Former Bear Claims Braxton Jones Is Capable Of Greatness

The Chicago Bears have gotten big contributions from their rookie class this year. Kyler Gordon has three interceptions. Jaquan Brisker leads the team with four sacks. Velus Jones appears to be a quality kick returner. Trenton Gill has nice qualities as a punter. Jack Sanborn was a tackling machine before he got hurt. Josh Blackwell is a special teams ace. However, there is no bigger surprise this year than the ascent of Braxton Jones. He was a late 5th round pick out of Southern Utah in April. GM Ryan Poles liked his athleticism and length, along with some rare maturity for his age.

Nobody expected the rookie to take over the starting left tackle job by the end of OTAs. They sure didn't expect he'd be the opening day starter and couldn't possibly have predicted he'd start every game for the Bears this season. He's allowed 37 pressures this season, giving him the 2nd-best grade among rookie tackles who have started at least half the games in 2022. He's also by far the highest-graded run blocker. While far from perfect, his first season can be called nothing but an undeniable success.

Former Bear Tom Thayer also thinks this is only the beginning. He believes if Jones applies himself this coming off-season and puts in the work, the kid is destined for great things in the future.

Braxton Jones will determine his own fate.

He has the tools to be special. His size, length, and quick feet are perfect for the NFL. He's also clearly an intelligent young man. There is nothing about this league that should stump him. It comes down to how badly he wants to be great. That is often the line that separates the best from everybody else. Most are content leaning on their natural ability and carving out a decent career. Only a select few are willing to put in those extra hours of work to become true masters of their craft. David Bakhtiari was one such example. Like Jones, he arrived in the NFL as a mid-round pick (4th), boasting good size and athleticism. People weren't sure what to expect. Now he's an All-Pro with a chance to make the Hall of Fame. That is because he outworked everybody.

Thayer thinks Braxton Jones can accomplish the same. It's about whether he goes the extra mile to get there. Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have the utmost confidence he can. The best thing they can do is try to find any way possible to help him. That can be done with an off-season training plan and in attempting to upgrade the left guard position. Outside of that, all they can do is trust him to do the right things. Jones controls his own destiny. Either he will seize it, or he won't.