Chicago Bears Roster: Ranking the top 5 players under the age of 25
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears Top 5 Under 25: No. 4 - Braxton Jones, OT
Braxton Jones’ 2022 campaign becomes easier to appreciate when you realize how hard playing offensive tackle is for rookies. Outside of quarterback and maybe cornerback, it’s hard to think of a position that has a lower success rate for rookies than tackle.
It isn’t like Jones was a surefire prospect, either. He was a day-three pick thrust into a starting role on an offense with a first-year play caller and a quarterback that, on average, held onto the football for longer than anyone else in the league. It’s this further context that casts Jones’ 2022 season in a more favorable light.
Being a serviceable tackle as a rookie isn’t an easy task for anyone, let alone a fifth-round selection like Jones. He was a mauler in the run game and has the requisite athleticism and foot speed to become a better pass protector.
Chicago taking Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright in this year's drafts is a testament to their confidence in Jones, as Wright primarily projects as a right tackle, meaning Jones will continue to stay on the left side.
The hope for fans is that Wright is on this list this time next year, but until then, Jones is the best lineman the Bears have to offer for this age range.