Left tackle is the one roster battle around which all others orbit for the Chicago Bears. It is the only premium position on the team that is up for grabs since it involves guarding Caleb Williams’ blind side. Head coach Ben Johnson knows how important his decision will be, so he isn’t rushing it. He’s giving all the players involved a legitimate chance to prove their mettle. It started as a three-man race between incumbent Braxton Jones, former 3rd round pick Kiran Amegadjie, and rookie 2nd round pick Ozzy Trapilo. Based on recent rumblings, the battle has narrowed to two.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Amegadjie has improved from last year but still hasn’t mastered his fundamentals yet. It is now a showdown between Jones and Trapilo. The veteran has certain advantages the coaching staff likes, but Trapilo appears to have one that matters significantly more.
The left tackle battle between veteran Braxton Jones and rookie Ozzy Trapilo will intensify throughout August. “I see that one coming down to the very end,” Poles said. While Jones, a three-year veteran who recently recovered from his ankle injury, has superior feet and athleticism, Trapilo’s ability to anchor in pass protection has been impressive.
One thing people couldn’t get past with Jones was his weak anchor. Power rushers often find success driving him into the backfield, clouding the pocket. Trapilo, with his 6’8 and 315 lb frame, doesn’t have that issue.
Ozzy Trapilo has the inside track, but the race isn’t over.
There is still a chance the upcoming joint practice against Miami and the preseason opener could change minds. A bad performance by Ozzy Trapilo in that stretch might convince Johnson to lean toward Jones. The rookie has gotten the majority of first-team snaps over the past two practices. It is a notable indication that the team is growing more comfortable with him in the starting lineup. The next seven days will likely determine how it all ends. If Trapilo wins the job, it will be a major victory for GM Ryan Poles. Finding a quality left tackle who can start immediately is never easy. Finding one in the 2nd round is even more difficult. Fans should be excited about how quickly this draft class is coming together.
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