Braxton Jones named one of NFL Draft's biggest winners by ESPN |
The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone, and while fans and analysts alike continue to debate the merits of each team’s picks, some players are already being hailed as big winners.
One player is Chicago Bears left tackle Braxton Jones, who was named by ESPN as one of the biggest winners of the draft. “The Bears are expected to keep Wright on (the right) side, which would give Jones another year to prove himself as a left tackle,” ESPN’s Bill Barnwell wrote. “Given the financial benefits of sticking on that side, landing in Chicago and staving off the competition could be extremely lucrative for him.” Jones had reason to be nervous going into the draft, as there were several highly-rated offensive linemen who could have taken his job. Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. and Georgia’s Broderick Jones were both considered top prospects at left tackle, and either of them could have been drafted by the Bears. However, the team ultimately went in a different direction, selecting Darnell Wright instead with the No. 10 overall pick. The Bears have rebuilt their offensive line this offseason, with several changes made to the starting lineup. Nate Davis was signed to play right guard, which led to Cody Whitehair moving to center and Teven Jenkins moving to the left side. Wright will start at right tackle if all goes well. All of these changes are aimed at protecting quarterback Justin Fields, who was under constant pressure last season.
