The Chicago Bears have a laundry list of needs going into next off-season. That isn’t a surprise. It is typical for a rebuilding team. What people aren’t sure about yet is where GM Ryan Poles’ priorities are. It’s all speculation at this point. What remains known is he wants to build through the draft, and he seems more committed to quarterback Justin Fields. That was proven by his aggressive move to acquire wide receiver, Chase Claypool.
Poles won’t openly admit to anything. He is the only one with a good idea of what direction he may go, and he’ll keep it that way until the Bears are on the clock in April. That said, one can sometimes read into his actions before the draft. A perfect example came up on Saturday. Cameras found the GM pacing the field at Ryan Stadium ahead of the big game between Northwestern and Ohio State.
People immediately wondered if he might be scouting top quarterback C.J. Stroud. In truth, the far greater likelihood is Poles had eyes fixed on another position group.
Left: C.J. Stroud
Right: Bears GM Ryan Poles pic.twitter.com/kwgJ3WzG8q— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) November 5, 2022
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Ryan Poles, scouting from beyond the end zone pic.twitter.com/aWRN3rquyw
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) November 5, 2022
Ryan Poles watched a game loaded with O-line prospects.
It isn’t a secret Chicago badly needs better blocking. They’re on track to allow 65 sacks this year. That isn’t acceptable, especially to a former offensive lineman like Poles. Northwestern-Ohio State happens to feature what many believe are the two best offensive tackle prospects in college football. Peter Skoronski of the Wildcats and Paris Johnson Jr. of the Buckeyes. Both are big, strong athletes with tons of exciting tape.
No doubt Ryan Poles was anxious to get a close look at both since there is a strong possibility the Bears will have a chance to draft them in the 1st round. If so, it would mark the first time they’ve taken an offensive lineman that early since 2013. It would be another massive investment in Fields, giving him more protection.
There are other prospects in that game Poles is there to see. Ohio State has some interesting defensive linemen, including pass rusher Zach Harrison. There is also explosive wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njiba. The tackles aren’t the only viewing experience, but they are the main attraction.
