Ryan Poles Again Just Signaled Bears’ Clear Draft Intentions

The Chicago Bears are trending in the right direction for what feels like the first time in ages. GM Ryan Poles has done tremendous work rebuilding the roster from scratch after tearing it down in 2022. After a tough 1-2 start, they’ve won three in a row to reach 4-2 and face a slate of winnable games coming out of the bye next week. There is a possibility they could be 7-2 when they face the Green Bay Packers next month. That said, Poles understands this team must always look to get better.

That is why he and his scouts remain active on the circuit, hunting for possible help. The good news is the Bears don’t have as many pressing roster needs as in years past. They are likely to focus on a few key areas, and based on the latest game attendance this weekend, it appears nothing has changed. Here is a list of every program involved and the notable players expected to go between the 1st and 3rd rounds next spring.

Alabama:

• EDGE LT Overton
• OG Tyler Booker
• OG Jaeden Roberts
• C Parker Brailsford

Tennessee:

• EDGE James Pierce Jr.

Michigan:

• DL Mason Graham
• DL Kenneth Grant

Texas:

• OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
• OT Cameron Williams

Georgia:

• EDGE Mykel Williams
• OG Tate Ratledge

Ryan Poles remains focused on the trenches.

This past off-season was about the skill positions. Chicago added Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift, and Kevin Byard. While those moves have paid dividends this season, it remains apparent the Bears are still relatively weak in certain areas on both lines. They have no definitive #2 edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat. Darrell Taylor and DeMarcus Walker have filled that void well enough. Meanwhile, the offensive line has question marks. Braxton Jones hasn’t ascended at left tackle. All three interior positions aren’t entirely locked down, either.

It shouldn’t be surprising that Ryan Poles is focused on those areas. All are critical to long-term franchise success. If the Bears aren’t strong in them, they won’t get past the cream of the NFC to reach a Super Bowl. Thankfully, they have three picks in the first two rounds next April. That presents a golden opportunity for the Bears to land three upper-tier players. Based on Poles’ track record to this point, it would be wise not to bet against him finding the right pieces.