For Those Doubting Braxton Jones, Time to Wake Up! Here’s Why He’s the Real Deal for the Chicago Bears’ O-Line
Let me hit you with a reality check, especially for those of you who keep insisting that the Chicago Bears must draft a left tackle at #10 in next month’s draft… I’m about to hit you with the truth, and it might sting a bit, so buckle up.
I give you Exhibit A: Our very own Braxton Jones – your current, and potentially future, starting left tackle. Yes, I said it. Braxton Jones. And let me tell you why this guy is way better than some of you are giving him credit for.
Some of y’all are acting like Braxton is the worst left tackle in the NFL, but honestly, that’s just ridiculous. You can keep exaggerating all you want, but here’s the deal: Braxton Jones is NOT the liability some of you are making him out to be. He’s not a Hall of Famer, sure, but the guy is far from trash. In fact, he’s become legit – and I’m about to prove it to you.
The Shocking Truth: Braxton Jones is Actually Ranked 14th in the League!
Here’s something that might surprise you, especially those who keep bashing Jones without taking a second to actually look at the numbers:
According to the NFL Network, Braxton Jones was graded as the 14th best left tackle in the entire league.
Yep. You heard that right. 14th best. Out of all the left tackles in the NFL, Jones ranks 14th.
Now, let that sink in for a second. 14th is solid, especially when you consider how many elite left tackles there are in the NFL. Let me ask you this: when was the last time you saw a 5th-round pick from Southern Utah – who had basically no hype coming into the league – come in and make such an immediate impact on a team’s starting offensive line? Not only that, but he’s been consistently improving and proving his worth year after year.
Is Braxton Jones Perfect? Nope. But He’s Getting There.
Let’s be real, Jones has his flaws. He’s not a finished product. He’s not going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer tomorrow, and guess what? No one is saying he is. But does that mean he’s the worst in the league? Absolutely not.
Does he need to work on his bull rush? Yes, 100%. Does he still have areas where he can improve his technique? Yep. No one is denying that. But here’s the important part: he’s improving, and he’s improving fast.
From Year 1 to Year 2, the progress Braxton has made has been night and day. He’s been working his tail off to refine his skills, and it’s showing. He’s now one of the most reliable players on the Bears’ O-line. Imagine what he can do with another offseason of development. The guy is absolutely trending upward, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t continue, especially as he gains more experience and is surrounded by more talent on the line.
The Underdog Story: From 5th Round Pick to Legit Starting Left Tackle
Braxton Jones isn’t some highly-touted first-round prospect. He wasn’t the flashy pick. In fact, he was an absolute unknown before the Bears took a chance on him in the 5th round. Coming out of Southern Utah, no one was expecting this kid to become a starting left tackle in the NFL. But guess what? He’s defied the odds.
5th round pick. Southern Utah. Starting NFL Left Tackle.
Think about that. Jones wasn’t supposed to be here. But here he is, holding it down on the blindside of the Bears’ offense, ranking as one of the better tackles in the league.
A Solid Grade – Above Average, Not “Trash”
Let’s get one thing clear: 14th best left tackle in the NFL is a far cry from “trash.” In fact, that’s an above-average grade in any universe, and no one can tell me otherwise. Not every tackle in the NFL is going to be a top-tier All-Pro, and not every team has a left tackle like the elite few. So, comparing Braxton Jones to those guys is unrealistic and unfair.
How about we start acknowledging that, while he’s not perfect, Jones is absolutely holding his own in a position of extreme importance. And for those of you who want to act like his flaws are a dealbreaker, I’ll remind you that every single player in the NFL has weaknesses. Every one of them, including the All-Pros.
His Future is Bright – and He’s Only Getting Better
Mark my words: Braxton Jones is only going to get better. Give him time, give him support, and give him more talent around him on that offensive line, and you’ll see this guy continue to evolve into a major force in the NFL.
As the Bears continue to build up their roster, there’s no doubt that Jones will be a cornerstone of that offensive line for the foreseeable future. When you add more talent, depth, and maybe even a few more experienced players around him, you’ll see his weaknesses shrink and his strengths shine even brighter.
And as for those naysayers? Just wait. When Braxton Jones helps anchor an upgraded offensive line next season, and Justin Fields has more time to throw, you’ll be eating your words. No more “he’s the worst left tackle in the NFL” nonsense. Jones is going to shut all of that down.
So, Let’s End the Debate Here: Braxton Jones is Your Starting Left Tackle
For those still insisting the Bears “need” to grab a left tackle with the #10 pick next month, let me say this again: Braxton Jones is your starting left tackle. He’s earned it. He’s proven it. And he’s definitely not the worst. He’s already way better than some of the people bashing him online want to admit.
So, instead of scrambling for a new left tackle, maybe the Bears’ front office should focus on bolstering the line around him, building up the depth, and continuing to support his development. But don’t fool yourselves into thinking that Braxton Jones is the problem here. He’s anything but.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Chicago Bears’ 2025 starting left tackle: Braxton Jones – out of Southern Utah.
Get ready to watch him prove all the haters wrong.