Where does Bears’ Braxton Jones rank among NFC North LTs based on PFF grades?

Chicago Bears left tackle Braxton Jones continued to outperform the expectations in 2023. A fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones has surprisingly developed into a solution as a blindside protector. In 2024, Jones will enter his third consecutive season as the Bears’ primary left tackle. His presence will be imperative to Chicago’s efforts to protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams this season.

Jones isn’t the only impressive left tackle in the NFC North. The division is littered with high-performing tackles. That inspired us to assess how all four starting left tackles in the NFC North fared last season according to their overall Pro Football Focus grades.

Christian Darrisaw | Minnesota Vikings | 82.4

Christian Darrisaw has established himself alongside the steadiest left tackles in the league. The former Virginia Tech standout was especially excellent in pass protection, earning a PFF grade of 85.3, the third-highest among all qualifying tackles. It powered his 82.4 overall score. Darrisaw will attempt to protect Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy this season.

Taylor Decker | Detroit Lions | 77.3

The epitome of consistency, Taylor Decker has been a mainstay on the Detroit Lions’ offensive line since he entered the league as a first-round pick in 2016. This past season, Decker helped an explosive Lions offense that finished third in the NFL in total offense. Matt Eberflus’ pass rushers could have a difficult time getting to Jared Goff in 2024.

Braxton Jones | Chicago Bears | 68.8

Jones was credited with allowing just 2.0 sacks and two quarterback hits last season. He was consistent in all areas, scoring a 70.8 in pass protection, and a 68.2 as a run blocker, combining for his overall 68.8 grade. Rookie third-rounder Kiran Amegadjie won’t surpass Jones on the depth chart without a fight anytime soon.

Rasheed Walker | Green Bay Packers | 66.4

Wright ranked dead-last among starting right tackles in the NFC North, and didn’t even come within 10 points of the third-place finisher. It’s more a reflection of the outstanding tackles in the division than it is of Wright’s rookie performance. The top-10 overall pick does need to clean up his technique in pass protection, as he was whistled for 11 penalties, and credited with allowing 7.0 sacks and 51 pressures.