Why Bears center Logan Jones is among most underrated rookies

Logan Jones is entering the 2026 season as the Chicago Bears' first center drafted in the class, following the retirement of Drew Dalman at 27 and a quick pivot at the position. The team used a second-round pick on Jones, who was the first center selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and then traded for New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury to serve as a stop-gap option. Jones will compete to start this summer, with Bradbury on the roster for at least one season, leaving the rookie a path to possibly taking over the job in the future behind an established veteran.

Under new head coach Ben Johnson, Chicago rebuilt the interior line with All-Pro Joe Thuney, Dalman and Jonah Jackson joining right tackle Darnell Wright, forming what could be one of the league's top units. Jones's development will hinge on winning the starting job during training camp while Bradbury remains. Analysts including ESPN's Jordan Reid rank him among the five most underrated rookies heading into 2026, underscoring the Bears' long-term confidence in his potential as the next anchor for quarterback Caleb Williams.