Few things can tell you more about what to expect in an NFL draft than patterns. Which players do general managers, personnel executives, and scouts seem to eye the most? It is no different with Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles. He’s been spotted at games frequently over the years, and those visits eventually proved noteworthy, as the Bears would end up selecting certain players from the teams he was there to watch. That is why it remains important to catalog any information that seems interesting regarding Poles’ activities.
Here is where the 2026 scouting season stands. According to independent scout John Vogel, there have been two instances in which he has spotted Bears scouts and execs attending games involving a team more than once. One is Notre Dame, the longtime college power that sits in close proximity to Chicago. The other is Miami. Each has seen Bears representatives show up twice. That feels difficult to explain away as a mere coincidence. Is it possible that both programs possess something the Bears are eyeing for the 2027 draft?
Ryan Poles isn’t masking their intentions too well.
If you look ahead to next spring, those programs will feature prominently. Both have an extensive number of players expected to be selected. Most of the biggest names reside on the defensive side of the ball. Between Miami and Notre Dame, no fewer than 8 of them are currently graded as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round picks. Just as noteworthy? Four of them are defensive linemen. It isn’t a secret that the Bears have wanted to bolster their defense for some time, still unable to find a genuine difference-maker on that side of the ball.
After years of investing 1st round picks on offense, it feels like now is the time to shift focus to the other side. They already added Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick this year. They may look to finally get that defensive line help they need next year. Ryan Poles has always been pretty straightforward with his scouting philosophy. Many of his plans center around the strengths of each draft. By most accounts, the 2027 class is strong along the defensive front. This feels like a great time to strike. It comes down to which players they believe fit their team.
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Keep an eye on these names.
Given where the Bears are trending this season, it is likely they will end up with a 1st round pick that is somewhere in the bottom half. We’re talking #16 all the way to #32. If that holds true, the names to watch include Miami’s Damon Wilson, Justin Scott, and Ahmad Moten Sr. As for Notre Dame? Don’t overlook linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. The Bears need fresh blood at the position and don’t really have a true impact player. Just an assortment of solid ones.
Obviously, the draft is unpredictable. There is no guarantee the Bears will select any of those players. Still, it does point in the direction Poles and the coaching staff are thinking. They understand football at its core. If you have a great offense, the next logical step is seeing if you can get the defense up to the same level. If and when that happens, you probably have a championship-caliber team.
