You always get a good idea of what a team has done in a draft when you hear from people with no skin in the game. These men and women are part of the national media or work inside the NFL for another team. Even better, getting the opinion of a full-blown skeptic is probably the most honest assessment you can hope for. By and large, experts gave the Chicago Bears draft class grades ranging from A- to B-. The assessments are generally the same. Tons of potential from the 1st and 2nd round picks, followed by serious questions about their work on the third day.
However, it appears the reactions inside the league aren’t as skeptical. Mike Sando of The Athletic reached out to executives for other teams about the Bears’ draft. A comment from one summed up how well Ryan Poles did.
“I like what they have done, and I’ve been skeptical of the Bears in the past,” an exec said. “The tight end (Colston Loveland) is a really good player. The sleeper in the bunch is that (Ozzy) Trapilo kid in the second round. Eventually, I think he will be their right tackle.
“I have to hand it to (GM Ryan) Poles. They have upgraded in a lot of ways this offseason.”
You know you did well when you win over somebody who has been programmed to dislike everything you do. It appears people love the work done on the offensive side with Loveland, Burden, and Trapilo. Many feel that the new head coach, Ben Johnson, dictated those picks.
The Chicago Bears feel like they’re ready to win.
Johnson stated that with crystal clarity from the start. His goal is to win and win now. Poles reinforced that during a recent interview. He feels the team has reached a spot where they are talented enough to make a run at the best teams in the NFC. Last year saw unfortunate setbacks, but it was evident the roster was capable of competing with playoff teams. If this anonymous executive is correct, they’ve gotten even better since then. The Chicago Bears have no more excuses. They have the quarterback. They have the head coach. The offensive weaponry and line have been improved. Defensively, they remain strong. It is time to get after it. This team is ready to go after the big prize.
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