Ryan Poles did something relatively novel during his first NFL draft. After getting through the first two days, he approached the final one differently. He went around to all his scouts and told them to provide a short list of available players for which they pound the table. The Chicago Bears GM wanted to show them that he trusts their judgment in pinpointing possible contributors for this roster. After some maneuvers, he ended up making eight picks between the 5th and 7th rounds.
It worked out pretty well. Braxton Jones started every snap at left tackle, while Elijah Hicks and Trenton Gill became immediate assets on special teams. Dominique Robinson also flashed potential as a pass rusher. It will be interesting to see if Poles takes the same approach in April when his second draft takes place. If so, here is a list of each area scout and certain players they will gravitate towards.
The Chicago Bears scouts will likely circle these names.
Tom Bradway (Northeast) – Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
He is a newcomer to the Bears, having arrived after four off-seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Bradway has never been an area scout, so he is difficult to gauge. That said, the Raiders drafted several wide receivers during his time there. The traits they had in common were an edginess to their playing style, a competitive streak, and a single-minded dedication to their craft. Washington is precisely that type of player. He isn’t the biggest or fastest, but he’s physical, intelligent, strong, and fights for the ball.
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Ryan Cavanaugh (Midwest) – Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
Arguably one of the best Midwest scouts in the business. Cavanaugh helped Houston land names like J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus, Nick Martin, and Sherrick McManis. He tends to target guys with long arms and high motors. Rugged types too. Adebawore fits that profile. While only 6’1, he has 34-inch arms and plays relentlessly. He uses his natural leverage to full advantage against tackles and is too quick for guards. Cavanaugh will recognize his value from the jump.
Reese Hicks (West Coast) – John Gaines, OG, UCLA
Another new addition by Poles. Hicks was with the Atlanta Falcons for the past few years. They successfully targeted intelligent and athletic offensive linemen like Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary during that time. Gaines is exactly that type. He moves very well at 6’4, 300 lbs, and the tape shows somebody with supreme intelligence. He can play guard or center. Most of his issues stem from inconsistent fundamentals. That can be corrected with proper coaching.
Brendan Rehor (Southeast) – Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
Rehor has risen up the ladder rapidly for the Bears. Two years ago, he was a combine scout. Now he runs the most critical region in the country. It was evident last April, with additions like Velus Jones and Dominque Robinson, that Rehor likes bigger athletes. Latu isn’t your traditional tight end. He’s more of the new wave, where pass-catching is his primary skill. He has good speed for his size, runs solid routes, and has reliable hands. He would make a nice complement to Cole Kmet.
John Syty (Southwest) – Travis Dye, RB, USC
Syty deserves primary credit for helping Khalil Herbert land with the Chicago Bears. He ran the northeast region when the team nabbed him in the 6th round. That means the scout seems to like running backs with excellent vision and slashing ability, two key traits for this wide-zone rushing attack. Dye is that type. He’s patient, instinctive, sees where the holes will be, and has enough acceleration to burst through them. Unlike Herbert, he is an able and willing pass protector too.
Always remove eggs before pounding table.
These may be late round picks to take a chance on. Low cost, high potential reward.
I like the John Gaines pick, especially if his issues are often correctable.
Also like Adebawore, the DL.