The Chicago Bears offensive line has opened many eyes through the first few weeks of the season. While they’ve been far from perfect, their performance across the past three games leads many to think they’re better than they got credit for. A big reason for that is the performance of key young players. Teven Jenkins has found a home at right guard. However, the bigger surprise is the emergence of Braxton Jones at left tackle.
People were intrigued by the rookie 5th round pick during the summer. He claimed the starting spot in OTAs, kept it through training camp, and never relinquished it in the preseason. Some thought the Bears were crazy for putting somebody from small Southern Utah with no experience on the blind side of Justin Fields. None of them have reasons to complain lately since his name is rarely mentioned. One tape analyst believes the rookie is turning into one of the biggest steals of the entire 2022 draft.
The Football Scout on Youtube broke down why that is.
Braxton Jones has run quite the gauntlet thus far.
He started out against Nick Bosa in Week 1, faced Preston Smith and Rashan Gary in Week 2, and then tangled with ageless Jerry Hughes last Sunday. Those are four top-notch NFL pass rushers. Not being completely overwhelmed by such a challenge is a testament to his talent and preparation. Not only that, but he also seems to have improved on what many felt was his biggest weakness in college. That being his run blocking.
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The numbers back up the assessment too. ESPN has Braxton Jones tied for third among all NFL tackles in the highest pass block win rate.
GM Ryan Poles still has work to do with the offensive line. Right tackle Larry Borom looks less and less like a long-term starter as the games go along. They still could use an upgrade at center unless Lucas Patrick finally shows he can play there rather than rotating at right guard with Jenkins. There is no doubt that Jones’ emergence makes the Bears’ entire 2023 plan far easier. Finding quality left tackles is beyond difficult in this league. Scoring one in the 5th round doesn’t happen. Don’t be surprised if this development becomes one of the significant turning points in the team’s offensive fortunes a few years down the road.
