The competition for the Chicago Bears’ left tackle position has intensified during training camp, with an unexpected contender, Theo Benedet, gaining notable attention. Over recent practices, Benedet, an undrafted free agent from 2024, has been working closely with the starting offense, showcasing his versatility and skill in a fight for the starting spot.
Benedet’s Role and Progress in Training Camp
Theo Benedet, who spent last season on the Bears’ practice squad, has participated in three consecutive practices with the first-string offense this week, according to reports by ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. Known primarily for his collegiate career in Canada at the University of British Columbia, Benedet’s adaptation to the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL level has been steady, and he even took snaps at both left and right tackle during the Bears’ preseason opener.
Head coach Ben Johnson expressed enthusiasm about Benedet’s development, saying,
“He’s right in the middle of it.”
He added,
“I’ve been very, very excited about Theo and what he’s done both on the right and the left side. He was probably overlooked to start this competition, but the longer this thing’s gone on, there’s a strong argument for what he’s put on tape.”
—Ben Johnson, Head Coach
Competition Overview: Other Left Tackle Contenders
The left tackle battle includes several other players who have shown promise. Braxton Jones, the incumbent, recently received full medical clearance and has been regularly involved with the starting lineup during camp. Additionally, second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo from Boston College has been versatile, working at both tackle spots. While Trapilo mainly played right tackle in college, his role this preseason could shift based on team needs.
Third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie from Yale has also been part of the contest, though his leg injury has limited his participation, placing him on the third-team offense recently. This injury has somewhat diminished his chances for the starting position, adding another layer of uncertainty to the ongoing competition.
Coach Johnson emphasized the staff’s cautious approach in selecting the starter:
“We’ll go as long as we need to go to find the right guy,”
he said.
“But we’d like to see someone go ahead and make it clear to us that he is that guy and we just haven’t seen that yet as a staff. There’s been too much up and down.”
—Ben Johnson, Head Coach
Implications and Next Steps for the Left Tackle Spot
With the preseason continuing, the Bears’ coaching staff is focused on identifying a clear leader at left tackle as soon as possible. The upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills will offer each contender, including Benedet, the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness and impact. Benedet’s ability to stay in the conversation despite limited prior NFL experience suggests this battle remains wide open.
The results of these upcoming matchups are expected to play a crucial role in defining the Bears’ offensive line setup for the regular season. The coaching staff’s measured evaluation aims to ensure the best candidate earns the starting role, reinforcing the importance of depth and talent at this critical position.