The Chicago Bears selected Southern Utah offensive tackle Braxton Jones with the 168th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
After targeting defense with their first two picks (cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker), Bears general manager Ryan Poles has now used the last two selections on offense (wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. and Jones).
Jones, who stands at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, was a three-year starter at Southern Utah, where 29 of his 31 starts came at left tackle. Jones was named first-team FCS All-American over the last two seasons.
Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Jones:
Jones has moments where he can overwhelm his level of competition with size and length, but he’s currently lacking the technique and force needed to succeed against NFL defenders. Jones’ run blocking isn’t as dynamic or athletic as expected and his issues with pad level are a concern. However, he has good slide quickness, developmental traits and talent that should not be overlooked in pass protection. Shoddy footwork and a lack of half-man leverage in his pass sets led to a rough game against Arizona State, but both areas are correctable with work. He has the upside to become an average starting left tackle, but swing tackle feels like the safer projection.
It took the Bears over three hours to make their first selection on Day 3 of the draft after general manager Ryan Poles made several trades to turn three Day 3 picks into eight selections.
Chicago still has seven picks left on Saturday, including another fifth rounder at 174th overall, three sixth-round picks (186th, 203rd and 207th) and three seventh-rounders (226th, 254th and 255th).
