Usually, when the Chicago Bears form their practice squad each year, it’s made up of players who were with them throughout training camp but couldn’t fit on the main roster. That is standard procedure for most teams. However, the team does tend to throw a couple of interesting spices into the mix, with names who weren’t on the team before. Defensive back Tre Flower was one such example last year. Would they do the same thing again this time around? Yes, and it’s a familiar name for Bears fans: Christian Jones.
This time, it isn’t the former linebacker who started for them in the mid-2010s. This is the former 5th round offensive tackle selected by the Arizona Cardinals in 2024. Jones made a name for himself at Texas, helping the program to some considerable success during his time there. Arizona made him one of their final cuts this offseason, likely due to new head coach Mike LaFleur wanting his own personnel up front. The Bears managed to lure him to Chicago. It doesn’t take long to recognize why they wanted him.
Christian Jones is very much a Ben Johnson guy.
If there is one thing we know about head coach Ben Johnson, it is that he wants to play a particular style of football. He wants violence and physicality in the run game. That is a brand Jones enjoys. He earned a reputation in college for being one of the nastiest blockers on the Longhorns’ offensive line. It doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’5″ with 34-inch arms. He puts that size and length to good use. That power also works in his anchor against the bull rush, which offensive line coach Dan Roushar will appreciate.
The primary concern with Christian Jones was his overall limited athleticism. He fell into the typical category of a big, nasty dude that can’t move well in space. This is probably why the Cardinals never felt comfortable giving him greater opportunities to start over the past two years. Jones only started one game in his career. That is the 2024 season finale against San Francisco. He did not allow a pressure. After that, he hasn’t played a regular season snap. His only action was 75 snaps over the past two preseasons, allowing 5 pressures and 1 sack.
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This is a depth option with developmental upside.
We already know this Bears coaching staff can make the most of bigger offensive tackles with athletic limitations. Ozzy Trapilo showed as much last season. Offensive line expert Brandon Thorn saw him as a developmental project two years ago. His ideal spot would be swing tackle, stepping in for someone in an emergency. He just isn’t equipped to stand on an island by himself with NFL-caliber pass rushers. Jones doesn’t have the bend or mobility for that. Still, he does have value.
This is a situation where you trust Johnson and Roushar. They’ve demonstrated a keen eye for good depth before. Jordan McFadden proved that last season. Jones could be an asset in the running game, particularly the jumbo packages in short yardage situations. Johnson has no shortage of those. Once Jones is up to speed on the offense, he could come in for those smashmouth moments.
