People were upset with Ryan Poles following the 2nd round of the NFL draft. Having inherited Justin Fields at quarterback, the logical course of action in their minds was to devote resources to the offense. Give the kid some weapons and protection. Instead, Poles opted for two defensive backs in Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker. While it undoubtedly helped a beleaguered secondary, it once again showed to many that the Chicago Bears have no idea how to properly build around a young quarterback.
To his credit, Poles spent the next five rounds to make up the gap. He selected speedy receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the 3rd round and then grabbed no fewer than four offensive linemen between the 5th and 7th rounds on Day 3. Some wondered if such a tactic could work. Rather than put all his hopes in one prospect, Poles decided to flood the pipeline with four bodies, banking that his draft evaluations would yield at least one starter.
As it turns out, there are multiple instances of this method working in the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals took four offensive linemen in 1992. Their second one, 4th rounder Jeff Christy, became a three-time Pro Bowler. Kansas City did it in 1983, landing Irv Eatman in the 8th round who went on to start eight seasons. The New York Giants did it in 1982, grabbing six-year starter Rich Baldinger in the 10th round. Believe it or not, the Bears themselves have benefitted from this tactic before.
Since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, Chicago has picked four offensive linemen in a draft three times. In 1970 they were able to Glen Holloway in the 10th round. He was a four-year starter. In 1983, Jimbo Covert (1st), Tom Thayer (4th), and Mark Bortz (8th) all landed with the Bears. Then in 1989, they scored 11-year starter Jerry Fontenot in the 3rd round. So there is definitely a method to the madness for Ryan Poles.
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He believes at least one of Braxton Jones, Zachary Thomas, Doug Kramer, and Ja’Tyre Carter will surface as at least a serviceable starter for this team. The data backs him up on this. Considering the man himself played offensive line in college, that only makes the odds better.
