Chicago Bears Ben Johnson Raves About 2nd-Round Pick Logan Jones

When starting center Drew Dalman announced his surprise retirement this offseason, the Chicago Bears suddenly had a glaring hole in the middle of their offensive line. The front office needed a reliable, long-term anchor. They found their answer in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Iowa standout Logan Jones.

Head coach Ben Johnson did not hide his excitement about the 57th overall pick. In fact, he used a very specific word to describe the team’s feelings toward the rookie: smitten.

A Clear Consensus Among the Coaching Staff

Finding the right center takes serious scouting, and the Bears did their homework. Offensive line coach Dan Roushar and assistant Kyle DeVan traveled the country this spring to evaluate the top interior linemen. Every time they compared notes, Jones sat firmly at the top of their board.

Johnson noted that the entire building felt complete conviction about the selection. The coaching staff and the personnel department aligned perfectly on his evaluation. When a team zeroes in on a player like that, it usually means the prospect possesses a rare blend of physical and mental traits.

“We were really smitten with Logan throughout the process,” (Offensive Line Coach) Dan Roushar, (Assistant Offensive Line Coach) Kyle DeVan, went out and went to several places this springtime to make sure we could identify the guys that we felt really good about. Obviously, Logan was at the top of the list for us. And so, we felt convicted as a staff, coaching staff and personnel side, that he was our guy.”

Iowa has a proud history of producing tough, pro-ready offensive linemen. Coming from that specific collegiate system means Jones already understands the grueling demands of trench warfare.

Elite Football IQ and Protection Skills

Playing center in the NFL requires massive physical strength, but the mental aspect often dictates long-term success. You have to identify defensive fronts, call out blocking assignments, and adjust on the fly. Johnson specifically praised Jones for his top-notch mental makeup and elite football IQ.

“The mental is top notch,” Johnson explained after the draft. He noted that the coaching staff at Iowa raved about Jones, and a pre-draft top-30 visit to Chicago fully solidified the team’s evaluation. Johnson has zero doubts about the rookie’s ability to process complex NFL playbooks.

“The mental is top notch. We saw all the traits that we’re looking for, whether it’s the run game or in pass-pro, and we brought him in for a top 30, and I think that’s when it really solidified it for us that ‘yeah, he’s got the makeup.’ The guys at Iowa were raving about him, and then just the next level in terms of the football IQ as well. So, I think none of us have any qualms that he’ll be able to download the information and, once again, it’s just another spot that we’ll have high level competition at.”

Beyond the brains, Jones brings serious brawn. Johnson highlighted his impressive physical traits in both the run game and pass protection. He anchors well against massive defensive tackles and moves fluidly to open rushing lanes.

The Anchor of the Bears Offense

You cannot understate the importance of the center position in Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme. The system relies heavily on timing, precise blocking angles, and quick decision-making at the line of scrimmage. A smart center keeps the entire offensive line operating as a single, cohesive unit.

By drafting Jones, the Bears secured a player who fits this system perfectly. He offers the exact profile Johnson needs to execute his complex game plan. Drafting a center in the second round shows a clear commitment to building the offense from the inside out. It ensures the quarterback has a reliable partner snapping him the ball for years to come.

Competing for the Starting Role

Despite his rookie status, Jones will not simply hold a clipboard this season. He enters training camp with a genuine opportunity to win the starting job outright. The Bears acquired veteran Garrett Bradbury in a trade prior to free agency, setting the stage for a highly competitive camp battle.

Bradbury brings valuable experience, but he only has one year left on his current contract. Jones arrived in Chicago carrying a “Day 1 starter” draft label. If he absorbs the playbook as quickly as Johnson expects, the rookie could easily beat out the veteran before Week 1.

Keep a close eye on the interior offensive line battles during training camp. If Logan Jones proves his head coach right, the Bears just drafted the cornerstone of their offense for the next decade.