Braxton Jones

Summary

Braxton Jones was selected in Round 5 (#168 Overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Southern Utah University. A former FCS standout, Jones was a multi-year starter at left tackle and earned First-Team All-Big Sky honors, displaying rare length and athletic upside for his level of competition. Despite questions about competition jump and refinement, Jones won the Bears’ starting left tackle job as a rookie and has started 40+ NFL games through the 2024 season. While inconsistent early, he has shown steady improvement in pass protection technique and run-game execution. Coaches and teammates consistently praise his work ethic, coachability, resilience, and professionalism, especially given his transition from small-school football to a full-time NFL starting role.

Strengths

• Elite Length: Exceptional arm length allows him to keep rushers at distance and disrupt pass-rush timing. Does well to position his body to cut off pass rush angles.

• Athleticism for Size: Moves well laterally and is capable of climbing to the second level and executing zone concepts.

• Run-Game Mobility: Effective on reach blocks and outside-zone concepts and sealing edges with positioning.

• Durability & Availability: Has handled heavy snap counts without significant missed time. Willing to battle snap in and snap out and does not shy away from difficult matchups.

Weaknesses

• Anchor vs. Power: Strong and atheltic but can be walked back by elite bull rushers. Jones’ functional strength remains a work in progress.

• Hand Placement Consistency: Hands can drift wide, allowing defenders into his chest. The jump from an FCS program to the NFL provides a long runway for improvement.

• Pass-Set Discipline: Occasionally oversets to speed, opening inside counters and is especially susceptible to lunging when beaten initially.

• Penalty Risk: Lengthy arms and recovery attempts has led to several holding calls by Jones if he begins to panic.

Outlook

Jones is best suited for zone-heavy offensive schemes that emphasize movement, angles, and athletic blocking rather than pure power. His length and mobility allow him to function effectively on the edge when protected by scheme design, play-action, and interior support. Jones benefits from offenses that use motion, quick game, and varied launch points to limit isolation reps against elite power rushers. Jones projects as a functional starting left tackle with developmental upside. While he may never be a dominant, shutdown pass protector, continued improvement in anchor strength, hand placement, and balance could elevate him into the average-to-above-average starter tier. At minimum, his durability, experience, and physical traits give him long-term value as a starter or high-end swing tackle. His trajectory reflects a player still growing into his tools, with meaningful progress tied to coaching continuity and scheme fit.