Is the Chicago Bears Offensive Line a Top 5 Unit?

PFF author Zoltan Buday wrote, "Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, who both finished among the 22 highest-graded offensive tackles in 2024, were already a promising young duo. Now, the unit has three new interior starters who represent immediate upgrades. Trade acquisition Joe Thuney has been the best pass-blocking guard in the NFL in recent years, and free-agent center Drew Dalman ranked among the top five at his position in PFF overall grade in each of the past two seasons. If right guard Jonah Jackson can stay healthy and get back to his old form, this can be one of the NFL's top offensive lines."

That is lofty praise from any network. That being said, it should be taken with a grain of salt before a single snap is played. Furthermore, PFF's grading system is not without faults. Braxton Jones and Darnell write may have ranked in the top 22 of all tackles last season, but let's look deeper into their PFF stats (yes, I am aware sacks are on the QB too).

In 2024, Braxton Jones allowed 26 pressures (102nd) and five sacks (111th) in addition to seven penalties in 10 full games. This is not to say that Jones was a massive disappointment last season. He did post an 80.8 Pass Blocking Grade, so the talent is there. Many factors contributed to the abysmal offensive line play. Braxton will have to first get on the field before he can be crowned the starting left tackle. If he can get healthy and up to speed in this new offense, he could very well have a breakout season.

Darnell Wright showed flashes of being a franchise right tackle, but his performance was still shaky as a whole, even though he posted a 79.3 grade (via PFF). He allowed six sacks last season and struggled with penalties (8) as well. Talent-wise and physically, Wright has everything you want in a tackle. Can Dan Roushar finally help Wright get everything into place? If he can, the Bears could have one of the best young right tackles in the NFL for years to come.

The new interior is something to be excited about. Adding All-Pro Left Guard Joe Thuney is a massive win. Thuney may very well still be the best left guard in the league. Jonah Jackson, when healthy, has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl guard. He is big, powerful, and intelligent. Reuniting with Ben Johnson could be the ticket to getting him back to form. Drew Dalman may have been the most important acquisition of the entire off-season. The Bears have not had a legitimately good center since Olin Kruetz. Prior to injury, Dalman was playing the best football of his career.

As Bears fans, it's understandable to hesitate before ranking any part of this team among the top five. While there’s much to be optimistic about with the new offensive line, it’s best to remain cautious. If everything falls into place, this unit could become one of the best in football.