Braxton Jones: The Bears’ Most Undervalued Star—Betrayed, Forgotten, and Facing an Uncertain Future!.

When Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles took over in 2022, he made it clear that his priority was building a competitive team through smart drafting and player development. His first draft class turned heads, not because of flashy first-round picks, but because of his ability to find talent in later rounds. One of the biggest surprises from that class has been Braxton Jones, a fifth-round pick out of Southern Utah who has quietly developed into a cornerstone of the Bears’ offensive line.

Despite his impressive rise, Jones remains one of the most underappreciated players on the roster. His performance and impact on the field suggest he should be viewed as a first-round caliber player, making him one of the best value picks of Poles’ tenure. However, with the 2025 NFL Draft approaching and the Bears in a position to select a top offensive tackle, Jones’ long-term future with the team is uncertain.

A Fifth-Round Steal That Plays Like a First-Rounder

Coming from a smaller football program like Southern Utah, Braxton Jones wasn’t on many draft boards as an early-round prospect. However, the Bears saw potential in his size (6-foot-5, 310 pounds), athleticism, and technical skills. When the team selected him with the 168th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, few expected him to become a starter so quickly—let alone a long-term solution at left tackle.

Jones defied expectations, earning the starting left tackle job as a rookie and playing every single offensive snap that season. His ability to handle pass rushers, combined with his solid run-blocking skills, made him an instant asset for the Bears. He held his own against some of the league’s best edge rushers, proving that his game could translate from a small school to the NFL.

Statistically, Jones has performed at a level comparable to first-round offensive tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, his pass-blocking and run-blocking grades have been on par with, if not better than, some of the top tackles taken in the first round of the same draft. His “blown block” and total error rates are comparable to players who were drafted in the first 32 picks. Despite this, Jones rarely gets mentioned in discussions about the league’s best young linemen.

The Injury Setback and Bears’ Dilemma

Jones’ journey took a difficult turn in December 2024 when he suffered a fractured left ankle during a game against the Detroit Lions. The injury required a four-month recovery period, casting uncertainty over his future as the Bears’ starting left tackle. While Jones is expected to make a full recovery, the injury has opened the door for the Bears to consider drafting another left tackle to compete for the position.

Chicago currently holds the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and many experts believe they could target a top offensive tackle prospect. Names like Missouri’s Armand Membou and Ohio State’s Josh Simmons have been linked to the Bears as potential replacements or competition for Jones. General Manager Ryan Poles has publicly praised Jones but has also made it clear that he wants to create competition at key positions to ensure the best lineup possible.

This presents a dilemma for the Bears. On one hand, Jones has proven he can be a reliable starter when healthy, and his contract is an absolute bargain compared to top tackles in the league. On the other hand, investing a high draft pick in a new left tackle could secure the position for years to come and provide insurance in case Jones’ injury lingers or affects his performance.

Is Jones the Future at Left Tackle?

As Jones enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Bears will soon have to decide whether to extend him or move in a different direction. Given his performance and the value he provides as a fifth-round pick playing at a first-round level, an extension would seem like the logical move. However, the NFL is a business, and teams often prioritize upside and availability over past performance.

If the Bears draft a left tackle early, it could signal that they view Jones as more of a short-term solution or valuable depth piece rather than a long-term starter. If they choose to bypass the position in the early rounds, it would be a strong vote of confidence in Jones as their left tackle of the future.

Regardless of what the Bears decide, Jones has already proven that he belongs in the NFL. His ability to outperform expectations and hold his own against elite competition speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic. Whether in Chicago or elsewhere, he will continue to be one of the league’s most underappreciated offensive linemen.

Conclusion

Braxton Jones’ story is one of resilience and underrated excellence. He has been a key part of the Bears’ offensive line since the moment he stepped onto the field as a rookie, yet he continues to fly under the radar. While his injury and the upcoming draft may create uncertainty about his future in Chicago, there is no doubt that he has proven himself as a legitimate NFL left tackle.

Ryan Poles found a hidden gem in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, and whether the Bears choose to keep him as their starter or move in a different direction, Braxton Jones has already outplayed his draft position. If the Bears decide to move on, another team will likely recognize his value and give him the appreciation he deserves. Until then, he remains one of the best-kept secrets in the NFL.

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