Chicago Bears Draft: The case for Broderick Jones in the first round

Four areas to be concerned about regarding Broderick Jones.

Jones, like most prospects in the draft, still must improve his technique. He is a willing blocker, but his hand placement needs refinement. He can also duck his head at times. That can be fatal for a lineman as there is a good chance of losing sight of the defender coming off the ball and then whiffing on a block attempt.

He also must get stronger. The Bears already went through a season with a left tackle lacking enough strength. Ryan Poles might want to avoid another season where he has a left tackle needing to hit the weights to handle the NFL bull rush.

Positional versatility is another reason to be concerned. Jones has only played left tackle, and the projection for him to realize his full potential is to play left tackle. He has only 19 starts which is another to be area concerned with.

The lack of reps is one reason Jones’ technique still must get better. Poles does value linemen who can play multiple positions on the line. Now, many guards are failed offensive tackles, so Jones could learn to block in a smaller space. Although, the Chicago Bears need to get a tackle in this draft so positional flexibility really should not matter.

Jones’ skills and size translate better to left tackle. It would mean moving Braxton Jones to right tackle–something Jones would be willing to do.