Who is Kyle Monangai?
By Shawn Lugo
Kyle Monangai was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 7th round (233rd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. He played his collegiate ball as running back for Rutgers University.
Who is Kyle Monangai? Well, let's dig in.
Unanimous 1st-Team All-Big Ten
🏈0 Fumbles (on 676 career carries)
🏈Career Stats: 3,222 Yards | 27 TDs
🏈4.60 40-Yard Dash
🏈139 Missed Tackles Forced (1st in NCAA Since 2023)
Top Traits for this RB
💪Physical
💪Contact balance
🔒Ball security
At Rutgers, he was a workhorse with solid production between the tackles—showing good vision, balance, and toughness. However, his limited contribution in the passing game (both as a receiver and in pass protection) likely hurt his draft stock. NFL teams generally want third-down backs to be versatile, and Monangai’s lack of dynamic receiving skills makes him more of a two-down option initially.
In 2023, he led the Big Ten in rushing with 1,262 yards and had 8 TDs
In 2024, he followed that up with 1,279 yards (2nd in the Big Ten), led the conference with 256 carries and was 4th in the Big Ten with 14 touchdowns.
This was a very impressive two-year stretch for Kyle Monangai, especially considering the level of competition in the Big Ten. Leading the conference in carries and rushing yards (2,541)over the last two years combined showcases his durability, consistency, and ability to handle a heavy workload. His 14 touchdowns last season also highlight his effectiveness in short-yardage and goal-line situations—traits that could carve out a role for him in the NFL, even if it's as a situational or early-down back.
While his receiving limitations are notable, his production and toughness give him a solid foundation to earn a roster spot—especially in a Bears offense that may be looking for a physical, between-the-tackles runner to complement quicker backs or a pass-heavy scheme.
🐻Projected Possible Role with the Bears (2025 Season)
Depth Chart Position: Likely RB3 or RB4 to start, depending on injuries or performance in training camp and preseason.
Primary Role: Early-down/short-yardage back, potential special teams contributor.
Ceiling: Rotational power back; could become RB2 if he proves dependable and improves as a receiver or pass blocker.
Monangai vs. Swift: Playing Style & Traits
Trait
Height/Weight
Running Style
Burst/Speed
Change of Direction
Receiving Ability
Pass Protection
Ideal Usage
Kyle Monangai
5’8”, 211 lbs — compact, powerful
Downhill bruiser, thrives on contact
Below average long speed and burst
Average; more straight-line power
Limited — not natural as a pass-catcher
Still developing
Early downs, short-yardage, inside zone/gap runs
D’Andre Swift
5’9”, 208 lbs — leaner, quicker
Elusive, explosive, excels in space
Very good — quick accelerator with home-run potential
Excellent — fluid hips and shifty footwork
One of Swift’s best traits — sharp route runner
Decent, though inconsistent at times
Passing downs, outside zone/stretch plays, open space work
In conclusion, Kyle Monangai is a strong schematic and cultural fit for the Chicago Bears. While he may not have the flash or versatility of others in the backfield, his physical, no-nonsense running style and proven durability at Rutgers align well with the identity Chicago is trying to build—especially under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Monangai adds grit to a backfield that already has speed and shiftiness in Swift.
He can be a reliable option in goal-line and 3rd-and-short scenarios, areas where the Bears struggled at times last season. As a 7th-round pick, he's a low-risk investment who brings a high motor and team-first mentality. Johnson also values physical runners and can scheme around their limitations, using Monangai situationally in heavy packages and to wear down defenses. Only time will tell if this was a diamond in the rough or just a special teamer not long for the Bears backfield.
Player Comp David Montgomery Lite.
