Latest NFL Offensive Tackle power rankings will surprise Chicago Bears fans

Outside of the Chicago Bears' decision to bring back head coach Matt Eberflus for a third season, the other decision that has been questioned by many is the team's preference to move forward with Braxton Jones as the starting left tackle on the offensive line.

While the Bears did select Kiran Amegadjie in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it would seem that the team is slow-rolling his development with the idea that he may challenge Jones for his starting spot in another season or two.

The Bears are comfortable with Jones as their starting left tackle, and the latest power rankings from Pro Football Focus validate their belief.

The rankings list the top 32 offensive tackle across the NFL and Jones made the list at No. 31.

"A fifth-round pick out of Southern Utah in 2022, Jones proved in 2023 that his impressive rookie season was not a fluke. Although he was slowed down by an injury and had a bit of a decline from his 2022 season, he is still one of 24 offensive tackles to have earned pass-blocking grades over 70.0 in each of the last two seasons."

- Pro Football Focus

When it comes to evaluating Jones, it is often through the lens of his being a fifth-round pick. To that end, yes, Jones' development has been remarkable in that he has proven capable of being a starting left tackle in the NFL. The issue is that his struggles against higher-end pass rushers leave room to be desired in terms of protecting Caleb Williams' blind side.

Falling in behind Jones was Bears' starting right tackle Darnell Wright at No. 32.

"The only second-year player on this list, Wright's 66.0 run-blocking grade ranked first among his rookie class. In addition, he was also promising in pass protection toward the second half of the season after going through some growing pains in the first month. After giving up one sack in each of his first five games in the NFL, the former Tennessee Volunteer allowed just three sacks in his final 12 games."

- Pro Football Focus

There is no question that Wright showed flashes of being one of the best right tackles in the NFL last season, even with the growing pains he experienced. Wright played most of his rookie season with a shoulder injury, so he could jump up the rankings, assuming he was healthy during his sophomore season.