Jeff King has big shoes to fill. The former co-director of player personnel was promoted this offseason to become the Chicago Bears‘ new assistant general manager. He takes over for the departed Ian Cunningham, who played a key role in helping rebuild the team into a division title winner last year. Everybody knew it was coming. King had earned a glowing reputation not just inside Halas Hall but around the NFL. Many saw him as a future GM-in-waiting. His promotion was a formality. Now it seems general manager Ryan Poles decided to start his education on how to handle the media.
King appeared during the team’s pre-draft press conference on Tuesday. There, he fielded various questions about the team, draft preparation, and other topics. It didn’t take long for him to deliver a comment that cemented a growing belief about the team’s entire scouting approach. For years, it felt as if Poles was focused on players with traits. He wanted to draft versatile athletes, even if they might need some coaching up. Bet on traits. That is something he likely learned from his time in Kansas City.
However, things have changed. King confirmed as much when he outright stated the Bears aren’t searching for athletes. They’re searching for competitors.
“We’re after competitors. The best players and teams I’ve been around compete daily, not just on Sundays in the fall. It takes more than talent just to win in this league in various conditions throughout the season. … Create competition for the roster, create hard decisions we have to make for the start of the season, add guys to our building that compete daily. That’s our goal.”
Jeff King confirms how much the Bears’ priorities have shifted.
We saw evidence of it last year. The selections of Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Kyle Monangai were just as much about character as they were about talent. They wanted football junkies who were willing to do anything asked of them. It showed on the field. Not only were Loveland and Burden both explosive pass catchers, but determined run-blockers as well. Monangai was a throwback “run through your face” type of player. It’s safe to say that after such success, the Bears would stick to the same strategy.
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Character is already important. Every team will say that. However, some put much more emphasis on it than others. The Baltimore Ravens have long been a stickler for this, as have the Green Bay Packers and, more recently, the Detroit Lions. All three of those teams have had consistent success in the draft every year because of it. While Poles has demonstrated a good eye for physical talent, it wasn’t until recently that he began shifting things more towards the character side. Perhaps head coach Ben Johnson had something to do with that, bringing some philosophies from Detroit with him.
Some notable 2026 prospects stand out under this microscope.
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk, divisive as he is, is lauded by teammates, coaches, and scouts for his leadership and passion. The same is true for Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriquez, often described as a vocal leader with tons of charisma. Clemson right tackle Blake Miller is tough, gritty, and completely team-minded in his approach. San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson plays with urgency and an aggressive mentality, never taking plays off. Last but not least, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon is said to be fiercely competitive in everything he does.
All of those guys have a chance to be available at #25 overall for the Bears. That doesn’t include other names who could be in the mix as well. Jeff King has demonstrated a sharp eye for such types before. He was the driving force behind signing Tyson Bagent two years ago, perhaps one of the most competitive players on the entire team. The assistant general manager knows what to look for.
