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Ben Johnson lays out Theo Benedet's path to the Bears' starting left tackle job
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- Ben Johnson lays out Theo Benedet's path to the Bears' starting left tackle job
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This week is the chance for the Chicago Bears to see if Theo Benedet can make a case to win the left tackle job. Head coach Ben Johnson inherited the 2024 UDFA from the CFL when he took over as head coach in 2025.
Ben Johnson reveals what he must see from Chicago's OT Theo Benedet
However, he saw him progress in significant ways. He was active as a rookie and ended up starting in eight games under Johnson. Now that he is making the case to start for a longer stretch in 2026, Johnson made it clear exactly what Benedet has to do to make the case.
"When we looked at last year as a whole, this guy is an asset in the run game. The pass pro was a little behind. I think we have seen a guy who is in better position fundamentally. Most of that has been on the right side. We want to see what that's looks like on the left side."
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Johnson made it clear that all he has to do when it comes to run blocking is to return and do the same. However, they need to see better when it comes to protecting Caleb Williams.
His play aligns with the grading of PFF, though. PFF gave him a 65 run-blocking grade, which is slightly below average. However, his 55 pass-blocking grade was below average. He needs to show that he cleaned this area up, or he is not going to win the starting job.
That is likely why the team did not start him until injuries forced him into the lineup in Week 4. Braxton Jones won the job out of camp. Then, once the rookie Ozzy Trapilo was ready to step in after Week 11, the team pulled him.
What makes things tough for Benedet is that the two names that blocked him last year are back this year. Last year, he was unable to unseat Jones until he got hurt, and Trapilo stepped in and provided more potential later.
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This year, he will have to try to unseat Jones with Trapilo once again looming. If Benedet does not win the starting left tackle job, it does appear that he has a good grip on the swing tackle job. The Bears appear satisfied with his progression at right tackle and want to see if he can continue it on the left side.
This will be a huge week for the former CFL standout.
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This article was originally published on www.dawindycity.com as Ben Johnson lays out Theo Benedet's path to the Bears' starting left tackle job .
