One thing immediately became apparent with GM Ryan Poles when he took over the Chicago Bears. When it comes to pre-draft events, there was none he took more seriously than the Senior Bowl. The event in 2022 helped them land Braxton Jones. A year later, they hit a home run with guys like Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, Roschon Johnson, and Tyson Bagent. Part of that unqualified success came from Bears coaches running the practices for the American team during the week leading up to the event. That extra inside information undoubtedly played a big part in their evaluations.
Under the usual rules, Chicago wouldn’t have the same opportunity this year. However, the Senior Bowl elected to change things up. Not only are they allowing underclassmen at the event for the first time, but they’re also introducing blended coaching staffs. That means assistants from several teams will serve roles at the event. Chicago caught a break in this regard. Jim Dray, their tight ends coach, will work as the offensive line coach for the National team this year. That will give the Bears a close-up look at some excellent prospects, including top-ranked center Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon.
This is a major bonus for the Chicago Bears.
Keep in mind that this is another pivotal all-star event in addition to Richard Hightower and Dave Borgonzi serving as coaches for the East-West Shrine Bowl. This means the Bears will have direct content with several promising draft prospects, allowing them a priceless look at guys who could make a difference for the organization down the line. This might also give them some pivotal insight into potential options for undrafted free agency. That is how they landed Bagent.
It is a welcome sign that Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are proactive in getting their assistant coaches into positions where they can work with these young men. There is no such thing as too much information when it comes to the draft. The smallest details can make the difference. As of now, only one potential top-10 pick will attend the Senior Bowl this year. UCLA’s Laiatu Latu. Many consider him the best in the draft. If the Chicago Bears are thinking edge rusher at #9, that will be an excellent evaluation to absorb.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
This team is in a great spot.
