The Next Braxton Jones? This Bears Rookie May Also Be A Surprise Starter

Chicago Bears Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are around the corner. This is when veterans and rookies come together for the first time in practice. It's an excellent opportunity to ramp up before training camp this summer. It also allows the coaching staff to see how the new arrival fare against the more experienced competition. Sometimes it might lead to surprising roster decisions. Last season, everybody thought the Bears had their tackle situations settled with Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom. The shock was considerable when Jenkins got demoted by the end of OTAs in favor of Braxton Jones, a 5th round pick out of Southern Utah.

That was the first indication this Bears coaching staff doesn't play favorites. Their objective is to get the best players on the field, regardless of experience or draft status. Jones played every snap at left tackle last season and performed admirably. His success leads to the inevitable question. Who among the team's rookie class could follow in his footsteps to become an unexpected starter?

There are some worthy candidates. Running back Roschon Johnson is one. Linebacker Noah Sewell is another. However, both wouldn't be huge surprises. No, the man to watch in this instance is Terell Smith, their 5th round cornerback from Minnesota.

Smith has the same profile as Braxton Jones.

What helped Jones ascend quickly was his excellent athletic capability. He stood out immediately in practice and convinced the Bears he deserved a look with the first-team offense. The rest is history. Smith is similar. He's an outstanding athlete at 6'0, 200 lbs and 32-inch arms with 4.41 speed. Some evaluators worried about his production in college, but he saved his best season for last with two interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble. He has good coverage instincts and is a willing tackler in run support. Word is he also had a crazy interception during rookie minicamps, so coaches are already aware of him.

What would make him such a surprise is, like Braxton Jones, there are already people ahead of him on the depth chart everybody assumes will be starting. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are already locked in. That leaves one starting spot left open. Most believe it will go to 2nd round pick Tyrique Stevenson, especially after the Bears traded up to get him. Imagine the shock if Smith ends up stealing the job out from under him. Make no mistake. It's possible. He has the ability. We should know more by the end of OTAs.