One thing about Ryan Poles is that he’s not afraid to be straightforward when answering questions. Ryan Pace always liked to keep the media at a distance, treating them like an assortment of spies that would leak his precious information to the enemy. Poles understands the value of secrecy in certain aspects but is also surprisingly straightforward in others. The Chicago Bears GM proved that again during his interview with the media down in Arizona for the annual owners meetings.
He covered a wide range of topics, from the retooled wide receiver room to the departure of David Montgomery in free agency. Things got particularly interesting when the topic shifted to the draft. Chicago has done a good job shoring up critical areas of the roster with high-end talent. However, there are two or three problematic spots that need addressing. Offensive right tackle seems like the biggest. Poles failed to land any of the top free agents this past month. While he may still wait the market out to see if somebody noteworthy becomes available, he admitted the Bears would likely go hunting for their solution in the draft.
Ryan Poles should have plenty of options.
Most draft experts believe the Bears will pounce on their solution immediately with the 9th overall pick. Three clear options should be on the board. Peter Skoronski of Northwestern is considered the safest choice but has below-average arm length. Paris Johnson Jr. of Ohio State has terrific size and length and good movement skills. Broderick Jones of Georgia is the best athlete of the three, showing great quickness and agility along with a violent streak this regime would like. Darnell Wright of Tennessee is also a sleeper if the Bears decide to trade down again. He was dominant in 2022 against SEC competition.
There might even be some quality options in the 2nd round if Ryan Poles decides to wait. Matthew Bergeron of Syracuse has gained steam since the Senior Bowl and would be a strong scheme fit. Giant Dawand Jones of Ohio State certainly has the size and length they look for. His mobility is questionable. There is also Braeden Daniels of Utah worth looking into. There are multiple ways Poles could approach this. Right now, it seems like he might take one of two approaches.
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He will take one at #9 or move down a few spots and take one wherever he ends up. It will be interesting to see how the draft unfolds.
Bears need Center and RT in that order but drafts don’t fall that way. RT will be primary unless a premier pass rusher falls into place.
Thomas-
Points well taken. Both Borom and Jones need to continue to learn and improve their weaknesses or they will eventually be supplanted. I hope Jones is doing lots of dead lifts and core work to combats bull rushes and Borom gains more over-all strength and develops a nastier disposition for run blocking.
Yeah — and the Bears have “hit” on two consecutive fifth-round tackles.
My question is: When will Ryan Poles stop interfering, and let the O-line coaches “develop” Larry Borom and Braxton Jones (Riley Reiff, Dakota Dozier and even Alex Leatherwood simply “stole” valuable NFL snaps)?
Any time that you have a decent left tackle coming from the fifth round is a steal, plus the fact he was a rookie. If he gets better this year it’s only obvious that this was one of the best signings in years.
Randy — My intention was not to compare Larry Borom.and Braxton Jones (as I mentioned, each player is in a unique position– even when they are members of the same team). The stats simply show why Lane Johnson,aramie Tunsil, and Trent Williams get paid as they do. The Bears have two young tackles that are paid a little more than $2 million, combined. The team should take advantage and play them — or any player that is better. As for your reference to PFF grades (I believe they are an excellent source): But, remember, the grades are based upon production.… Read more »