The Chicago Bears had a busy day three of the 2022 NFL Draft. One pick is grabbing the attention of the national media.
After being silent on day one, and picking what was on their board on day two, new general manager Ryan Poles spent Saturday making moves by trading picks for extra picks, bringing the Bears to 11 total selections.
During round 5, the Bears took beefy offensive tackle Braxton Jones, Southern Utah, with the 168th pick.
“At this point in the draft, it’s all about taking guys with high ceilings. Few of the prospects available on Day 3 have more appealing raw tools than the former Thunderbird book-end. A blocker with a mean streak and ideal size at tackle (6-foot-5, 310 pounds, 35-plus inch arms), Jones has the build/skeleton of a perennial Pro Bowler. Now it’s about getting him ready for a massive step up in competition at the next level — which won’t be easy. If the Bears implement the right program for Jones, then Justin Fields’ jersey just got a lot cleaner.”
The Bears will need a couple of offensive linemen they drafted or signed in the offseason to step up this year in order to give new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s offense a chance to work in the fall. The Bears offensive line last year gave up the most sacks, 58, of any NFL team in 2021. The good news is that they have depth on the line and can sort that out as the offseason continues on. The hope is that someone emerges and Jones is a legit candidate to do so.
Poles, a former offensive lineman himself, has said he’s a fan of homegrown talent, and the Bears hope Jones will be able to grow into a perennial pro bowl talent. Chris Morgan, the Bears offensive line coach, will have a new stable of draft picks to mold this season.
Pro Football Focus: Chicago Bears, divisional rival units, most improved following draft
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