Top 25 Bears in 2022: No. 19 Justin Jones Jones could be a bargain at defensive tackle

We're counting down the Top 25 most important Bears for the 2022 season.

What makes one player more important than another? That's subjective, of course. But for our purposes it comes down to this: Are the Bears worse off if this player can't play? Does this player have untapped potential or past greatness to live up to? Is his story going to be one fans follow closely this season?

No. 19 Justin Jones

Position: Defensive tackle

NFL experience: Fifth season

Last year's ranking: N/A

Looking back: The Bears signed defensive tackle Justin Jones following four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, who drafted Jones with a third-round pick in 2018. Jones mostly came off the bench as a rookie in 2018, but blossomed into a starter over the following three seasons. He started 11 games last year and recorded 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss and 2 fumble recoveries.

Although Jones played in a different scheme under head coach Brandon Staley with the Chargers, the Bears saw the type of light, quick defensive tackle who could play the 3-technique position in a 4-3 scheme.

He wasn't the team's first choice for the position. That was tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who failed his physical and recently signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bears signed Jones on a relatively cheap two-year, $12 million deal.

Looking forward: As Jones said during the spring practice period, the 3-technique is the anchor for head coach Matt Eberflus' 4-3 defensive scheme. The Bears are hoping Jones can be a penetrator who can slip between offensive linemen and cause some chaos in the backfield.

If Jones does turn out to be a solid 3-technique, his contract will be a bargain. If he plays through the 2022 season and it's not working out as planned, it won't cost the Bears much to move on from the deal in a year or two.

Jones is only 25, but he talks and acts like an older leader on this defense. He has been through four years of pro football. He is the type of mentor who can relate with younger players. This is a young team with a lot of unproven talent. Jones has been eager to help lead the way.

If he can channel that leadership and put together an even better season than he did a year ago, the Bears will be really happy with this signing.