LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Braxton Jones and Dominique Robinson were drafted six selections a part in the fifth round in 2022.
Jones has been a Day 1 starter for the Chicago Bears and has played 1,757 total offensive snaps in two seasons. Robinson, hasn’t seen the field all too much since he was selected with 174th overall pick. The defensive end out of Miami University has played just 791 defensive snaps in two seasons, and he only played in 11 games in 2023.
For any Day 3 draft picks, job security is one of the most important aspects that players may think about in the back of their mind. Right now, Jones is in a good place. He has been available and appears to be making progress as a player, especially when it comes to handling opposing defensive linemen’s bullrush moves.
“As camp’s progressed, I definitely think it’s gotten a lot better for myself,” Jones said. “I’m starting to really see the numbers to me. When I get back in my set and I really see those numbers and starting to punch them and anchoring down on that a lot better. I’m starting to see a lot quicker. I still think there’s some improvement when they’re attacking my inside shoulder, but other than that, I’m definitely getting better each day.”
The Bears did draft left tackle Kiran Amegadjie in the third round in this past draft, but he hasn’t practiced one day so far due to injury, and there really isn’t any indication as to when he will return to the field. So for now, Jones is the Bears starting left tackle and can diminish any speculation of losing his job to Amegadjie if he puts together a good season in Year 3.
Robinson’s job status is still up in the air as he enters his third NFL season. The Bears traded for Montez Sweat in late October, which took away Robinson’s playing time last season. Then, general manager Ryan Poles moved up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Austin Booker in the fifth round out of Kansas.
Booker has shown flashes throughout training camp and made quite the statement with his five tackles and 2.5 sacks against the Buffalo Bills in the Week 2 preseason game.
Robinson understands the time is now for him to prove himself to head coach Matt Eberflus and the rest of this coaching staff.
“I mean, being realistic? Yeah. I’ve been put in a position to where in my head it’s either I take the spot or…it’s football,” Robinson said. “It’s a business. I came in trying to prove a point.”
In the 33-6 victory over the Bills, Robinson got the start in place of Sweat, who did not play. Even though Robinson only finished with one total tackle, his third down run stop on the Bills’ first offensive possession showed that the coaches could trust him when his number was called.
“I felt amazing,” Robinson said. “I know I’m able to do things on this football field with the body that I have to make plays. And to do that early in the game like that, it felt amazing. Coach made a call, we ran it and it worked to perfection. That’s how it goes.”
Robinson also admitted that play wouldn’t have happened last season if he didn’t undergo a body transformation in the offseason. The 26-year-old defensive end came into camp around 273 pounds and put on 15 pounds of muscle with only 8% body fat.
“In all honestly, that play that I made on that third down, it (the weight) was a huge factor,” Robinson said. “I had a pulling tackle coming back to kick me out, but I was able to kind of hold my ground and still stand firm in my gap and still make the play at the same time. Last year, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to do that, personally. I think I probably would’ve got kicked out.”
Despite putting on more weight, Robinson knew he could still maintain his explosiveness and speed, which also helps him on special teams. The new kickoff rule allows players with different body types, like Robinson, to play a role on the third phase. Instead of having to run 40 yards before making contact with an opposing player, Robinson will be lined much closer to the return team.
For the former quarterback turned wide receiver and now defensive end, special teams provides another opportunity for Robinson to earn himself a roster spot.
“Oh, big time,” Robinson said. “Big time. You make plays on ST? Trust me, they gonna find a way.”
