GEM: Why the Chicago Bears’ Kyle Monangai TRANSFORMED Their Backfield as a Rookie in 2025

The Chicago Bears uncover an NFL Draft seventh-round gem as Kyle Monangai powers their ground game in 2025. Can this hard-nosed Rutgers running back carve out a long-term role alongside D'Andre Swift? Damian Parson unpacks Monangai’s breakout NFL rookie campaign, spotlighting his relentless running style, elite vision, and contact balance that helped the Bears rack up nearly 1,800 rushing yards between their top two backs. Key analysis dives into Monangai’s strengths—patience in zone concepts, physicality in short-yardage, and dependable ball security (zero fumbles). The episode scrutinizes his athletic limitations, concerns about top-end speed, and the refinement needed in pass protection. Does Monangai’s blue-collar approach outweigh his lack of explosiveness? Damian explains why a B- grade reflects both promise and areas for growth, and how Monangai could develop into a reliable RB2 or more in Chicago’s evolving offense. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.   Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON   Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.       FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.