Former Bear Kyle Long's One-Word Reaction to Ozzy Trapilo Controversy

A New Hope for the Chicago Bears' Offensive Line

When the Chicago Bears selected Boston College offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it wasn’t a moment that captured widespread attention. However, for a team in desperate need of a dominant presence on the offensive line, this pick could prove to be one of the most significant of the Ryan Poles era.

Trapilo, standing at 6-foot-8, is known for his technical skills, aggressive play style, and high football intelligence. Early on, he has drawn comparisons to former Bears Pro Bowler Kyle Long—a player who became a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line during the 2010s. The Bears chose Trapilo 56th overall, placing him in contention for a starting role at left tackle, with potential as a swing tackle as well.

Comparisons to a Legend

After observing Trapilo during minicamp, Adam Jahns of CHGO made a compelling comparison between the rookie and Long. “On the field, Ozzy Trapilo looks like Kyle Long,” Jahns said. “And it’s not just his number. Physically, he’s built like Kyle Long. He moves like Kyle Long. We know how good Kyle Long was here, albeit in a different position, for the Chicago Bears.”

This comparison sparked a reaction from Kyle Long himself. In a post on X on July 10, Long shared Jahns’ analysis and responded with a simple but telling message: “Good.” This brief response suggests that Long sees potential in Trapilo, reinforcing the idea that the rookie may have the tools to follow in his footsteps.

A Player with a Strong Background

Trapilo had an impressive college career at Boston College from 2020 to 2024. He initially redshirted in 2020 before playing 44 games with 36 starts. He began his career at left tackle, making 10 starts in 2022, before shifting to right tackle for his final two seasons. In 2024, PFF gave him an impressive 81.0 pass-blocking grade and a solid 74.1 overall mark after allowing just two sacks all season.

Despite his size, Trapilo moves fluidly and possesses elite footwork. He also maintained a low penalty count during his college career (five total penalties). Over 2,349 snaps, he allowed only seven sacks and 56 pressures, while excelling in intangibles such as leadership and a genuine passion for the game.

Versatility and Potential

While Trapilo is a different type of player than Long—he has more size, length, and mobility—his impact could mirror Long’s if he reaches his full potential. What makes Trapilo especially valuable is his positional versatility. While Long was primarily a guard, Trapilo can play both tackle positions, offering the Bears flexibility in their offensive line strategy.

If Trapilo develops into an offensive lineman comparable to or even better than Long, it would be a monumental win for the Bears. Given that he was selected in the second round rather than the first, the team could be getting even greater value than they did with Long.

A Possible Future Anchor

The Bears have struggled to consistently protect their quarterback in recent years. If Trapilo fulfills his potential, he could become the type of player who protects the franchise quarterback’s blindside for a decade. His combination of physical tools, football IQ, and leadership qualities make him a promising addition to the team’s future plans.

With the right development and coaching, Trapilo could emerge as a key player for the Bears, much like Long did during his tenure with the team. The early signs are encouraging, and fans are watching closely to see if this second-round pick can become a long-term solution for the offensive line.