The Chicago Bears will need several young players to take a step forward this season if they want to start competing for the playoffs. Thankfully, quite a few showed signs of serious progress last season. Kyler Gordon ranked among the team leaders in interceptions. Rookie Tyrique Stevenson tied for it. Darnell Wright ranked among the best rookie offensive linemen in the league. Gervon Dexter became a proper menace over the season’s final five games. Yet none of them were the most encouraging.
According to former Bears quarterback Erik Kramer, that honor goes to Braxton Jones. Chicago had high hopes for the former 5th round pick. He started every game as a rookie in 2022 and came into 2023 in better overall shape. Sadly, a neck injury shortened his season, but Kramer saw a much-improved player when he returned. He explained this on ESPN 1000.
The numbers do back this up. Last season, Jones had 190 true pass sets. These were moments where it was one-on-one blocks. He allowed pressure on the QB every 6.33 snaps. Last year, he had 193 such sets and allowed a pressure every 7.42 snaps. That is tangible improvement. Don’t forget he also faced the steep challenge of blocking for a quarterback known for holding the ball.
Jones is the key for the Chicago Bears.
They know the wide receiver group will be good this year. They already have two studs in D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze should be a factor as well. The big concern everybody has is the offensive line. They’ve allowed over 100 sacks in the past two seasons combined. If they can provide adequate protection, Caleb Williams has a chance to deliver a stellar rookie season. Jones is the lynchpin to all of that. Every team is defined by how good their left tackle is. One must not forget the Bears came close to drafting his replacement two months ago before opting for Odunze.
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That decision reflects their belief (and hope) that Jones is still ascending. He has all the tools necessary to be a highly capable player in this league. It was always a question of learning how to handle NFL competition, but he doesn’t appear intimidated by that anymore. Go watch his two performances against Detroit or the game against Carolina for a reminder of how good he can be. It is all about finding consistency. Kramer thinks he’s on the right path. The Chicago Bears think so, too.
