears, this meant putting their highly anticipated rookie class in the spotlight. And spotlight they did. With standout performances from tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III, the early returns look promising for the new additions under head coach Ben Johnson.
Here’s a closer look at how Chicago’s rookies fared, their potential impact for the 2025 season, and why Bears fans should be cautiously optimistic.
Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland Shows Flashes of Potential
Drafted 10th overall, Loveland entered camp with significant expectations. Tight end transitions are notorious for being tough in the NFL, yet the rookie looked sharp during his limited preseason action. Early in the first quarter, Loveland hauled in a third-and-16 pass from backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. While the play only gained eight yards, it showcased Loveland’s ability to quickly shift from blocker to safety valve—something that Ben Johnson loves in his tight ends.
The Chicago Bears deployed Loveland alongside veteran tight end Cole Kmet at times, a tandem that could become a unique weapon in Ben Johnson’s offense. Known for his love of two-tight-end sets during his time in Detroit, Johnson has made it clear that Loveland will be more than just a developmental piece.
Though his lone reception won’t jump off the stat sheet, Loveland’s ability to get physical at the line of scrimmage and maintain his route was an early indicator that he belongs in the NFL. The season-long question will be whether he can become enough of a receiving threat to balance his blocking responsibilities.
Luther Burden III Offers Glimpses of Playmaking Ability
A second-round pick at 39th overall, wide receiver Luther Burden III wasted no time showing why the Chicago Bears were willing to invest in him. After missing portions of training camp, there were concerns about Burden’s readiness, but his performance erased much of that doubt.
Burden caught two passes for 29 yards in the first half, including an impressive 13-yard reception where he used his speed and awareness to help set up a last-second field goal by kicker Cairo Santos. This play highlighted Burden’s smarts and field vision, further emphasized by his ability to escape to the sideline and stop the clock.
Perhaps most exciting for Chicago Bears fans was Burden’s explosiveness. Early in the game, he created separation on a third-down route, but the pass from Bagent came up short. Plays like that demonstrate the potential chemistry Burden could build with starting quarterback Caleb Williams. If Burden continues to polish his route-running and timing, he could become an integral part of the Bears’ offense this season.
The competition at wide receiver remains fierce, with established stars like DJ Moore holding firm as the team’s WR1. However, Burden’s blend of agility, burst, and football IQ could see him earning meaningful snaps sooner rather than later.
Depth Matters, and the Rookies Proved It
While Loveland and Burden drew the most attention, the Bears’ rookie class has depth that could pay dividends throughout the season. Running back Kyle Monangai made the most of his six carries, churning out 30 yards with a respectable 5.0 yards per carry average. He also served as a kick returner, showcasing versatility that could help him secure a roster spot.
Offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo, a third-round pick, stepped in for Braxton Jones late in the first half and held his own in pass protection. With Jones not yet guaranteed the starting left tackle role, Trapilo’s work adds an intriguing wrinkle to training camp battles.
On the defensive side, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite saw action as a strong-side linebacker and fit nicely into defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ aggressive scheme. While he remains a depth piece on the chart, Hyppolite’s instincts and physicality stood out, suggesting he’ll make an impact on special teams or situational packages.
Preseason… But With a Purpose
Yes, this was just preseason, and the Dolphins spent much of the game rotating in their backups, but there’s no denying the importance of these reps for the Bears’ rookie class. Developing young talent to complement a growing core has been at the heart of general manager Ryan Poles’ strategy, and this game served as an encouraging step in the process.
For fans worried about the high expectations placed on Ben Johnson as a first-year head coach, the early impressions of this rookie class should be a balm. Players like Loveland and Burden bring unique skill sets that complement veterans like Kmet and Moore, potentially unlocking a higher ceiling for an offense that stumbled through much of 2024.
What’s Next for the Rookies
The road to earning consistent roles is far from over. For every highlight moment, there are tape critiques, especially for Loveland’s blocking mechanics and Burden’s understanding of alignment and spacing. Yet their performances against the Dolphins provided a glimpse of what they could become.
Looking ahead, the Bears will face tougher defensive matchups in the coming weeks, opportunities that will test whether the rookies are ready to handle high-level opponents. Chemistry with the starting offense will also become a focus, particularly for Bagent’s eventual handoff of duties back to Caleb Williams.
Final Thoughts
Bears fans have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic after the preseason debut of their rookie class. Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III lived up to their potential as high-impact future contributors, while players like Monangai and Trapilo proved that depth pieces can provide meaningful support. The regular season will bring tougher tests and more demanding stakes, but the foundation laid in these early moments could pay dividends in 2025 and beyond.
