GM Ryan Poles is laser-focused on the 2024 off-season. He understands it’s an important one for the Chicago Bears. The team made stride last season, going from three wins to seven, coming a few late-game collapses away from making the playoffs. One more strong push to upgrade the roster could put them over the top. Poles has six draft picks at his disposal, including two 1st rounders. It is a safe assumption he will end up with more via trades before the dust settles.
His job right now is completing his evaluations of the top prospects and assembling his board. While every step of the process is important, it’s apparent Poles places great value on college all-star games. They allow NFL coaches to work with young players, taking them through pro-style practices. Those who stand out make it appear as if they can handle the league. Poles is reported down at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas. He’s been introduced to some notable names thus far.
Ryan Poles has watched some intriguing names so far.
WR Malik Washington (Virginia)
The Bears should already have lots of tape on Washington after he spent four years at Northwestern. However, he didn’t really get going until transferring to Virginia, where he exploded for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s carried that momentum into the East-West practices, showcasing his mix of strong route-running, quickness, and soft hands. The problem is he’s 5’8 and not blazing fast. Teams hold that against you this time of year, but Washington has played far above his size on many occasions.
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OT Anim Damkwah (Howard)
We know Ryan Poles loves size, length, and athleticism in his offensive tackles. We also know he isn’t afraid to take a risk on players from smaller schools if they check the right boxes. See Braxton Jones. That is why Damkwah is almost sure to get his attention. The Ghana native is 6’8 and 362 lbs but is surprisingly light on his feet. His lack of experience shows in his raw technique, but the guy is an athlete who plays with an aggressive, physical style that will appeal to this regime.
DT Khristian Boyd (Northern Iowa)
One thing you can’t teach is power. Boyd has an overabundance of it. Throwing around a 300-lb guard like a ragdoll is not normal. What tends to catch people by surprise is how explosive he is. How he was used on defense rarely allowed him to showcase it, but when he pinned his ears back, Boyd created havoc in opposing backfields. His 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for a loss in 11 games last season were his best to date. There is some developmental promise with him.
CB Qwan’tez Stiggers (CFL)
What a story this kid is. He dropped out of college after the death of his father in 2020. It looked like a promising football career was over before it began. Then he decided to give it one more try, playing in the Fan Controlled Football league. His play earned him an opportunity in Toronto, where he turned a camp invite into a starting job, five interceptions, and an All-Star nod. Now he’s aiming to make history as the first player ever drafted who never went to college. His size, athleticism, and ball skills are already standing out in practice.
