LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — When the Bears sent several evaluators to Salt Lake City in April 2022 to check the final boxes in their assessment of offensive tackle Braxton Jones, they believed he was a hidden gem in the NFL Draft.
A standout at Southern Utah and a two-time All-Big Sky selection, Jones made a strong impression on the Bears in that final workout before Chicago selected him in the fifth round of that draft. The selection of Jones wasn't considered a flier in the mind of general manager Ryan Poles, who envisioned Jones being an immediate starter.
Since then, the 24-year-old Jones has started 28 games over two seasons with the Bears – including playing every single snap of his rookie season at left tackle – and his performance has only enhanced Poles' confidence.
But as the Bears have opened a pivotal offseason, Poles didn't fully commit to Jones remaining in his first-team role at left tackle.
“I do believe he’s a starting left tackle,” Poles said. “But if it comes down to a situation to increase competition and that’s what’s best for us, then we’ll do that.”
Jones ranked 35th out of 83 eligible offensive tackles in the 2023 season in Pro Football Focus' grades as he continued to prove his place as a starter in this league. Though he missed six games with a neck injury, Jones returned to action in early November and showcased “progress,” as Poles said.
The Bears view Jones as a player who's still developing with more room for improvement.
“He’s a young guy,” Bears offensive line coach Chris Morgan said. “And the more experience he gets, the better. I just see Braxton continuing to grow and get better every rep he takes.”
The Bears' decision at left tackle will come down to whether they see a clear opportunity to improve from Jones' level of play. The Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, which they're expected to utilize in some fashion to address their quarterback situation. They also hold the No. 9 overall selection, where prized offensive tackle prospects like Joe Alt (Notre Dame), Olu Fashanu (Penn State) and JC Latham (Alabama) could be available.
Last April, the Bears selected right tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 10 overall pick. Their confidence remains high in Wright’s future. Soon, they'll face a decision on how to form the other side of their bookend tackle combination.
Before committing to Jones’ future at left tackle, Poles and the Bears plan to evaluate their alternatives.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.