We Missed How Much Braxton Jones Actually Improved Last Year

Most people didn't know who Braxton Jones was when the Chicago Bears drafted him in the 5th round. They'd be forgiven for that. He was a left tackle on a 1-10 team playing at the FCS level. One would have to dig deep to get information on him, and most people don't have NFL resources. So it took a lot of trust in GM Ryan Poles to think this young man could offer the Bears anything other than some competition for a backup job in training camp. That is why it was such a shock when coaches elevated him to the starting left tackle spot at the end of OTAs.

He would hold that job for the rest of the year, never missing a single snap in the regular season. That alone was enough to be impressed. Most rookie offensive linemen drafted that late barely see the field. To start every game is an admirable accomplishment. Yet it feels like many have overlooked how strong Jones finished the season. Through his first nine games, he looked like a rookie, allowing 20 hurries, two hits, and four sacks. Things took a turn over the final eight games, though. Jones allowed only nine pressures, one hit, and two sacks.

He also ranked 10th in NFL in run blocking among all offensive tackles.

It's not like Braxton Jones took advantage of a weak schedule, either.

That strong run to close the season came against the Lions (twice), Jets, Packers, Eagles, Bills, and Vikings. Four of those teams ranked in the top 15 last season in pressure percentage on the quarterback. Philadelphia led the league in sacks. New York was fifth. Buffalo was ninth. Both Minnesota starting edge rushers had 10 sacks each. Jones held up against all of that. It is a big reason why the Bears never gave any hint of replacing him throughout this off-season. Their focus was on right tackle and the interior—quite the vote of confidence.

He has since spent the entire off-season focused on improving his anchor and his technique. It's easy to forget he arrived in Chicago with small school coaching and training. It was always going to take time before the Bears got him up to NFL standards in both areas. That means what we saw last year was Braxton Jones' raw talent and effort at work. If that proves to be his floor as an NFL player, things are about to get so much more exciting in the coming months.