All the talk during the offseason has been surrounding the new-look interior offensive line for the Chicago Bears, but what about the tackles?
The projected starters at tackle are Braxton Jones on the left side and Darnell Wright on the right. There are different stories with each guy during the 2024 season, but that did not help them in the rankings of the top tackles in the NFL.
ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler shared the rankings of the best tackles according to league executives, coaches, and scouts. It was very short for the Bears as Jones and Wright did not make the rankings. They weren't even an honorable mention.
How much of a problem is the Bears at tackle, or is it even an issue?
Last year, Jones played in 12 games before a season-ending ankle injury was suffered, and he had surgery to repair it. he is still recovering before training camp begins. After being a first-round pick in 2023, Wright has only missed one game at right tackle and has been a reliable starter.
Pro Football Focus's grades of Jones and Wright show solid starters. Jones received a 77.4 overall grade last year, ranking 21st out of 140 tackles. Wright received a higher grade of 79.3, which was good for 16th.
Jones is more of a pass blocker at tackle, as he was ranked 17th with an 80.8 PFF grade. Wright's strength in his game is being a run blocker with an 82.2 grade, good for seventh among tackles.
Being left off the rankings isn't a bad indication of the Bears at tackle. Jones and Wright have been solid starters over the last couple of years. The issue is they are middle-of-the-road guys. Not bad, but not great either.
This season should be different as Wright enters his third season. He has improved each season and should be looking at his best season and might come into his own.
Jones' situation depends on his recovery from his injury. He's got rookie second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo behind him, who could end up starting if he is not ready for the regular season.
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This won't change the outlook of an offensive line that allowed 68 sacks last year. They are much better and if both of their tackles progress in 2025, that sack number should drop dramatically.