When Logan Jones committed to Iowa in 2019, he expected to star at defensive tackle for the Hawkeyes. Seven years later, Jones will enter the NFL as one of the best prospects at a different spot.

Jones transitioned over to center in 2022 after Tyler Linderbaum graduated and the Hawkeyes had an injury with their expected center. He put in the work over the next four season to become one of the best centers available.

The Chicago Bears drafted him in the second round of the NFL Draft Friday at No. 57 overall.

“It took some time, and, man, I still feel like I haven’t even played my best football yet and I haven’t figured it out,” Jones told reporters virtually Friday. “It’s been a journey, but I think the past two years, for sure, is when I realized that if I really wanted this, I’ve just got to go out there and take it.”

Over four seasons, Jones started 50 games for Iowa at center. Each year, he progressed to get to Friday night.

After playing 13 games a center during his first season at center, Jones worked over the offseason and played his way to third-team All-Big Ten honors in his second season at the spot. Jones started 12 more games in 2024 and earned second-team honors before he took a major step last season.

As a senior, Jones earned plenty of honors for his play. He was named a first-team AP All-American, first-team All-Big Ten and won the Rimington Trophy, the award for the nation’s top center.

“Without the guys I had around me, that award, I would have never received it,” Jones said. “I know they like to say it’s an individual award, but it’s just as much theirs as it is mine. Yeah, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

At 6-foot-2 7/8, 299 pounds and with a 30 3/4-inch arm length, Jones is considered a bit undersized for an NFL center. But Jones is considered ready to compete in the NFL with pro-level technique.

Jones’ journey with the Bears started at the NFL scouting combine in February when he had an informal meeting with the team. But Jones visited Halas Hall for one of their 30 visits.

The Bears were not only impressed with his experience and NFL approach, but also his football intelligence.

“We talk about all the things you can see on tape - the athleticism, the strength, the scrappy play temperament and all that stuff, but it’s really the intangibles, too, that stood out,” Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol said.

“Really cerebral player. Obviously has some familiarity playing in a wide zone system at Iowa. So a lot of the things that he did in college translate to what we do.”

The Bears addressed the center position after they thought they found their long-term answer last season when they signed Drew Dalman. But Chicago decided to bring in a center after Dalman suddenly retired this offseason and Poles traded for Garrett Bradbury.

Jones will compete with Bradbury for a starting spot during training camp. But the Bears could decide to let Jones learn under the veteran.

Center has been an important spot on the offensive line for Bears head coach Ben Johnson. The center is essential to helping quarterback Caleb Williams see what defenses are presenting him.

Jones was aware how Johnson wants his center to play and looked forward to getting to work.

“He loves to run the football, especially outside zone, which is awesome,” Jones said. “That’s exactly how I’ve been taught and what we did. Meeting with him, he likes to put a lot on the center’s plate, which is awesome. Playing center, it’s your job to get everybody into order and know what they’re doing. Whether it be a combo, a pass-pro, whatever it might be -- they put a lot on the center.

“It’s definitely going to be challenging, but I look forward to it. It’s definitely going to be a lot of fun, for sure.”