After allowing quarterback Caleb Williams to be sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season, the Chicago Bears invested heavily in improving their offensive line. Now, the biggest question remaining sits at left tackle.
Braxton Jones is penciled in as the starter entering 2025. However, injuries have cast a dark cloud over his Chicago tenure. Jones’ 2024 campaign was cut short due to an ankle injury. Now, Jones is expected to be limited when training camp opens.
Still, the Bears haven’t given up on the tackle. While Chicago has been tied to plenty of lineman in the draft, the team’s offensive line coach Dan Roushar had nothing but high remarks for Jones, via CHSN.
“He’s a phenomenal man,” Roushar said. “He’s got unbelievable character. I see the work ethic. I’ve watched him rehab since I’ve been here, from the morning to early afternoon, he is working and making strong improvements right now. I think he’s an overachiever. I think he will continue to improve. That’s our job collectively to get the best out of him.”
Bears OL coach praises Braxton Jones:
"One of the greatest compliments I can give a player is being an overachiever. I don't mean that disrespectfully, the Hall of Fame is full of em. And that's how I view this guy." pic.twitter.com/mlbUONQfLJ
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) April 18, 2025
Braxton Jones’ run with Chicago Bears
Jones was originally a fifth-round pick of the Bears back in 2022. But don’t let his draft slot fool you, the tackle started all 17 games for the Bears a rookie. It was clear that general manager Ryan Poles had found a late-round steal.
However, after maintaining the starting role entering 2023, a hamstring injury sent him to injury reserve. Jones ended up playing just 11 games. Deja vu hit in 2024, as Jones suffered a season-ending ankle injury, limiting him to just 12 games.
He did look strong when he was on the field, as the offensive lineman earned a 77.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 20/140 tackles. Jones was solid in the run game, ranking 35/140 tackles with a 70.2 grade. However, he truly shined when pass blocking, as his 80.8 grade ranked 17/140.
Still, Jones was a member of that 68-sack line. While he has shined at times, his play will be under a microscope entering 2025. He’ll have a strong advocate in Roushar, but Jones must simply prove he can be Chicago’s starting left tackle over an entire season.
Bears eye offensive linemen in the draft
With Jones still hobbled, Kiran Amegadjie is expected to get a bit more run with the starters during the offseason program. A former third-round pick, the Bears have high hopes for him. However, with injuries wiping out most of his rookie campaign, Amegadjie is more of a blank slate than a trusted backup.
Holding the No. 10 overall pick in the draft, the Bears will have numerous top flight offensive linemen to choose from. At the top of the list are LSU’s Will Campbell and Missouri’s Armand Membou. Campbell, despite his short arms, is a proven commodity at tackle and considered the best lineman in the draft. Membou holds a level of athleticism not many offensive lineman do. He is climbing up draft boards as a prime example of what teams want in the next wave of offensive linemen.
However, one or both may not be available when it’s time for the Bears to pick. If they still go offensive line, Chicago can pivot to plays such as Kelvin Banks Jr or Josh Simmons. Banks has gotten some top-10 buzz after an extremely impressive career with Texas. Simmons dominated in pass protection, however an injury has hit his draft stock. Still, he fits the mold of what the Bears are looking for in terms of keeping Williams upright in the pocket.
The Bears are sure to have their hands full with everything to goes into executing an NFL Draft. But the team and Jones know that it’s more likely than not at least one offensive lineman is brought to the Windy City.
Chicago Bears soar up NFL power rankings before draft
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