Chicago Bears Draft: An in-depth assessment of Paris Johnson Jr.

The Chicago Bears desperately need to upgrade their talent along the offensive line.

Quarterback Justin Fields was sacked over 50 times last season. Some of that was because he held onto the ball too long. A big part of the high sack numbers was the line got pushed around.

Pass blocking was poor last season and that is putting it politely.

Rookie Braxton Jones never missed a snap at left tackle in 2022, but he was overpowered most of the time. General manager Ryan Poles is high on Jones who he drafted last year in the fifth round out of Southern Utah.

Jones does need to get stronger in the offseason, but he has the potential to be a good player in the NFL. One Chicago Bears legend thinks Braxton Jones can be great someday.

The problem is the Bears do not have a reliable option at right tackle right now. Larry Borom and Alex Leatherwood would be battling it out for the starting job if training camp opened today. Borom was replaced as the starter midway through last season. Leatherwood could not get a jersey after an abysmal tryout there during the season.

Ryan Poles needs to address the offensive line in the NFL Draft since the free agent market is weak right now. The line’s interior is serviceable with Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, and the recently signed Nate Davis.

Poles needs to draft a starting tackle who can play opposite Jones (or allow Jones to move to right tackle).