The Chicago Bears have been hard at work preparing for the 2025 NFL draft even as the season trends in the right direction at 4-2. There is no off time for GM Ryan Poles and his scouts. They must always stay aggressive in their efforts to find players who can push this organization toward a championship. A recent update raised a flag of intrigue when Oregon Ducks beat writer Jame Crepea listed all the teams in attendance for the matchup with Purdue on Friday evening. Chicago was the only team with three representatives in attendance.
That feels like a clear sign there was somebody at the game they really liked.
Oregon routinely puts players in the draft every year. The latest crop will be no exception. The question is which of them has the Bears’ attention. Wide receiver Evan Stewart is the highest-ranked prospect on most boards. However, another of his teammates has been rapidly ascending of late. That is left tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Tagged as a 3rd round prospect when the season began; his play since has rocketed him into the 1st round conversation. The Draft Network believes he has Pro Bowls in his future if this keeps up.
“All in all, Conerly Jr., despite being undersized, lacks nothing in terms of the tools necessary to play tackle at the professional level. He possesses the skill set of an NFL veteran, with precise, defensive hands, remarkable footwork in protection, and a strong understanding of leverage and pad level. Conerly Jr. will be an instant upgrade for teams looking to lock down a blindside tackle.”
The Chicago Bears’ interest in Conerly is understandable.
Braxton Jones is the team’s current left tackle. He has been a steady presence since arriving as a 5th round pick in 2022. However, he hasn’t played at a high enough level to justify the idea of potentially upgrading. Jones is not having the best start to his third season. In six games, he has allowed 17 pressures on the quarterback. That works out to 48 for the year if the trend holds, which would be the worst of his career. This is not the kind of performance that leads to a player getting a long-term extension, which he is due for after the season.
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Prioritizing the pass protection of Caleb Williams is a must for the Chicago Bears. It is becoming clear he is the franchise guy they have waited many years for. However, it is all for naught if they can’t ensure he stays on his feet. For that, you need guys who can prevent pressure. Conerly is a strong athlete with advanced fundamentals. Smart teams prioritize proven pass protectors in the draft. See the Green Bay Packers. It seems the Bears are catching on.
I think if the Bears had sent three people to see the game in Eugene that would have been more significant and telling.
Camden NJ is more fun than Gary IN today Too bad those cities can’t draw more college student-athletes like Eugene.
Eugene is more fun than any place in Indiana that I have been to except for Gary back in the 80s.
@Dr. Steven Sallie —
I am a fan of Rome Odunze, but I agree with you completely on the three options you had for the #9 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
I believe if Alt had been available Ryan Poles and Ian Cunningham would have made that selection.
I just hope that Cunningham has input in the draft picks for 2025.
Not much confidence here, in Ryan Poles’ ability.
@Dr. Melhus — Of course, you’re right. But, even though I have suggested that Kiran “Tape don’t lie!” Amegadjie is must-see viewing — the ultimate target for review is the competence of GM, Ryan Poles as a judge of NFL talent, proficiency, heart and value. Kiran Amegadjie might become the next Penei Sewell, and Ryan Poles might be exalted for taking the gamble (and winning) at #75 in the NFL draft. I wish it were that easy! But even in “real life” an “incapacitated” Kiran is merely a symptom; Poles is the actual disease. Amegadjie is the most recent of… Read more »