Bears rookie has insane stat that could lead to a surprise role in Chicago

Kyle Monangai wants to be a trustworthy running back.

At Rutgers, that's exactly what he was, and now he hopes to bring it to the Chicago Bears.

Consider this stat: In 669 rushes for the Scarlet Knights since 2021, Monangai never fumbled.

"The way you kind of see me carrying the ball throughout my whole college career, that's something that was preached, something that I worked hard on -- grip strength with my hands," Monangai told ESPN. "Ball security definitely means a lot, and having zero career fumbles is something I definitely say with pride."

The NFL rookie also had a Big Ten-leading 2,541 rushing yards across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The Bears used a seventh-round pick on Monangai, No. 233 overall.

Now his task is to make inroads on a depth chart topped by D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.

"We believe he can come in and compete," GM Ryan Poles told ESPN.

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The Bears had considered moving up in the first round for Ashton Jeanty to solve their running back woes, but the cost had been too much.

Swift is entering the second season of a three-year contract but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last year.

The Bears have also been linked to the likes of Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins in free agency.

But if they want an experienced running back who is trustworthy with the football in their hands, they already have one. His name is Kyle Monangai.

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