The annual offseason shift in the NFL roster landscape has largely concluded. Rookies are being assimilated into their organization's culture. Numerous veterans will be sporting new uniforms when they take the field this September. More than 12 NFL teams are entering 2026 with a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator, a new primary playcaller, or some combination of the three.
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Let's look at four members of the 2025 rookie class who are positioned to gain the most from these changes.
RB Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
Monangai finished his rookie season as the league's PPR RB33, averaging 8.4 fantasy points per game. But his expanded late-season role, demonstrated production when given the opportunity, positioning behind a vulnerable starter, and the absence of competition for the backup role collectively point to Monangai making a significant performance leap in 2026.
Expanded Role
Through Week 6 of the 2025 campaign, Monangai was on the field for more than 22 snaps exactly once, averaging 19 snaps per game. His snap share was 31 percent, compared to starter D'Andre Swift's 69 percent.
But for the remainder of the season -- including Chicago's playoff games -- the rookie averaged 32 snaps per game, playing fewer than 26 just once. His snap share percentage rose to 44 percent, even excluding the Week 9 game when Swift was out with a groin injury.
Seizing the Opportunity
In that Week 9 victory versus the Cincinnati Bengals, Monangai recorded 198 yards from scrimmage, including 176 yards on the ground. He was overall RB3 on the week. It was an outstanding audition for an increased role in the Bears' offensive game plan.
A Vulnerable Starter
Monangai backs up a 27-year-old, frequently injured starter who is in the final year of his rookie deal. Swift not only missed his Week 9 game but also had a Questionable tag for six other games due to groin, hip, and quadriceps issues.
In contrast, Monangai missed zero games and was never even listed as Questionable on game day.
No Other Competition
Chicago did not draft a rookie running back -- or even sign a major veteran free agent -- this offseason. It appears that the Bears are comfortable with either Swift or Monangai handling a bell-cow role.
Conclusion
I believe Chicago will give Monangai a significant in-season opportunity to prove he's worthy of the starting running back role in 2027. The Bears need to know how strong a position they can take in Swift's contract renewal negotiations and how urgently they must acquire an additional running back before the 2027 season.
This will tilt the utilization of Swift and Monangai closer to a 50-50 timeshare during the 2026 season, with further upside potential for Monangai given Swift's injury profile.
I expect Monangai to outperform his current ADP.