The Chicago Bears are a mess. They’re 0-2, riddled with defensive injuries, and have already allowed 79 points through two games. Confidence in the defense is fading fast with CB Jaylon Johnson likely out for the season after aggravating his pre–training camp injury.
That puts GM Ryan Poles under heavy scrutiny. Not necessarily from ownership—he was recently extended to align with Ben Johnson’s timeline—but from fans and media who are rightfully frustrated.
Sunday’s game was a glaring reminder of the Bears draft struggles, with multiple 2025 picks nowhere to be found:
Ozzy Trapilo: Healthy scratch
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Colston Loveland: 0 receptions
Luther Burden III: 0 receptions
Shemar Turner: Healthy scratch
When you add in Poles other misses, the big picture looks bleak. Since taking over, Poles has drafted 34 players and not a single one has made a Pro Bowl—making him the only GM in franchise history with that distinction. His record isn’t much better: 3-17 against the division and 15-38 overall. He’s making Ryan Pace look like Howie Roseman.
Starting 0-2 may push Poles toward desperation. If he wanted to make a bold move, he could consider shopping a star player or two. For example, trading DJ Moore would create more opportunities for Luther Burden while helping Caleb Williams build chemistry with him. With Rome Odunze already looking like WR1, that’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.
Even moving Cole Kmet could make sense, opening the door for Loveland to get more targets. Still, Ben Johnson prefers 12 personnel, and Loveland didn’t see a single target against Detroit.
If I were Poles, I’d at least explore moving a veteran for badly needed cornerback help—or future draft capital.
