Last year, I made note of GM Ryan Poles’ history as a scout and executive in Kansas City when trying to determine which player he might target with the Chicago Bears’ 1st round pick. One thing that stuck out was the Chiefs’ fondness for players from Tennessee, particularly offensive linemen. Zach Fulton and Trey Smith both became quality starters for the team. So I wondered if Darnell Wright might be somebody the Bears GM had good intel on because of those established connections. Sure enough, the Bears took the big right tackle 10th overall.
Obviously, this doesn’t mean it will happen again, but there are reasons to think it could. Why? The same indicators are lining up just like last year. Only this time, the player to watch isn’t another offensive tackle. It is a pass rusher. Specifically Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse. Here is why.
The Bears have been quiet on the defensive line.
After free agency passed by in 2023, the one thing that stood out was how quiet the team was at offensive tackle. Despite numerous opportunities, they never added to the position despite an obvious need. That same scenario unfolded this year on the defensive line. While the market had plenty of notable names available, the Bears did not acquire any. In fact, they lost more than they gained. Justin Jones left for Arizona. Yannick Ngakoue is a free agent and hasn’t re-signed. The only additions they’ve made are Jacob Martin and Byron Cowart, both backups.
Matt Eberflus is not subtle in his desire for pass rush help.
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He has mentioned it multiple times in only the past couple of weeks. The Bears want somebody who can either help or affect the quarterback. As a defensive head coach, it isn’t hard to imagine he might be pressing Poles to get more help for his defensive line. His public comments say as much.
“It’s important that we get that piece because you have to have the 1-2 punch,” Eberflus said. “It can be inside as well. You look at who affects the quarterback the most, I would also argue that the inside piece is also something that we should be looking at, and it’s important that we do that. Direct line to the quarterback. When they max protect, it’s a soft spot in the protection. We’re looking at all pass rushers. It can be inside, outside, all along the line.”
The key to success in this scheme is having a talented and deep defensive line that can apply pressure without help from blitzes. The Bears have Montez Sweat but lack another dynamic rusher. Verse has the size, power, athleticism, and length the head coach typically covets.
Ryan Poles has noteworthy scouting ties to Florida State.
As stated above, Tennessee connections are what made me think Wright was a target last year. The same goes for Verse from Florida State. Kansas City had considerable good fortune dipping into that program as well. They landed Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson in 2011. A few years later, in 2018, they secured underrated defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, who has been an unsung hero on all three of their Super Bowl championship teams. Don’t forget this is also a program that has recently produced Josh Sweat and Brian Burns. It’s a pass rush factory.
Last but not least, there is the eerie silence. News and rumors have indicated the Bears have met with multiple pass rushers like Dallas Turner, Chop Robinson, Adisa Isaac, Jaylen Harrell, and Byron Murphy. Zero mention of Verse. Either that means Ryan Poles has no interest in him, or far more likely, the Bears like him a lot and don’t want to tip anybody off to this fact.
