Bears Legend Is Getting Braxton Jones Ready For 2023
Braxton Jones was by far the biggest surprise of 2022 for the Chicago Bears. Few people knew who he was when GM Ryan Poles drafted him late in the 5th round. They can be forgiven for that. Jones came from FCS Southern Utah, a team that had just gone 1-10. Not only a small school but a bad one too. So it’s hard for people to pay attention in those circumstances. Still, the Bears noticed him during the scouting process and liked what they saw at the Senior Bowl and scouting combine.
While they had hopes for Jones’ upside, they never expected him to be their starting left tackle for the entire season. Yet that is what happened. While it was never perfect, the rookie looked far better than he had any right to. His pass protection improved during the season, and he became one of their most effective run blockers. However, Jones himself admitted there were a lot of flaws exposed during the year. Flaws he must get fixed if he wants to keep his job long-term.
That meant hitting the off-season with a purpose. One smart thing to do in such situations is to get help from guys who have succeeded in the NFL. It appears Jones found the perfect choice in Olin Kreutz. The former six-time Pro Bowl center was working him and fellow 2022 draft member Ja’Tyre Carter through hand-fighting drills.
Braxton Jones picked a strong mentor.
One thing about Kreutz is he isn’t going to sugarcoat things for Jones. The young linemen will get it 100% straight from the Bears legend. Few understand what it takes to have sustained success at the NFL level better than him. It takes hard work, toughness, attention to detail, and a nasty edge. This league isn’t for choir boys. Jones has the size and athleticism. He seems to play with the necessary violence. He needs more discipline in his fundamentals and a stronger power base. Those appear to be his focus this spring and summer.
What remains unclear is the Bears’ plans for him. GM Ryan Poles has continued to express confidence in his development. That said, rumors persist that the team is eyeing tackle help in the draft. It’s unclear if Braxton Jones will stay at left tackle or if they decide to move him over to right tackle, replacing him with a possible 1st round rookie. Not that he has any control over this. The best thing for Jones is to keep his head down and continue working. If he takes what Kreutz says to heart, he could have a breakout season in 2023.