Braxton Jones’ progress at left tackle was one of the biggest subplots going into the 2023 season. The Chicago Bears felt they really stumbled onto something when they drafted the kid out of Southern Utah in the 5th round. They loved his mixture of size and athleticism. He had the physical temperament they wanted and a great work ethic. He ended up starting every game as a rookie, performing far above expectations. However, as is the case with most young players, there were areas he needed to improve on.
The biggest was his lack of suitable anchor in pass protection. Too many times, opposing pass rushers were able to get into his chest and drive him back to the quarterback. That can’t happen if you want to be a franchise left tackle. So Jones set to work in the offseason fixing the problem. His 2023 season started well. He looked sharp in his first few games. Then things took an unfortunate turn when he got sidelined by a neck injury for six games. Since returning, he has continued to put forth solid performances. Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune asked for his personal assessment of how things have gone this year and what comes next.
Jones’ answer was forthright and honest.
“I’ve got to make a huge jump in technique,” Jones said. “It’s going to be big for me. I feel like I’ve gotten enough strength to do what I need to do, but I’m putting myself in bad situations so it doesn’t even matter if you have strength or no strength.
“With bad technique, you’re never going to be able to play in this league. The biggest thing for me this offseason is getting technically correct. Then everything can come together and I can have a clean third year.”
Braxton Jones was right on the money.
Based on the tape he’s shown in recent weeks, his anchor in pass protection has improved. It popped up a few times against Cleveland last week. The problem was they often exposed his technical issues, especially late in the game. That would explain why it was so fresh on Jones’ mind. Granted, things like that happen when you have to go against Myles Garrett. Jones is far from a completed project yet. He knows that. Still, his progress over the past several months is beyond encouraging.
It is also timely—the Bears project to have two picks in the top 10 next April. Two highly-touted left tackle prospects are expected to be available in Penn State’s Olu Fashanu and Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. If GM Ryan Poles has concerns about Braxton Jones, it is almost a certainty he would target one of them. Based on the performances over the past month, it feels like the Bears will be able to focus on other positions. Left tackle is secure. Hopefully, Jones takes another step forward in his technique so he can realize his full potential.
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