Every rookie that enters the NFL through the draft has one player they view as their heroes or biggest influences, and there's no exception to one player joining the Chicago Bears.
The Bears selected Iowa center Logan Jones with the 57th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with the intentions of being the future starter at the position. Jones spoke to the media and said that Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum is his biggest influence.
"Just seeing the way he handled his business, the way he operated, the way he played the game. He's somebody I looked up to," Jones said via The Score's Chris Emma. "I was young, and I wanted to play at a super high level. (And) I think the biggest thing was my mental capacity for handling things, being confident, and making sure everybody was on the same page."
Logan Jones picked the right guy to look up to
Honestly, many centers moving forward will be looking up to Linderbaum as an influence. He's been selected to three straight Pro Bowls in just a four-year career. Oh, it helps, too, that he reset the center market, bringing it to about $27 million per year from $18 million.
Jones may have to wait a bit if he wants to prove that he's the next Linderbaum, as he's most likely going to be riding the bench in 2026. Garrett Bradbury is poised to be the starter as he replaces Drew Dalman after his stunning retirement.
Chicago spoke volumes about how they feel about Jones after taking him in the second round of the draft. This Bears team has some big needs at defensive tackle and edge rusher, but instead made sure they got their guy in Jones.
Read more: Bears fans will leave Ryan Poles' high five hanging after his thoughts on draft
If the Bears can get Jones to play like Linderbaum, the future is going to be very bright in Chicago.
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