Kyle Monangai, the Chicago Bears’ newest backfield addition, brings an almost unbelievable record of ball security, a trait highly coveted in the demanding landscape of the National Football League. His last recorded fumble dates back to 2019, an astonishing six years ago, making him an anomaly in a sport where turnovers can swiftly change the tide of a game.
This impeccable ball-handling prowess was on full display during his college career. The precise moment of his last fumble is etched in his memory: October 19, 2019, a game where he nonetheless showcased his potential with 225 rushing yards and a touchdown. Since that day, through 669 carries and 38 receptions at Rutgers, totaling 707 touches, Monangai has not put the ball on the ground once, solidifying his reputation as a “sure-handed” back.
His exceptional reliability, combined with an impressive 2,541 rushing yards over his final two seasons for the Scarlet Knights, undoubtedly made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams. The Chicago Bears ultimately selected him in the seventh round of the recent NFL Draft, aiming to bolster their running back corps alongside established talents like D’Andre Swift and promising 2023 fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson.
It’s worth noting that Monangai wasn’t the Bears’ primary target at the running back position early in the draft. Reports indicated a strong interest in Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson at the beginning of the second round. However, the Bears were unable to orchestrate a trade to move ahead of the New England Patriots, who ultimately drafted Henderson at pick No. 38, leading Chicago to pivot and select wide receiver Luther Burden III with the 39th overall pick.
Despite being a late-round pick, Monangai’s skillset, particularly his unwavering ball security, positions him as a valuable asset for the Bears’ coaching staff. His presence provides an intriguing complement to the diverse rushing styles of Swift, a versatile playmaker, and Johnson, known for his physicality and short-yardage capabilities, creating a well-rounded unit.
Discussions with Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, known for his work with successful NFL running backs, have already provided Monangai with clear expectations. The emphasis is on embracing the NFL opportunity, earning respect through diligent effort in drills, finding ways to consistently finish plays, and contributing significantly on special teams – a crucial pathway for late-round picks to make their mark.
Monangai himself acknowledges the “chip on his shoulder” that often accompanies a seventh-round selection. Hailing from New Jersey, he understands the inherent challenges of the professional game but is driven by a strong desire to excel. While he initially anticipated being drafted higher, he expresses profound gratitude and contentment with landing in Chicago, believing it to be an ideal fit for his talents and competitive spirit.
His mentality, combined with his unique ability to avoid turnovers, suggests he could quickly carve out a significant role within the Chicago Bears’ offense. Monangai’s journey from a humble draft position to a potential impact player will be one to watch as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season, banking on his reliability to secure their backfield.
