The Chicago Bears are 3-7, so thoughts among fans have already shifted to the NFL draft next April. There is minimal hope this team make a miraculous turnaround in the final seven games. That means GM Ryan Poles has to start making a list of his priorities for what will arguably become the most important draft of his career. He will have two 1st round picks at his disposal, the first time that has happened for this organization since 2003. Getting those selections right could alter the trajectory of the franchise.
Poles has to make sure he makes the correct decisions. It starts with figuring out which positions he should focus on upgrading. Most agree quarterback will be high on that list. Tyson Bagent has established himself as a long-term backup, which is good. The problem is Justin Fields hasn’t done enough to justify the same confidence as a starter. Wide receiver, center, and a three-technique pass rusher are also significant needs. However, the biggest conundrum was left tackle.
The 2024 class appears to be loaded with strong options. Taking one could set the Bears offensive line up for years to come, especially with how good Darnell Wright and Teven Jenkins have looked this season. One person stood in the way of that idea: Braxton Jones. Could the second-year tackle step up his game enough to sway the Bears away from that idea? Based on recent evidence, the answer is yes.
The Chicago Bears have to like what they see from Jones.
He looked sharp in his first three games of the year before a neck injury sidelined him for over a month. It was hard to know what he would look like when he returned. Turns out it’s the same. Jones has made progress in his pass protection, showcasing more polished technique and an improved anchor against the bull rush. He’s allowing an average of 2.0 pressures per game this season, down from the 2.35 he allowed as a rookie. If this trend holds for the rest of the year, he will allow only 22 total pressures in 11 games. That would’ve ranked him in the top 15 among offensive tackles last season.
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Impressive work, considering the two quarterbacks he’s had to block for. It might be enough to convince the Chicago Bears to focus their 1st round efforts on other positions. They can go hunting for that elusive three-technique or draft another high-end wide receiver. Maybe they finally land a franchise quarterback. Being able to narrow the list of needs is a big key. It is also a great look for Poles, who scouted and drafted Jones in the 5th round last year. Landing a possible franchise left tackle that late is almost impossible.
