General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have successfully rebuilt the interior of the Chicago Bears' offensive line on paper. The overhaul began by trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson last week and continued with the signing of center Drew Dalman on Monday.
That said, both Jackson and Thuney have put in their best work on the offensive line at left guard, leaving some fans scratching their head after the trades. Still, given that Thuney has been an All-Pro left guard four times, many figured that was his spot on the line. Johnson confirmed as much during his media availability on Wednesday at Halas Hall.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Johnson said Thuney will play left guard and Jackson will play right guard. While this isn't too much of a surprise, is it something Bears fans need to worry about?
Ben Johnson says plan is for Joe Thuney to play left guard and Jonah Jackson to play right guard for #Bears rebuilt line.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 12, 2025
Ben Johnson Confirms Jonah Jackson Will Play Right Guard
As mentioned above, Jackson has logged most of his snaps (2,902) at left guard throughout his career. However, Jackson has played right guard in three NFL games. His first two outings at right guard came in Week 1 and Week 2 of his rookie season. In those games, Jackson allowed one sack, one QB hurry, and two QB pressures, according to PFF.
Moreover, his Week 2 performance was his better one at right guard, as he recorded grades above 70 in all categories. The 28-year-old's only other appearance at right guard came in 2024 with the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, Jackson allowed two QB hurries and two QB pressures. Be that as it may, he earned a 91.8 overall grade, a 91.6 run-blocking grade, and a 73.0 pass-blocking grade.
Although there is not much evidence that Jackson is a solid right guard, fans must put their trust in Johnson. As it stands right now, both Johnson and Jackson believe he will excel on the right side, and until we see otherwise, there's no reason not to believe.
Nevertheless, bringing in two payers who have excelled at left guard and moving one over to the right side is a risky move.