Add left tackle Braxton Jones to the seemingly growing list of rookies that the Bears brass has been impressed with during training camp.

In Thursday’s media availability, Bears general manager Ryan Poles admitted to being “blown away” by Jones’ performance since he arrived in Chicago.

Braxton Jones had a bounce back game after a subpar showing last week. Also Justin Fields is ridiculous pic.twitter.com/mYOV73ZcfC

— Steve Letizia (Formerly CFCBears) (@CFCBears) August 28, 2022

Who doesn't love pancakes for dinner?

Jones, the fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, has caught on quickly since joining the team, and appears to be locked in as the Bears’ starting left tackle.

“I’ve been blown away by how fast he has developed,” said Poles. “He continues to check the boxes… he continues to climb and get better and better and better.”

Jones takes over at left tackle, which is a position in which many figured Tevin Jenkins would occupy. However, the second-rounder has struggled in protecting Justin Fields’ blindside and will open the season starting at right guard.

It was one of the more surprising upsets in Bears camp considering Chicago spent a second-round pick on Jenkins just one year ago.

However, Poles and his new regime weren’t in place during the 2021 NFL Draft. Thus, they aren’t married to players drafted in the Ryan Pace era.

It’s absolutely insane we drafted Braxton Jones in the 5th round…after trading back to acquire even more picks.

I don’t think the general public will catch on to this until he proves it in the regular season. But this really has the potential to be one of those all-time steals

— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) August 28, 2022

While Poles believes the Bears found a diamond in the rough in Jones, the Southern Utah product still has everything to prove with the season opener just 10 days away.

Featured image via Matt Marton – USA TODAY Sports