No one could’ve guessed that Braxton Jones, a fifth-round pick from Southern Utah, would’ve ended his first season as one of the best rookie offensive linemen in the NFL. But that’s exactly what the Chicago Bears’ left tackle did in 2022 after starting every game as Justin Fields’ blindside protector.
Jones was one of two offensive tackles named to the Pro Football Writers Association’s 2022 All-Rookie Team.
Here’s the breakdown of who was chosen on offense:
QB – Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
RB – Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons; Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
WR – Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints; Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
TE – Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
C – Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens
G – Zion Johnson, Los Angeles Chargers; Dylan Parham, Las Vegas Raiders
T – Braxton Jones, Chicago Bears; Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Jones logged more snaps than any other Bear on offense and finished his rookie year with the second-highest Pro Football Focus grade among Chicago’s offensive players. Teven Jenkins scored a higher mark but played half the number of reps.
Despite Braxton Jones’ successful 2022 season, there’s a chance general manager Ryan Poles will pursue upgrades along the offensive line in free agency. Orlando Brown Jr. (Chiefs) is the top left tackle on the market, and even though Jones had a promising rookie year, Brown would be a marked upgrade in 2023.
Regardless of how the offseason unfolds, Jones solidified himself as a starter somewhere along the offensive line next year.
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