The Chicago Bears sent shockwaves through training camp this week by giving Theo Benedet first-team reps at offensive tackle, a decision few—if any—saw coming. Benedet, a former undrafted free agent from Canada, has spent most of his young career as a developmental prospect. Seeing him rotate with the starters is both surprising and intriguing, especially for a franchise that allowed a jaw-dropping 68 sacks last season.
With the Bears laser-focused on protecting quarterback Caleb Williams, this move shines a spotlight on their ongoing offensive line battle at left tackle and signals a willingness to explore all options to bolster a unit that struggled mightily in 2024.
Chicago Bears: A Surprising Turn in the Left Tackle Competition
The Chicago Bears’ left tackle rotation entering camp featured Braxton Jones, their most experienced option, and second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo as the primary contenders for the starting job. However, neither has performed well enough to cement their place in the pecking order thus far.
Offensive line coach Dan Roushar, widely regarded for his ability to develop talent, evidently saw enough from Benedet to give him a shot with the first-team offense. It marked his first chance at playing alongside the starters and illustrates how much confidence the coaching staff has in his development.
Benedet’s rise is particularly noteworthy given his unconventional path to the NFL. Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, he has steadily improved throughout camp and turned heads with his performance in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. While the unit struggled overall, Benedet stood out, allowing no pressures in 29 snaps—a metric that may have been the springboard for this surprising opportunity.
A Desperate Need for Stability at Tackle
The Bears’ offensive line issues in 2024 were like a recurring nightmare for quarterback Caleb Williams. The team allowed more sacks (68) than any other franchise, often crippling the offense and putting their rookie quarterback in untenable positions. For a player of Williams’ talent, investing in protection isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
At the root of the Bears’ struggles is inconsistency at both tackle positions. Right tackle Darnell Wright has solidified himself as a foundational piece, but left tackle remains a glaring question mark. While Braxton Jones started all 17 games last season, his uneven play and penalty issues left the coaching staff searching for alternatives this offseason, leading to the addition of Trapilo in April’s draft.
That neither Jones nor Trapilo has locked down the job is concerning, but Benedet’s sudden inclusion in the competition underscores just how wide open the position remains.
What Theo Benedet Brings to the Table
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 315 pounds, Benedet has the physical traits of a prototypical NFL offensive tackle. His performance in practice has been marked by strong pass protection fundamentals and steady improvement with his footwork—a necessary skill when dealing with NFL-caliber edge rushers.
What sets Benedet apart, however, is his consistency. While Jones and Trapilo have shown flashes of capability, neither has provided the steady reliability the Bears crave. Benedet’s ability to avoid pressures against Miami, coupled with a relentless work ethic, has earned him the opportunity to prove he can solve the team’s left tackle conundrum.
Still, transitioning from a reserve role to first-team reps comes with its challenges. Benedet will need to demonstrate that his preseason success wasn’t a fluke and that he can handle the extra scrutiny and expectations that accompany a starting role.
Protecting Caleb Williams Is Priority No. 1
Every decision the Chicago Bears make on the offensive line this season will revolve around one goal—protecting Caleb Williams. Head coach Ben Johnson knows how essential it is to give his young star the time and space to thrive. After all, this is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and the face of the franchise we’re talking about.
Even the most talented quarterbacks will struggle under constant pressure, and the Bears’ offense simply cannot flourish if Williams faces repeated hits like he did last year. Roushar’s willingness to experiment with a depth player like Benedet shows how seriously the coaching staff is taking this priority.
“Dan Roushar will do whatever is necessary to assemble the five best players,” noted a team insider. “Background doesn’t matter. Past accomplishments don’t matter. It’s about getting Caleb Williams the protection he needs.”
What This Means Going Forward
Theo Benedet’s promotion to first-team reps can be seen as a wake-up call for Jones and Trapilo. If neither improves their consistency, the Bears could very well roll with the unexpected option in Benedet.
For fans, this development provides a glimmer of hope that the Bears are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to fix last season’s offensive line woes. However, there’s still work to be done. The upcoming preseason games will likely serve as a final proving ground for all three contenders.
Regardless of who wins the job, the message from Chicago’s coaching staff is clear—nothing is set in stone, and decisions will be purely performance-driven.
Final Thoughts
Theo Benedet’s rise to first-team reps represents a fascinating twist in the Chicago Bears’ ongoing offensive line saga. While his promotion doesn’t guarantee him the starting left tackle role, it signals a willingness by the team to explore unconventional solutions in protecting the crown jewel of their rebuild, Caleb Williams.
For a franchise that’s suffered through endless offensive line instability, this bold move could pave the way for much-needed improvement. Whether Benedet ultimately claims the job or Jones and Trapilo step up, competition like this is exactly what the Bears need as they gear up for what they hope will be a successful 2025 campaign.
