GM Ryan Poles has made clear from the start that this effort to rebuild the Chicago Bears won’t be exclusive to him and the scouts. He intends to include the coaching staff in every personnel decision. Poles wants there to be good communication and harmony from both sides. That is how things worked in Kansas City between Brett Veach and Andy Reid. It will be the same here. Every coach will have input, including the position assistants. Their opinions will carry lots of weight.
That leads to a fun discussion. Who are some prospects in this class that fit each of those coaches? I decided to do some digging to see if I could find suitable matches for everybody. This is what came of that research. Surprisingly, there are several fun names on this list.
The Chicago Bears will have close eyes on these names.
Luke Getsy (OC) – Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
As a former wide receivers coach, Getsy has a close connection to that position. History says he tends to covet receivers with good size who can make contested catches, like Jordy Nelson and Allen Lazard. Tillman fits that mold. He’s 6’3 and 213 lbs and is a physical dude. He’ll push guys around in the running game and then outwrestle them for the ball in the air. He’ll need some tweaking on his routes, but this is a security blanket.
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Andrew Janocko (QBs coach) – Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
One thing about Janocko that has remained consistent is his desire for details. That means proper footwork and making the right reads. Talent is important, but not everything. Haener is a solid athlete, although he’s somewhat undersized with an okay arm. He makes up for it with a quick processor, good feet, and pinpoint accuracy. He’s strong in the face of pressure and can improvise without letting plays break down.
David Walker (RBs coach) – Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Walker has traditionally preferred bigger backs that are less about pure speed and more about good vision and patience. Bigsby has the size and strength to run through tackle attempts and the acceleration and instincts to find where the holes will be. His style is tailor-made for an outside-zone system. He can be the eventual long-term replacement for D’Onta Foreman.
Tyke Tolbert (WRs coach) – Matt Landers, WR, Arkansas
Few have a longer track record in the NFL than Tolbert. While he’s worked with all kinds of receivers, he often prefers players with both size and speed. Landers is a late bloomer with his 901 yards and eight TDs in 2022 being by far his best. The exciting part is his 6’4 frame and 4.37 speed. There is loads of untapped potential there. If he can master route-running, he can be a playmaker for the Chicago Bears.
Jim Dray (TEs coach) – Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
Dray is very young by coaching standards. This is his first positional role. That said, he’s played the position and has a clear preference in terms of style. He believes in a receiver-first approach. Blocking is important, but he wants guys that can threaten as pass-catchers. Whyle has the tall frame, strong hands, solid speed, and capable route-runner to be precisely that. He’ll need to add some muscle, though.
Chris Morgan (OL coach) – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
One thing about Morgan is that he is remarkably consistent when it comes to his lineman profiles. He wants athletes. Great athletes. Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom are two examples from his time in Atlanta. Braxton Jones is another in Chicago. Broderick Jones is a freak of nature for a left tackle. He moves so effortlessly for his size and is a bully in the run game. The scariest part is he’s not fully developed yet.
Alan Williams (DC) – JL Skinner, S, Boise State
One of the league’s more unheralded defensive back specialists, Williams has a stellar track record with safeties headlined by Bob Sanders and Harrison Smith. He seems to prefer types that are aggressive, physical, and have a nose for the football. Skinner checks all of those boxes. He’s 6’4 with 32-inch arms, tackles well, and has good coverage instincts for grabbing interceptions.
Travis Smith (DL coach) – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Smith was with the Raiders when they drafted Maxx Crosby. So he’ll look for players that may not have the muscle mass yet but display an almost natural affinity for rushing the passer. The body part can always be fixed. Anudike-Uzomah fits that same description. He isn’t filled out in his body yet, but he’s a savvy rusher with an excellent motor. His lack of experience won’t hold him back forever.
Dave Borgonzi (LBs coach) – Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
The height doesn’t necessarily matter for Borgonzi when it comes to linebackers. What he desires is length and athleticism. Williams’ arms are just under 34 inches, which is great for that position. He also demonstrated good coverage prowess as a senior, with two interceptions and seven passes defended. His big hurdle will be learning to read and react faster before blockers beat him to the spot.
Jon Hoke (CBs coach) – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Hoke has served in the Tampa-2 defense for several years. He knows exactly what kind of corners thrive in it. They must be tough, physical, instinctive and be able to force turnovers. Smith is a good athlete with size and length. Man coverage isn’t his strength but his intelligence and quick reflexes make for an excellent zone corner. He gets his hands on the football quite often.
Richard Hightower (STC) – Jake Moody, K, Michigan
Cairo Santos recovered down the stretch last season, but it’s becoming clear he has limitations as a kicker. His ability from beyond 45-50 yards was an issue. The Bears have to think about finding somebody that gives them more boom. Moody showed he could hit from 59 yards out last year and was consistently effective in big games for the Wolverines. Pressure doesn’t seem to rattle him often.
