One lesson everybody must learn about the NFL draft is that the board doesn’t always cooperate. It is essential to have backup plans in case the player(s) you want don’t fall to your next pick. Ryan Poles is no stranger to this. He was under no illusions going into the 2024 draft. After picking 9th overall on opening night, it would be a long wait until his next chance at #75 late on day two. He needed to not overthink anything. It must be about sticking to the board. In the end, the Bears got a highly talented left tackle in Kiran Amegadjie out of Yale.
It is a fantastic story. Amegadjie is a Hinsdale native who grew up watching the Bears. It was his dream to join the organization and play for them. He even told head coach Matt Eberflus it would happen over a year ago when they met at a golf club. However, if the team had their way, it likely wouldn’t have gone that way. According to Poles, he admitted the team had their eyes on defensive line help with that 3rd round pick. Unfortunately, their preferred target went to the Atlanta Falcons one spot ahead of them. This forced them to pivot to Amegadjie.
The mystery name in question was Washington’s Bralen Trice.
Kiran Amegadjie won’t help the Bears immediately.
Poles admitted he is more of a project at this stage. He needs time to polish up his skills as he transitions to a much higher level of competition. The team believes his talent is enough for him to challenge Braxton Jones for the starting left tackle job at some point. Trice, though, probably could’ve given their defensive front some much-needed help. While not overly big or long, the Huskies defensive end is a powerhouse with excellent ability to run stunts and twists. His high motor made him a menace for blockers. His seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss were a big reason Washington reached the national title game.
None of this was an indictment of Kiran Amegadjie. The Bears clearly believe in his talent and what he can become. Preferring Trice was more about finding somebody to help them win games in 2024. They still have no clear second pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat. That search will continue. Amegadjie won’t worry about that. His dream came true and he’ll have every opportunity to compete for that starting job.
Braxton gets no love even though he was rated 6th overall LT in 2023 by PFF despite LG Teven’s injury.
The Bears need Center and OG depth. Most defensive pressure came between the tackles.
Maybe Poles sees drafted Kiran A as a flex lineman, to fill in at OT and OG like FA Bates was brought in for C/OG.
The kid’s athleticism and long arms are appealing. But technique, awareness and doggedness make great offensive linemen.
Anyway, when Kiran lines up opposite Montez, we’ll find out how big a project he is.
Welcome to the NFL!
@Tred by all accounts Jones has been relatively pretty decent. You mean to tell me a “project” in one year will surpass him to save a few million?! Only way that makes sense is if he comes to camp and goes toe to toe with Sweat and does relatively well. You don’t draft a “project” in hopes in a year he can be your starting left tackle do you?
@Sam: Good call. After the overnights, a lot of teams look at who’s available, just like you did, and ask ‘how is X still on the board?’ Franklin went, second pick of the 4th (#102), to the Broncos.
Another choice at DE could be Colorado State’s Mo Kamara. He’s a bit on the small size for a DE at 6′ 1.5″, 248 lbs, but had 13 sacks last year. Ran a 4.57 40 at the combine, and has played some outside linebacker as well as some DT. Sleeper that could outperform his draft position. My read on him (with very limited research) is that he’s better than the DEs listed ahead of him on ESPN’s best available list.
Austin Booker DE, Brandon Dorlus DL, and Sedrick Van Pran C. I’d be happy with any one of them today. Also warming up to the Kiran pick. Like Kmet I love when a player is actually a fan of the team. Dream come true.