Braxton Jones holds the early edge over Jedrick Wills in the left tackle competition, but training camp battles will soon determine who will be anchoring Ben Johnson’s offense.
The Chicago Bears' organized team activities were not the time for players to win starting jobs ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Coach Ben Johnson made that clear on the final day of mandatory minicamp at Halas Hall last Thursday.
"This spring was about learning and about communication," Johnson said. "Camp's really where we're earning a spot on the 53 and we'll carve out our roles. Those are a couple positions that we'll certainly have our eye on. And there'll be several others that there's spots up for grabs. Special teams is a big part of what we do as well. I can't wait for that to start to get ramped up. Because I think that brings out the best of everybody as well. ..."
Those positions that Johnson referenced were left tackle, the outside cornerback position opposite of Jaylon Johnson and "several others."
For today's mailbag topic, let's on the competition at left tackle and how that battle will shape the rest of the offensive line.
Thank you to @JoshuaNEpstein and @RobTheRescueGuy for this mailbag article idea.
Going into training camp, Braxton Jones has the clear advantage in the left tackle competition against former first-round draft pick Jedrick Wills. According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, Wills wasn't spotted at practice the first day but returned on Day 2, practicing with the third-team offense at left tackle. He also was present on the final day.
With Jones healthy from his previous injuries and familiar with Johnson's offense, it's his job lose at this point. Now, once the pads come on in training camp, that can instantly shift who has the advantage at the left tackle position, but Jones understands what he must do to win the job.
“I think a big thing for me last year was just second half production I'll say," Jones said. "I, for the most part, was pretty decent enough in the first half. I just think with the ankle and the injuries, I really didn't have much coming out in the second half. I think that's the biggest thing is just reps, getting as many reps as I can. Obviously, I’ve got to be better in certain areas. Pass protection, run game efficiency, all of that is going to come together. But I think the amount of reps I can get, turning the body, making sure everything's rolling and taking as many reps as I possibly can is going to be the biggest thing in setting me apart. Then everything will come after that.”
I'll wait until training camp before I declare who will win the starting left tackle job. There is also 2024 third-round draft pick Kiran Amegadjie and former undrafted free agent Theo Benedet, but those two feel more like swing tackle options right now.
The only other job that is somewhat in question is center. Even that, though, feels like a lock with veteran Garrett Bradbury.
Obviously, the Bears used the 57th overall pick to draft the 24-year-old center out of Iowa. He's been in college since 2020, so I'm sure there is interest to see the Day 2 pick on the field.
But with Bradbury going into his eighth year in the league, it wouldn't be surprising for the Bears to utilize his experience to help Caleb Williams going into his third NFL season.
I won't rule out Jones starting at some point in 2026, but I doubt he earns himself the starting job come Week 1.
