The Chicago Bears had no business putting together a rookie class that is already having this kind of an impact. Four players from their 2022 draft started on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Dominique Robinson had 1.5 sacks. Jaquan Brisker recovered a fumble. Kyler Gordon had six tackles, and Braxton Jones guarded Justin Fields’ blind side at left tackle. The Bears won the game 19-10. It was a big moment for GM Ryan Poles.
He was the one who put together that draft despite limited resources when the off-season started. With the series of trades he made in March and April, the Bears wouldn’t have Jones, Brisker, or Robinson. It is early, but this class could form the foundation of a significant organizational turnaround in Chicago. People are left wondering how Poles pulled it off. He let ESPN insider Dan Graziano in on one of his secrets.
“Poles told me in training camp that one of his first priorities when he got the job was to overhaul the organization’s scouting procedure in a way that aggressively targeted specific scheme-fit players they believed could contribute right away, and he came away from the draft believing he’d done so. The Bears might not be a contender this year, but Sunday’s win was one few people expected them to pocket. And if Justin Fields shows the kind of toughness he did in coming back against San Francisco in that lousy weather, they could be better than you think.”
Ryan Poles knew he had to get contributions right away.
The plan was obvious from the start. He was going to overhaul the entire roster. Every veteran over 30 that was a free agent or had an expensive contract was sent on their way. His mission was to build this team through the draft. There is one drawback to this approach. It often takes time for young players to become legitimate contributors. In his mind, there was one way around this. He had to hone in on guys that were good system fits. This might streamline their transition enough to where they could play immediately.
It’s safe to say that strategy worked wonders. If those four players alone work out, the 2022 draft class will be called a major success. Ryan Poles knows more is still to come, though. Wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. started practicing again. The GM was excited about him during the summer. If he can give the offense some added juice, it only makes the class look better. If Poles could accomplish this without a 1st round pick, try to imagine what could happen next year.
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What a concept! Acquire players that fit the scheme your team employs.
OMG!
Ryan Poles’ best move was hiring Matt Eberflus. Poles has made some mistakes (who hasn’t?) but as long as he doesn’t interfere with what Flus is doing on the field (the Teven Jenkins and Lucas Patrick “drama” comes to mind) the Bears will be fine.
I love what Poles did with his first draft. He acquired more picks!!! Crazy idea right? I hope he continues with this trend, it allows for the capitalize on younger more affordable talent so that they can spend money in the right places. I am really hoping the linemen this year pan out b/c that will provide more flexibility in free agency and the draft.
It’s clear Poles and his talented staff didn’t look for players in the draft who simply gave passionate interviews; drove classic cars that grandma gave them, which resulted in him feeling “fired up” about them. So glad Pace is gone!
It’s a good start for sure, but keep in mind it’s only 1 game. If the 2nd half of game 1 is an indicator of things to come, we are in good shape and in good hands.