Chicago Bears Open Thread Question of the Day: Is Braxton Jones Underrated?

The Bears OL has been rightfully criticized over the last few seasons - but should we throw the baby (Braxton Jones) out with the bath water?

There is a broad and resounding consensus that the Chicago Bears have to invest in their offensive line. There should be no questioning that.

There is also consistency in calling for a new IOL across the board. The play at RG and Center and health concerns at LG should leave no doubt that upgrades ought to be made.

Right Tackle Darnell Wright has also shown to be an above average RT in his first two seasons in the league. Of all of the positions along the OL his is most secure.

That brings us to the biggest question mark along the offensive line - Left Tackle Braxton Jones.

During Ryan Poles’ three year tenure with the Bears, no player has been held up more often than Jones as a reason to trust Poles’ talent evaluation chops. Finding an average LT in the 5th round of your first draft is a huge win for a GM who spoke highly of his ability to evaluate OL.

After three seasons as the starting LT, Braxton Jones’ 2024 stats are as follows:

• 2024: 12 Games, 7 Penalties, 5 Sacks Allowed, 77.4 PFF grade
• 2023: 11 Games, 9 Penalties, 2 Sacks Allowed, 68.7 PFF grade
• 2022: 17 Games, 12 Penalties, 7 Sacks Allowed, 75.4 PFF grade

Jones has been imperfect during his tenure, as evidenced by his missing 11 games in the last two seasons and his 28 penalties since entering the league. However, his overall grade of 77.4 ranked 20th among 141 qualifying tackles and his pass blocking grade of 80.8 ranked 17th - so this begs the question:

Are we underrating Braxton Jones?

I think it’s very possible we are. Here are my primary reasons:

• Braxton Jones entered the league as a 5th round rookie out of Southern Utah and has consistently shown he belongs despite playing in a much higher level of competition.
• He has ideal measurements at 6’5”, 310 lbs, and 35.37” arms.
• He has shown an elite ability of getting to the second level and blocking.
• This is all despite having a coach that was consistently thought of as below average in Chris Morgan and a lack of consistency at LG.

Braxton Jones is still just 25 years old and has been a league average LT despite sub par coaching and having a revolving door of Left Guards next to him. It’s obvious that he still needs to improve his anchor as he is prone to the bull rush, and that he still gets called for too many penalties. However, given the vast needs at the IOL, and the lack of true LT talent in the draft or FA, I think Jones might remain the best option going into next season. I also think that good coaching and a better talent at LG could go a...