The number 26 player on our list was one of the hardest to rank.
There’s a realistic chance that by the second month of the season, this player becomes one of the 10 most important to the outcome of Bears games. But there’s just as good of a chance that he doesn’t play another snap for the team. That player is Braxton Jones.
Chicago Bears 2025 Player Rankings: No. 26 – Braxton Jones
A fifth-round pick turned three-year starter is not a bad outcome. Even if Jones doesn’t play for the Bears this season, he’s likely to receive a solid contract from another team in free agency next offseason. However, Jones would love to get back on the field and raise that value even more.
He’s coming off ankle surgery, and his participation in training camp is expected to be limited. Additionally, the Bears have a new coaching staff and drafted a potential replacement in second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo. Given that Jones is likely to be gone after this season due to salary expectations, the Bears are incentivized to get Trapilo up to speed and hope he wins the job from the start.
Still, how often does a rookie step in and play every snap at left tackle, especially when switching from the right side in college? That may open the door for Braxton Jones to start at least part of the year, which is why he has to stay within the top 30.
Read more: Ranking most important Bears on 2025 roster: Number 27 is dynamic young back
It’s worth remembering that Jones didn’t miss a single snap as a rookie left tackle, and while he didn’t switch sides, he did come from a much lower level of college competition. That’s both a case for Trapilo managing the transition and a reminder that Jones remains underrated despite this low ranking.