This ex-Rutgers football star could be biggest fantasy steal of 2025

Rutgers doesn’t crank out fantasy football stars often — but when they do, people take notice.

Just ask Kansas City’s Isiah Pacheco, who went from a seventh-round pick to a fantasy playoff hero. And now, another Rutgers product might be flying under the radar ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

At least that’s what RotoBaller fantasy analyst Dave Ventresca thinks.

According to Ventresca, the Chicago Bears might’ve found a late-round steal in rookie running back Kyle Monangai — and fantasy managers, especially in dynasty leagues, should be paying attention.

“Gamers should feel comfortable selecting Monangai anywhere in the fourth round of rookie drafts,” Ventresca wrote. “He has a real chance at getting significant playing time as a rookie and could be Chicago's RB2 by the time the 2025 season begins."

The Bears grabbed Monangai in the seventh round of this year’s draft, but his production at Rutgers suggests he’s got more to offer than your typical Day 3 pick.

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The 5-foot-9 back was the engine for Rutgers the last two years, helping the Scarlet Knights put together their first back-to-back winning seasons since 2011-12.

Last year, he rushed for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging five yards per carry. His receiving work was limited — just 14 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown — but Monangai’s calling card is his physical, tackle-breaking style.

In fact, among 154 college backs with at least 100 carries, Monangai ranked 10th in missed tackles forced, according to Pro Football Focus — a skill set that often translates well to the NFL.

He even draws some comparisons to former Bears running back David Montgomery, who new head coach Ben Johnson knows well from their time together in Detroit.

Monangai runs hard, breaks tackles, and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder — and with Chicago’s backfield wide open, he’s going to have every chance to make some noise.