One of the biggest questions that the Chicago Bears have had since the 2025 NFL draft is, who will start at left tackle?
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report went through the biggest position battles for every team, and while there are just a few weeks ago, he is still looking into who will start at left tackle.
"The Chicago Bears only have one question mark along the offensive line, on quarterback Caleb Williams' blind side.Moe Moton
Since 2022, Jones has started in 40 games at left tackle. While solid, he may not have upside that's comparable to Trapilo's ceiling.
Jones and Trapilo saw action in Week 1 of the preseason, which is an indication that the Bears will continue to evaluate them in a crucial battle. Keep in mind Chicago has a new offensive coaching staff that isn't tied to Jones.
If Trapilo doesn't earn the job this year, Chicago could promote him to the starting role while Jones tests free agency next offseason."
Who should be the starter at left tackle for Chicago?
The tides have started to shift back to Braxton Jones in this battle. When Ozzy Trapilo was drafted in the second round, speculation was high that he would be replacing Jones. You draft players that high because you think they can see the field early, and Jones was coming off a fractured ankle.
Jones was not a sure thing for week one, and Trapilo was getting all of the first-team work in OTAs. However, training camp has spun it back.
Trapilio is a former right tackle from Boston College trying to play NFL left tackle. That is a jump and a switch. Training camp has exposed more than OTAs. More than that, Jones is now much healthier.
There was a chance that Jones would not play at all in the preseason, yet the Bears started him in the first game, and he is expected to start with the team again this week. As long as he does not look lost, he is going to win this job.
As the article mentions, the likely path for Trapilo is to spend the year learning the intricacies of the new side. Then, he could slide into the starting lineup when Jones leaves in free agency. With Jones expecting a big payday, this is an easier decision.
It also makes sense to let Jones start, play well for his money, and then slide in Trapilo, who will not be swimming as much as a rookie. So, it should not be viewed as a disappointment that Trapilo is starting to slip behind Jones.
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This is fortunate for the Bears that he is healthy so early, and it gives them depth at tackle that they have not had. However, while the starter is not named officially, it is starting to look less like a competition and more like a chance for Jones to lock down the spot.