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WATCH: Every carry Bears rookie Kyle Monangai had vs. Dolphins

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai flashed high-level rushing traits against the Dolphins during his NFL debut.
Bryan Perez|
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Chicago Bears rookie running back was the team's most impressive runner against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of the 2025 preseason, and we have the film to prove it.

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Monangai ended the game with six carries for 30 yards and put starter D'Andre Swift on notice that there may be a tougher runner in town.

However, it wasn't all good for the seventh-round pick from Rutgers. His pass protection was downright brutal. In fact, it was so bad that he registered one of the lowest pass-blocking grades that I've ever seen from Pro Football Focus.

And, unfortunately, there's film to prove that, too.

I went back and evaluated all of Monangai's reps, and the result was a tough evaluation. On one hand, he was certainly an above-average runner. On the other hand, he was a complete liability in pass protection. The only way he'll earn Ben Johnson's trust to be a key factor in the offense is by improving in pass pro, and he's got a long way to go.

Until then, the Chicago Bears running back depth chart remains in flux. Swift has a strong hold on the RB1 role, which, at this point, seems virtually uncontested. The immediate backup gig is now a two-man race between Monangai and Roschon Johnson. However, with Johnson nursing a mystery foot injury, Mongangai is a few solid pass protection reps from taking that spot.

Even the third running back spot appears ripe for the taking. Ian Wheeler had a strong preseason return from a 2024 torn ACL.

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Bryan Perez
BRYAN PEREZ

Bryan Perez founded and operated Bears Talk, a Chicago sports blog. Prior to that, he covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Bears coverage, Perez is a respected member of NFL Draft media and was a past winner of The Huddle's Mock Draft competition. Bryan's past life includes time as a Northeast scout for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks.

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