The Chicago Bears are focused on acquiring a quarterback but let it be known that the offensive line is undoubtedly right behind that. Their front five was a disappointment in every way most of last season. Despite stabilizing things for a stretch late in the year, it still wasn’t a unit that looked poised for big things in 2021. They need adjustments. Not to mention depth. This might explain their interest in Robert Jones.
The Middle Tennessee offensive linemen is hardly a big name down at the Senior Bowl. At least among fans and the media. However, the scouting community seems well aware of him. According to draft insider Justin Melo of The Draft Wire, the interior blocker has met with all 32 teams during the festivities down in Mobile, Alabama. Three of them though have shown an added interest.
#MTSU OL Robert Jones met with all 32 teams at The Senior Bowl. Lots of interest in a riser that had a great week in Mobile.
The #Dolphins, #Bears and #Raiders particularly showed a lot of interest.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) January 30, 2021
So why would the Bears like this guy so much?
Well for one it appears likely he’ll go somewhere on Day 3 of the draft. So he can be had for cheap. Most of the Bears’ higher draft choices will likely be reserved for their quarterback pursuits. Another is his talent. At 6’5, 330 lbs he’s a massive young man and seems to know how to use it. Kyle Crabbs of the Draft Network had high praise for him.
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“Jones is a mauler who offers heavy hands and a thick frame—exactly the kind of build and profile you routinely see make ends meet on the interior. Jones does not have a great deal of functional athleticism, but his pass sets are sufficient and he offers plenty of power in his hands and mobility in the run game.”
Watching him down at the Senior Bowl? It’s not hard to see the appeal. Jones comes across as physical, nasty, and not afraid to mix it up with anybody. His hands are active and violent. He shows a solid anchor in pass protection and enough quickness to pull on run blocks. Something the Bears often like to do in their system. So it isn’t hard to understand their interest.
Middle Tennessee’s Robert Jones with a disrespectful take down here. He’s gonna be another riser this week. pic.twitter.com/dmBIGiRU2Y
— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) January 28, 2021
Another good rep by MTSU OL Robert Jones. This time vs Pitt's Rashad Weaver.#SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/uDsofNRqJA
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) January 27, 2021
Robert Jones vs Graham pic.twitter.com/01d6Wb9wie
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 27, 2021
Robert Jones shows the trend the Bears are shifting
One of the problems a lot of fans had with the offensive line was how passive they came across at times. Where was the fire? Where was the fight? They didn’t have any “pricks” up front. Somebody willing to throw fists if the situation called for it. Think Olin Kreutz and Kyle Long. Enforcer types. They don’t have anybody like that at present. Perhaps Jones could be more of what they’re missing.
Offensive line coach Juan Castillo is known for turning unheralded offensive linemen into productive starters. Just look at what he did with Sam Mustipher and Alex Bars this past year. Both were undrafted free agents. Both ended up solidifying the offensive line during that pivotal home stretch where the Bears won three in a row. So he would embrace a challenge like Robert Jones.
Rest assured though. He isn’t the only player this team likely covets.
They also met with other offensive linemen in Mobile including potential 1st round tackle Dillon Radunz. Their focus seems to be on that side of the ball. Hardly a surprise after another disappointing finish. Scoring points is pivotal to whatever success they seek in 2021. For that they need a quarterback and quality blocking in front of him Right now they have neither. Thus the search will continue.