The Chicago Bears aren’t done with free agency yet. They still have work to do at other positions, but it’s fair to assume all their biggest moves have been made. Their entire interior offensive line was revamped with Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. Meanwhile, Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett should give the defensive line some much-needed juice. The conversations have shifted to what they will do in the draft next month. GM Ryan Poles holds the 10th overall pick, and many believe there is a strong chance he could seek a Braxton Jones replacement at left tackle.
One can understand why. The former 5th round pick has delivered stretches of good play since arriving in 2022. However, he seemed to plateau somewhat last season, and then things got even worse when he broke his leg. Now, his status for the upcoming season is murky. With average left tackles getting crazy money in free agency, the Bears may not be wild about paying him. Even so, ESPN draft insider Matt Miller doesn’t believe a left tackle is in play for them at #10. He explained why on 670 The Score.
Braxton Jones might actually be the safest option.
The harsh reality is the top left tackle options in this draft class all have serious red flags regarding their ability to play the position in the NFL. Will Campbell of LSU has 32-inch arms, which is below what the league considers the red line for a tackle. Josh Simmons of Ohio State, who is regarded as the most natural left tackle this year, tore his patella tendon last season. Kelvin Banks of Texas is experienced but also has length concerns and displays holes in his pass protection.
Because of these issues, none of them is a surefire guarantee to be great as pros. That may convince the Bears that sticking with Braxton Jones for another year is the safer bet. They could instead target players with better chances of excelling. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, and Marshall pass rusher Mike Green feel like possibilities. The Bears could also look to trade down for more picks. They must be completely sold on one of these tackles to pull the trigger.
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Jones needs to be replaced this year or next. Does Poles have the guts to do it?
One thing with the line as it is everyone won’t be looking to get paid at once. Different age and contract status spreds things out. But lineman still need to be added.
You don’t wait until you are forced to overpay to keep a fringe player. You draft someone you think you can mold into a starter- someone with traits you like. You sign UDFAs and raid other team’s practice squads to try to develop some guys into at least solid back ups.
You say you now have the coaching to get the job done. So trust them. Let your coaches do their jobs and put some talent into the pipeline for you.
@Skeeter, Johnson did run a lot of 12 personnel so maybe thats likely. Who knows, maybe Jones gets trained up by the current staff and makes a solid show of it. He will be in a contract year and nothing gets you paid more than playing lights out.
If we have to eventually retain Braxton I’m almost certain the coaches would have to keep a TE on his side for better protection on passing downs.