Bears LT Braxton Jones continues garnering respect after impressive rookie season

Chicago Bears left tackle Braxton Jones isn’t a household name, but if he continues enjoying seasons like he had as a rookie, he may soon be recognized as one of the top offensive tackles in the game.

Jones, a fifth-round pick from Southern Utah in 2022, was the Bears’ biggest surprise last season. Initially viewed as a developmental tackle with upside, Jones quickly emerged as the best left tackle on the roster. He went on to start all 17 games.

Braxton Jones’ season was soo good that he was named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Rookie Team.

“One of the steals of the draft class so far,” PFF’s Michael Renner wrote. “The Bears” fifth-rounder did enough to put himself as their undisputed long-term starter at left tackle. He finished with a 79.4 run-blocking grade and a 70.5 pass-blocking grade on the season.”

Is Braxton Jones the Bears” long-term left tackle?

Jones ended 2022 with the highest PFF grade on the Chicago Bears’ offense among every-week starters (75.4), and was recently ranked the top rookie offensive tackle by two more outlets.

There’s been some speculation that the Chicago Bears will target a left tackle in free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft, but it’s becoming less likely the further removed we get from last season. Braxton Jones’ play was remarkable, considering his preseason expectations. If he continues to improve, he’ll be more than just an underdog success story, he’ll be a Pro Bowl-level left tackle the Bears can count on for many seasons.

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