The Bears' center position battle is far from over, but one thing is clear: Garrett Bradbury is the early frontrunner. While it's still early, the veteran center is standing out for all the right reasons, proving why he was expected to win the job. Head Coach Ben Johnson's high praise for Bradbury is a positive development, indicating that the Bears have found their perfect transitional starting center. This is especially significant given the left tackle position still being a question mark.
Bradbury's experience as a starting center in the NFL for the past seven seasons, in two successful offenses, gives him an edge over rookie Logan Jones. Bradbury's ability to step in and create little to no drop-off after Drew Dalman's surprise departure is a huge development for the offense. It also eases some of the extra responsibility on Joe Thuney, the best guard in football, who can focus more on his elite playmaking abilities.
While it's ideal for Jones to become the starter, the current situation allows him to learn from a strong predecessor rather than being thrown into the job before he's ready. This slower route, as seen with Ozzy Trapilo last year, worked out well before his injury. Bradbury's presence as a veteran elite communicator provides a stable foundation for the offensive line, allowing Jones to develop at his own pace.
However, the battle is not over. Jones has the potential to take off like a rocket ship and earn the starting job. If he does, it would be an awesome development for the Bears. But if he doesn't, it might just mean he will have the privilege of learning from a smart veteran, which can make him even better whenever he does take the reins. The Bears' center position battle is a fascinating one, with Bradbury and Jones both bringing unique strengths to the table. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds as the season progresses.
