The Chicago Bears drafted Logan Jones, an offensive lineman from Iowa, in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to address their center position needs. Jones, who won the Rimmington Trophy, believes his Iowa career has equipped him for the NFL.
Mentioned in this story
Bears' Logan Jones explains how Iowa career prepared him for the NFL
With their lone second round pick in the 2026 NFL, the Chicago Bears drafted Iowa offensive lineman Logan Jones, looking to find their long-term answer at center.
The center spot became an urgent position of need for the Bears following the sudden retirement of veteran Drew Dalman this offseason, and even after trading for Garrett Bradbury, Chicago recognized the need for long-term stability at the position.
One of the best traits for Jones coming out of college was his reliability and durability, as he took over for NFL standout Tyler Linderbaum once he left Iowa, and he capped off his career by winning the Rimmington Trophy as the nation's top center. Coming out of one of the more prestigious schools in the Big 10 Conference, Jones said he felt his time with the Hawkeyes prepared him for life at the NFL level.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
Logan Jones excelled at Iowa, taking over for NFL standout Tyler Linderbaum and winning the Rimmington Trophy as the nation's top center.
The Bears drafted Logan Jones to secure a long-term solution at center following the retirement of veteran Drew Dalman and the need for stability at the position.
The Rimmington Trophy is awarded to the nation's top center in college football, highlighting Logan Jones's exceptional performance at Iowa.
The Bears faced challenges at the center position due to the sudden retirement of Drew Dalman and the need for a reliable long-term replacement.
Mikel Arteta criticized the VAR decision to overturn a penalty for Eberechi Eze, calling it 'completely unacceptable'. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Morgan Rogers emerges as Manchester United's top attacking target at £86m
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Sam Roush
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Zavion Thomas
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Malik Muhammad
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Keyshaun Elliott
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Jordan van den Berg
1 / 7
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
1 / 7
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
2 / 7
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones
3 / 7
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Sam Roush
4 / 7
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Zavion Thomas
5 / 7
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Malik Muhammad
6 / 7
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Keyshaun Elliott
7 / 7
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Jordan van den Berg
"(Iowa Head) Coach (Kirk) Ferentz and (Iowa Offensive Line) Coach (George) Barnett, they prioritize offensive line play," Jones said. "Coach Ferentz, he's coached offense line for a long time and really thinks that's important. You look at the guys that have come through there and I was fortunate to be able to play there. I just think the way they go about their business, it's like an NFL organization and Coach Ferentz coached in the NFL too. I think that's where you got it from, but just very professional in your approach towards everything you do and the way you practice. It was never as much about the on the field stuff, but the off the field stuff, how you handle your business and your approach."
Getting a masterclass in professionalism both on and off the field at Iowa, Jones should come into Chicago with a very mature background and understanding of what's in front of him for his rookie season. There were several draft experts who praised the Bears for their selection of Jones, believing that he could contend for a starting job in his first season in the NFL, a move that would be pretty substantial in Ben Johnson's offense.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Logan Jones explains how Iowa career prepared him for the NFL