By Josh 
The Chicago Bears find themselves navigating one of the most compelling training camp sagas: the battle to lock down the starting left tackle spot. With four of their five O‑line positions seemingly settled, the spotlight now shines brightest on three key contenders — and the drama is just heating up.
🔍 The Contenders
-
Braxton Jones: The incumbent starter who fractured his ankle late last season. Despite a strong performance before injury, his health status remains in question as training camp begins.
-
Ozzy Trapilo: Chicago’s 2025 second-round rookie from Boston College. Standing 6′8″ with extensive experience at both tackle spots in college, Trapilo brings size, polish, and boasting about his upside.
-
Kiran Amegadjie: A versatile 2024 third-round pick from Yale. Known for his athleticism and promise as a pass‑protector, Amegadjie remains a serious challenger.
🧠 Coaching Insight & Evolving Roles
Head coach Ben Johnson has emphasized that OTAs and minicamp reps don’t directly decide job security. Instead, he’s focused on consistency, dependability, and adaptability. He’s rotating reps among Trapilo and Amegadjie to figure out who’s ready once Jones rejoins.
Throughout June and into minicamp, Amegadjie and Trapilo have been alternating reps. Notably, Amegadjie had some struggles, giving up a sack during a starter rep. Meanwhile, Trapilo grabbed headlines by playing every first‑team snap one OTA session and earning praise for his composure.
🛠️ Strengths & Mentoring
-
Trapilo: Boasts refined footwork and technical know‑how. He’s said to learn fast, crediting guidance from veteran guard Joe Thuney, who has mentored him since joining the team.
-
Amegadjie: Offers a higher ceiling athletically, with greater upside in mobility and flexibility across schemes.
📆 Timeline & Contingency Plans
Coach Johnson has made it clear that the team won’t rush to decide. Whether it takes three practices or six, they’re committed to getting it right before Week 1. If neither Trapilo nor Amegadjie is fully ready, the Bears aren’t closed off to using Darnell Wright—typically a right tackle—as a back‑up solution on the left side during camp.
Meanwhile, Poles hasn’t ruled out selecting another tackle early in the draft if the current group doesn’t measure up. The team remains open-minded until all evaluations are complete.
🎯 What’s the Key to Winning This Job?
Ben Johnson identified one standout trait as the deciding factor: elite pass protection. Whoever consistently delivers there will likely earn the role. Jones earned praise before his injury, and he continues to be in the mix—provided he returns to full health.
🔮 Bottom Line
The Bears’ offseason roster changes — including bringing in Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman — have heightened expectations of offensive line improvement. But even with a reinforced O‑line, the left tackle spot remains wide open. Whether it’s recovery, rookie talent, veteran savvy, or future draft capital, multiple paths remain to that starting job.