Ryan Poles was a total mystery when he conducted his first NFL draft last year. Chicago Bears fans thought they had a pretty good idea of how he would approach things. With Justin Fields needing help, the offensive line, and wide receiver were frequently predicted targets with both of their second round picks. That is why it was a big surprise when Poles used both in the same area of the defense. He grabbed cornerback Kyler Gordon with the first pick and then safety Jaquan Brisker with the second. Two players for the secondary to kick the draft off.
It makes one wonder if he might go into the 2023 draft with a similar strategy. Doing it this way does give a team reasonable odds of upgrading a specific position group as quickly as possible. The Bears have found success doing it in the past. They grabbed Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson in back-to-back rounds in 2004. They did in 1984, too, with linebackers Wilber Marshall and Ron Rivera. This begs the obvious question. If Poles employs this strategy again, how could he do it?
Ryan Poles has several avenues if he wants to repeat the strategy.
Offensive line:
1st Round – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Right tackle is the most glaring need the Bears have on the offensive line. Wright is the most proven and pro-ready right tackle in this draft. He can start immediately and was one of the best pass-protectors in the country last season—a plug-and-play starter.
2nd Round – John Michael-Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Much like Wright, Michael-Schmitz is one of the draft’s most polished and pro-ready prospects. He was excellent at center throughout his time at Minnesota, showcasing good anchor, technique, and mobility at the second level. He can immediately fill that void in the middle for Chicago.
Defensive line:
1st Round – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The rumors about Ryan Poles having no fears about taking Carter are well-established. He would be a perfect fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense and has Hall of Fame potential. It comes down to whether the Bears trust their culture enough to help Carter mature and get over his off-the-field issues.
2nd Round – Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Edge rusher might be an even bigger need than a defensive tackle. It was pitiful last year for the Bears. Foskey is raw in several areas, but he’s a terrific athlete, has an ideal physical profile, and was highly productive at a top program. Coaches would only have to improve his arsenal of moves.
Offensive weapons:
1st Round – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Protecting Fields is essential, but so is arming him. The Bears have already secured a top receiver with D.J. Moore. Still, with Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool both seeking new contracts, it might be best to add another high-end talent on a rookie deal. Smith-Njigba is a slot demon and played with Fields in college.
2nd Round – Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Cole Kmet also has questions about his contract. The Bears are reported to have shown interest in Kraft during the pre-draft process. He is the kind of athletic pass-catcher any quarterback would love. Adding him would give the team loads of depth in Fields’ arsenal.
