The Chicago Bears have made a significant addition to their linebacker corps by selecting Ruben Hyppolite II from Maryland in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This move comes after the departure of veteran Jack Sanborn in free agency, prompting the Bears to bolster their roster at this critical position. With Hyppolite, along with teammates Noah Sewell and Amen Ogbongbemiga, the Bears are looking for a formidable defense alongside established veterans T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds.

Hyppolite, known for his versatility, has expressed a deep admiration for Hall of Famer Mike Singletary, stating that he has modeled his game after the legendary linebacker. This connection to the Bears’ storied linebacker history is expected to resonate well with the fanbase. If Hyppolite can even come close to emulating Singletary’s impactful play, Chicago may have found a diamond in the rough with this fourth-round pick.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has initiated an open competition for the starting strong-side linebacker (SAM) position as rookie mini-camp kicks off. With veterans TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds secure in their roles, the third spot becomes crucial following Jack Sanborn's departure to the Cowboys. Johnson emphasized the need for a prototype fit and mentioned Noah Sewell as a potential candidate, along with rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, who brings speed but requires development. Veterans Amen Ogbongbemiga and Swayze Bozeman also enter the mix, highlighting the depth of options available to the Bears.

The SAM position is evolving in the modern NFL, where nickel cornerbacks often see more action than traditional linebackers. Last season, Sanborn only played 22% of the defensive snaps, while Kyler Gordon, a key cornerback, was on the field for 77.5%. The competition is set to be intense, with Johnson keen on finding the best fit in this critical defensive role.

The Chicago Bears have made a splash in the offseason by signing first-round pick Colston Loveland to a four-year contract, with a fifth-year option. Loveland, valued for his versatility and skill at tight end, was drafted 10th overall. After a successful junior year at Michigan, where he recorded 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns, he is recovering from shoulder surgery but is expected to contribute significantly to the Bears' offense.

In addition to Loveland, the Bears have finalized contracts with four of their Day 3 draft picks: Ruben Hyppolite, Zah Frazier, Luke Newman, and Kyle Monangai. All of these players are anticipated to participate in the upcoming rookie camp, signaling a commitment to building a competitive roster under new head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles.

The Chicago Bears made a significant impact during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting eight new rookies poised to enhance their roster. With four picks in the first two rounds, they drafted tight end Colston Loveland from Michigan at 10th overall, followed by wide receiver Luther Burden III from Missouri at 39th, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo from Boston College at 56th, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner from Texas A&M at 62nd. Other additions include linebacker Ruben Hyppolite III, cornerback Zah Frazier, guard Luke Newman, and running back Kyle Monangai, who all add depth and potential to various positions. The Bears are looking to these talented newcomers to contribute from day one.