Ryan Poles didn’t have much time to formulate plans for building his new front office and scouting department with the Chicago Bears. Days after officially being hired as the new GM, teams gathered down in Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl. The first pivotal event to start working towards the NFL draft. Tons of work lay ahead with evaluating players during practices, interviewing them, and watching the game itself.
With most of the process now complete, it is fair to wonder if any players might’ve caught Poles’ attention. That isn’t easy to answer. The man hasn’t made a single personnel move in Chicago yet. All people have to go on right now is what he has said in interviews and snippets of information from others that worked with him in Kansas City. Piecing those things together, a shortlist of names likely had his attention.
Senior Bowl has plenty of names Ryan Poles will circle
Calvin Austin III (WR, Memphis)
Remember that one of the things Poles emphasized from the jump was speed. He wants a fast football team. This is also the man that helped Kansas City draft Tyreek Hill. So it wouldn’t be a shock if he were immediately drawn to Austin. Though shorter than ideal at 5’8, the wide receiver has a significant reputation for blazing speed, great quickness, and sharp route-running ability. Things he showcased throughout the week of practices down in Mobile. People need to go back and watch what he did to Mississippi State last year (105 yards receiving, 107 returning punts, 3 TDs).
Calvin Austin: Cushion Destroyer pic.twitter.com/P4DfHwML0x
— Joe Broback (@joebroback) February 2, 2022
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Jamaree Salyer (OG, Georgia)
Ryan Poles is a former offensive lineman himself. So it shouldn’t be a surprise he has high standards for that area of a team and his assessment of the Bears’ unit was not glowing. He demands blockers that are tough and violent in addition to being good. Salyer showcased plenty of that in helping Georgia win a national championship. Good size, powerful, and never afraid to give a little extra. The best part about him is he can play anywhere up front. Coaches move him all over the line during practices and he won most of his reps regardless.
Perrion Winfrey (DT, Oklahoma)
The Bears are shifting to a 4-3 defensive alignment under Matt Eberflus. That will require linemen with different skill sets, especially at defensive tackle. One position that is crucial to success is the three-technique, the designated interior pass rusher. Think Tommie Harris and Henry Melton from the Lovie Smith era. Somebody that can get up the field with quickness and collapse the passing pocket. Winfrey showcased such ability throughout 2021 for the Sooners, collecting 5.5 sacks in 11 games. It is crazy to think he is still just 21-years old.
Perrion Winfrey’s day begins early, easily shedding the pulling guard and wrapping up the ball carrier on the second play from scrimmage. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/CD6uJGr4xt
— Tyler Wise (@TriggeredWise) February 5, 2022
Damone Clark (LB, LSU)
The linebackers are the other position group set to undergo major changes in Eberflus’ new defense. They will go from two off-the-ball types in the 3-4 to three in the 4-3. Roquan Smith figures to be one of them, but as of now, the Bears don’t have any ideal options at the other two spots. Clark is an outstanding prospect. Per the Ryan Poles requirement, he has plenty of speed for his position. He’s also 6’3. His high motor is evident on every single snap, and the guy makes plays in various ways. He finished 2021 with 135 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and an interception.
Alontae Taylor (CB, Tennessee
The primary requirement moving forward for the Bears defense is takeaways. That is what Eberflus demands from every single position. Taylor checks that box coming from the Volunteers. He had three interceptions and a forced fumble over the past two seasons. He battled wide receivers all week and made some impressive plays in practice, capping things with an interception of Carson Strong in the Senior Bowl itself. Taylor has decent size, athleticism, and fluidity crucial for the position. Better still, he’s battle-tested against the best the SEC had to offer. He would be ready to play immediately.
