Ben Johnson needs zero convincing that Bears draft pick is the real deal

While Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft was not a great one for the Chicago Bears fans, there was one pick that got everyone excited for the future.

In the second round, the Bears selected Iowa center Logan Jones after a successful college career that included him being a three-time All-Big Ten selection, an unanimous All-American selection in 2025, and being last year's Rimington Trophy winner as the nation's best center. Bears head coach Ben Johnson talked about what it was that convinced him that Jones was the real deal.

"We felt convinced as a staff, coaching staff, and personnel side, that he was our guy," Johnson said via ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "The mental is top-notch. We saw all the traits we’re looking for, whether it’s the run game or pass pro. And we brought him in for a Top 30, and I think that’s when it really solidified it for us that, yeah, he has the makeup. The guys at Iowa were raving about him. And then just the next level as far as football IQ as well. I think none of us have any qualms that he’ll be able to download the information. And once again, that’s just another spot where we’ll have high-level competition."

Ben Johnson believes Logan Jones is the real deal (and so should Bears fans)

Jones dominated throughout his college career, with 2025 a career year for him, as he received accolades and was the ninth-highest-graded center in the nation by Pro Football Focus in 2025, with a 79. On 311 pass blocking snaps, he only allowed three pressures and one sack.

There is a high percentage chance that Jones rides the bench to start his NFL career, as he will have a chance to learn from veteran Garrett Bradbury in 2026. Bradbury is the short-term replacement for Pro Bowler Drew Dalman, who stunningly retired from the league during the offseason at the age of 27.

It's clear that Jones is going to be brought in as the future replacement, and he fits what the Bears need in a center. His 4.9-second 40 time shows the kind of athleticism Chicago needs at center to set up the offense for success, while also having the high football IQ to handle Johnson's complicated scheme.

Read more: Bears continue add to Ryan Poles' masterpiece trade with Panthers 3 years later

Bears fans aren't going to see the full potential of Jones for a while, but what he has shown so far is that he could end up being one of the greats.

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