Ryan Poles’ Draft Priorities Reportedly Focused In Two Areas

Ryan Poles remains the Chicago Bears’ GM. That won’t change until the end of the season. Nobody can say for sure if he will remain in charge. It depends on how much ownership holds him responsible for the Matt Eberflus debacle. Ryan Pace got a second chance. Maybe Poles gets the same. Either way, the GM must prepare for the 2025 off-season as if he will remain in charge. That means formulating a plan for the NFL draft. Chicago has four picks in the first three rounds. It is a great opportunity to shore up certain areas of their roster that are weak.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune made it clear the team is focused in two areas: the offensive and defensive lines. It isn’t a secret they need more protection for Caleb Williams. However, the team also recognizes they need a second pass rusher and somebody who can better stop the run.

“We’ll see how the defense holds up in the rankings with a little less than half the season to go. With two games against the juggernaut that is the Detroit Lions and some other talented opponents, it will be challenging. As far as adding to this unit in the offseason, keep your focus in the trenches. That’s where the Bears will be looking to get better in terms of rushing the passer and stopping the run.”

Ryan Poles is well-equipped to fix all of those problems.

In addition to his four high picks, he will also have over $70 million in salary cap space. That should enable the Bears to be aggressive on the free agent market for at least one big-name veteran. Right guard Trey Smith feels like an obvious target. Most accounts indicate this will be a strong year in the draft for defensive linemen. If Ryan Poles plays his cards right, he can solve both of the problems on that side of the ball and still have the resources to bolster the offensive line. The big uncertainty is whether his focus may drift to other positions. Safety and running back are also said to be strong this spring.

Poles also loves his cornerbacks. Keenan Allen probably won’t be back, so wide receiver could get some action. It isn’t yet clear where the Bears will pick next April. They sit in the middle of the 1st round at present. A lot can change over the next two months.