A year ago, Chicago Bears offensive lineman Braxton Jones just wanted to make the team. He did that, becoming a starter. Now he looks to be one of the leaders.
A little over a year ago, the Chicago Bears selected Braxton Jones in the fifth round of the 2022 draft. The team had hopes that he could eventually start.
Jones speeded up the process. He performed great in the OTAs and veteran minicamp. He displaced Teven Jenkins as the starting left tackle, the most important position on the line. Furthermore, he played every snap in the season.
Jones was a big find for the Bears. While he still has some development to go through, he is showing that he could be a cornerstone lineman. The Bears have remade the offensive line and Jones is a part of the rebuild.
Now, while Jones is building on his successful rookie season, he is also vying to be a leader. He is more talkative at practices and with the media. He is more comfortable in his role with the Chicago Bears. He recently sat down and gave several interviews praising his teammates and the new offense. Here is some of what he said:
On Fields’ development
Jones said that he enjoys playing with quarterback Justin Fields. He said that it was fun to see him operate. Additionally, he said that Fields made him and other linemen look good at times.
As a young tackle, I had my rough times. But, more than not, Justin got me out of some of those bad plays. When he does move a lot, it can go either way…But, more times than not, Justin is helping the offensive line get out of those type of situations where maybe protection breaks down. He’s been great. It’s so fun watching him just start rolling down the field.
It could be difficult to block for a quarterback like Fields. He could just take off when he feels a breakdown or he can’t find an open receiver without you knowing. Still, you see his abilities and you feel great blocking for him.
General manager Ryan Poles did a great job of improving the roster. He overhauled the offense. Jones feels the infusion of talent will help Fields be even better.
Jones especially loved the big trade Poles pulled off to acquire wide receiver D.J. Moore and multiple draft picks in exchange for the number one overall pick.
I think the biggest thing is just bringing D.J., everyone’s felt a little more confident. It’s opened the field up for other players. So, everyone is playing a little more confident, and Justin’s leadership is just continually getting better.
Jones feels Wright will be a star
Jones is high on the selection of Darnell Wright with the 10th overall pick. He feels that Wright will be a great player. He says that Wright will take a few lumps being a rookie but that he will pick up the speed and get better.
Jones feels that being the 10th pick, Wright is certainly ahead of where he was when he started. Jones had to fight just to be seen. Wright, on the other hand, has a lot of expectations for him.
Jones even admitted that he will take some of Wright’s pass-blocking skill and use it in his game. Wright came from the SEC so he faced some of the best pass rushers in the nation. Whatever he can do to improve Jones will do it.
With his experience from last season and another offseason of training Jones will take another step up in 2023. He will also help lead his teammates.
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