Context:

Kyle Monangai, a rookie running back for the Chicago Bears, has showcased impressive ball security throughout his college career at Rutgers, boasting zero fumbles in 669 rushes. His performance in the Big Ten, where he led with 2,541 rushing yards over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, caught the attention of the Bears, leading them to select him as the 233rd overall pick. Monangai is competing to make an impact on a depth chart that includes D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. With Swift underperforming last season and the Bears' interest in free agents like Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins, Monangai's reliability with the ball could earn him a significant role. General Manager Ryan Poles has expressed confidence in Monangai’s ability to compete and contribute to the team.

Dive Deeper:

• Kyle Monangai distinguished himself at Rutgers with a remarkable record of zero fumbles in 669 rush attempts, underscoring his emphasis on ball security and grip strength.

• Monangai's performance in the Big Ten, where he accumulated 2,541 rushing yards over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, positioned him as a leading rusher and a valuable prospect for the NFL.

• The Chicago Bears selected Monangai in the seventh round of the NFL draft, with the 233rd overall pick, signaling their interest in his potential to bolster their running back lineup.

• Monangai faces competition from D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson on the Bears' depth chart, with Swift having struggled with a lower average of 3.7 yards per carry last year.

• The Bears had considered other running back options like Ashton Jeanty, Nick Chubb, and J.K. Dobbins but ultimately saw Monangai's experience and reliability as advantageous.

• General Manager Ryan Poles has expressed optimism about Monangai's ability to contribute and compete for a significant role within the team.

• Monangai's proven track record of ball security and his impressive college rushing statistics suggest he could play a pivotal role in addressing the Bears' running back challenges.

• Kyle Monangai wants to be a trustworthy running back.

• At Rutgers, that's exactly what he was, and now he hopes to bring it to the Chicago Bears.

• Consider this stat: In 669 rushes for the Scarlet Knights since 2021, Monangai never fumbled.

• "The way you kind of see me carrying the ball throughout my whole college career, that's something that was preached, something that I worked hard on -- grip strength with my hands," Monangai told ESPN. "Ball security definitely means a lot, and having zero career fumbles is something I definitely say with pride."

• The NFL rookie also had a Big Ten-leading 2,541 rushing yards across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

• The Bears used a seventh-round pick on Monangai, No. 233 overall.

• Now his task is to make inroads on a depth chart topped by D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.

• "We believe he can come in and compete," GM Ryan Poles told ESPN.

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• The Bears had considered moving up in the first round for Ashton Jeanty to solve their running back woes, but the cost had been too much.

• Swift is entering the second season of a three-year contract but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last year.

• The Bears have also been linked to the likes of Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins in free agency.

• But if they want an experienced running back who is trustworthy with the football in their hands, they already have one. His name is Kyle Monangai.

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