Ben Johnson reveals what Chicago Bears are hoping to see from left tackle competition

As the Chicago Bears continue on with OTA’s this week, Ben Johnson and his staff are getting a good early look at their roster. Following a season in which they won the NFC North for the first time since 2018 and a playoff game for the first time in 15 years, the task ahead for the Bears is to get even better.

Even with those accomplishments, there are some big questions surrounding the Bears going into this season. Arguably the biggest one is the left tackle position.

After Ozzy Trapilo went down with a serious leg injury in the playoff win over Green Bay, it left a big need at the position. Chicago re-signed Braxton Jones and brought in former first-round pick Jedrick Wills as well. Those two are projected to be the top two at the position. Although, Kiran Amegadjie and Theo Benedet could be the in mix as well.

But on Wednesday, Ben Johnson revealed something key about one of the contenders.

Braxton Jones’ health will be big factor in LT battle for Chicago Bears

Jones returned to Chicago on a one-year deal, entering his fifth season with the franchise. He was named the starting left tackle last season but was replaced in the Week 4 win at Las Vegas. After that, he never returned as a starter as he battled some injuries.

It’s safe to say that he wasn’t health going into training camp, either. Now, Johnson is hoping his health is at a spot where it will allow Jones to show why he deserves to be the starter.

“We hope to see a healthier person. You know, last year at this time he was still getting back in the groove,” Johnson said. “Certainly through training camp it was a gradual process. We all know in this room that that battle went on for a long time and took a while before we felt comfortable settling on Ozzy halfway through the season. Different circumstances this year. I think he’s come back. His comfort level has risen, just in terms of knowing what to do and how we want to get it done. I think this is the best his body has felt in a while. So we’re really encouraged with where’s he’s at right now.”

When Jones is healthy, he’s a starter-level left tackle. There are things he needs to improve on including technique. But a fully healthy player like that can provide some value.

This competition will be one to watch all offseason and the hope is that the Bears can find a permanent solution at the spot this season.

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