Ryan Poles had a lot to say in his first official scouting combine press conference. The Chicago Bears GM talked about a variety of subjects. How he worked fast to get settled in with the offseason proper approaching. He was getting to know the scouting staff and coming away impressed with their hard work and evaluation skills. Then there was the roster itself. Based on Poles’ words, he seems intrigued by the running back group and is also already a fan of Darnell Mooney. The offensive line? Let’s just say changes are likely looming.
Through all of this, it is essential to maintain perspective. Poles overall mission is to make the Bears a better team. However, his first priority must be to help quarterback Justin Fields improve. He understands this game goes through that position better than anybody. In college, Poles blocked for Matt Ryan and watched Patrick Mahomes win Kansas City a Super Bowl. In that time, he learned some valuable lessons.
Among the biggest is the importance of playmakers.
Poles is an offensive lineman at heart, but he also understands a quarterback is only as good as his weaponry. One interesting comment he made it sound like he’s preparing to chase potential #1 wide receivers. Somebody that Fields can look to in chaotic situations when he needs a big play. This makes sense. People just watched JaMarr Chase do this for Joe Burrow last season. Tyreek Hill did the same for Mahomes in Kansas City. The Bears need one of those.
Now to be fair, the GM made it clear he loves Darnell Mooney. The talent and the quiet confidence the young receiver has are easy to get excited about. Still, this comment suggests Poles doesn’t see Mooney as a true #1 target. Not quite on the level of someone like Hill. On the other hand, if they could find somebody that is and pair him with Mooney, that could create one of the most lethal combinations this team has seen in many years.
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Chicago Bears face difficult challenge to find that go-to receiver
Kansas City lucked out when they got Hill in the 5th round of the draft. Cincinnati got Chase because they held the 5th overall pick. The Bears have no pick in the 1st round, and only five picks overall. This limits their odds of finding that elusive star receiver. Perhaps he could look to free agency for some answers. Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, and even Odell Beckham Jr. have filled the role of #1 target in the past or have the ability to.
Unfortunately, there is always a but coming in these situations. Most expect Adams to be franchise tagged by the Green Bay Packers. Godwin is coming off a season-ended injury in Tampa Bay while Beckham hasn’t played like a #1 in years. He also tore his ACL in the Super Bowl. So yeah. Even the veteran market doesn’t offer many clear solutions.
It may come down to a simple approach for Poles.
Start taking swings. While he can’t be guaranteed to find a #1 receiver this year, it is still his job to add more options for his young quarterback. Mooney is the only viable receiver they have under contract. So multiple moves are coming. It is just a matter of where and when the Chicago Bears pounce.
