Caleb Williams makes his feelings clear about Bears' troubling left tackle situation

Williams expressed confidence in both Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet when asked about the position Thursday, making it clear he's comfortable with whichever direction Ben Johnson ultimately chooses.

"I've played with both those guys out there between Braxton and Theo," Williams said. "And so we got live reps, we got real reps, we got game reps, we got practice reps over the past. I mean, it's three years now for me, going into my third year.

"I feel good with where those guys are at and whatever decision Coach makes."

Caleb Williams defends Bears' left tackle options

Johnson acknowledged earlier this week that left tackle remains a "hot spot" for the Bears and that the coaching staff isn't 100% sold on who will start when the regular season begins. Jones and Benedet have emerged as the primary candidates after a summer-long competition that also included Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr.

And while protection issues have occasionally surfaced during training camp, Williams pushed back against the idea that every breakdown should be attributed to the left tackle.

"Other than that one period where it wasn't just the left tackle, we had guys coming down the middle, right side, left side, and so, you know, I feel good," Williams said.

The Bears' uncertainty at left tackle has understandably generated attention because it's the lone unresolved position on an otherwise talented offensive line. But not every pressure Williams faces is evidence that Jones or Benedet isn't capable of doing the job.

Braxton Jones or Theo Benedet?

At this point, the competition appears to have narrowed considerably.

Jones has the advantage in NFL experience and has spent significant time protecting Williams since the quarterback arrived in Chicago. Benedet, meanwhile, has steadily worked his way up the depth chart and received important first-team opportunities this summer.

And Ozzy Trapilo remains lurking in the background.

The Bears don't necessarily need an elite left tackle to emerge. With Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson at guard and Darnell Wright anchoring the right side, they need dependable play from whoever wins the job.

Most importantly, Williams needs to trust the player protecting his blind side. And based on his latest comments, that doesn't appear to be an issue with either candidate.