The Chicago Bears have entered a crucial phase of their 2025 training camp, where fierce competition is unfolding for the left tackle position, responsible for protecting quarterback Caleb Williams’ blindside. This Caleb Williams blindside battle has drawn attention as three players are contending for the starting role, a rarity compared to typical two-way races at such positions.
The Bears, under General Manager Ryan Poles, initiated significant roster and coaching staff changes in the offseason to improve their chances this season. Now, as the camp progresses at the team’s facilities, the focus is on how well these changes translate on the field, especially in key matchup battles such as the left tackle position.
Left Tackle Role Essential for Safeguarding Caleb Williams
The importance of the left tackle spot cannot be overstated, particularly with the need to shield Caleb Williams’ blindside from opposing defenders. Last season, Williams frequently faced relentless pressure and took numerous hits due to struggles in securing effective blindside protection. This vulnerability highlighted the urgency for the Bears to fortify their offensive line, making this positional battle even more critical.
A Three-Way Fight Between Veterans and Rising Talent
The competition stands out because it involves three contenders rather than the usual two. Braxton Jones, the incumbent starter, brings valuable experience, having started 40 games over the past three seasons. However, injuries have hampered Jones recently, causing him to miss 11 games over the last two seasons.
The younger challengers include second-year player Kiran Amegadjie, a third-round pick of the Bears who missed last year’s training camp and preseason due to injury. When Jones went down, Amegadjie was thrust unexpectedly into a starting position, which exposed his inexperience and lack of preparation. This season, with a full offseason and camp participation, Amegadjie has the chance to prove his readiness.
The Bears also introduced another promising candidate, Ozzy Trapilo, selected in the second round of the 2025 draft. Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 310 pounds, Trapilo combines size, power, and agility. Many analysts believe he could become a strong starter, leaving uncertainty over whether the Bears intend for him to contribute immediately or gradually develop.
Experience Versus Potential: Evaluating the Participants
Ryan Poles has confirmed that Braxton Jones is fully recovered from ankle surgery and ready for camp. Despite Jones holding an experience edge, all three players face the challenge of adapting to a new offensive system this season, placing them on a relatively even footing.
Ben Johnson, the Bears’ new head coach, has emphasized the openness of this competition, stating,
“We’re coming in with blank slates right now. And so just because a guy’s played and another guy hasn’t in this league, we’re going to let the competition play out and we’ll see where it goes.”
—Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears Head Coach
Those words highlight the team‘s approach to meritocracy in selecting their left tackle, regardless of past experience or draft status.
Progress and Prospects as Training Camp Advances
Though Trapilo has the least NFL experience, he has already seen snaps with the starters, indicating the coaching staff’s interest in evaluating his ability early. Meanwhile, Amegadjie expresses gratitude for being healthy and able to participate fully in camp, determined to live up to his third-round draft selection.
Jones will face significant pressure to assert his leadership and aptitude, as his track record, while solid, has not been exceptional. Should one of the younger players outperform him, Jones risks beginning the season as a backup rather than a starter.
Amegadjie, having faced a difficult debut last year, aims to demonstrate his capabilities with proper preparation now under his belt. Meanwhile, Trapilo’s combination of excellent size, quickness, and lower body strength gives him a strong foundation to compete for the role and possibly make an immediate impact.
Rookies Have Historically Earned Starting Roles on Bears’ Offensive Line
The Bears’ openness to rookies starting has precedent. Braxton Jones initially won his job as a fifth-round pick after excelling in rookie camp and training sessions. Trapilo could follow a similar path if he impresses sufficiently during camp, turning his draft capital into a starting position.
As training camp continues, the Caleb Williams blindside battle will remain one of the most compelling storylines for Bears fans, with the outcome likely shaping both the offensive line’s performance and Williams’ protection in a critical season ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Caleb Williams?
A. On January 3, 2022, Williams decided to enter the transfer portal. By February 1, he shared that he was transferring to the University of Southern California. There, he joined the Trojans football team, reconnecting with head coach Lincoln Riley. Riley had previously coached the Sooners before moving to the Trojans.
Q. Why did Caleb Williams cry after the game?
A. “I was sitting there feeling worn out and defeated,” Williams remembered. “Then I got up, reached out to my mom, and just broke down.” For Williams, crying in that moment wasn’t about weakness; it showed how much he cared about the game.
Q. Why does Caleb Williams paint his nails?
A. He shared earlier that he paints his nails as a tribute to his mother, Dayna Price, who used to work as a nail technician.