One thing about Ryan Poles that has become evident over the past three years is that he’s never been much for subtlety. When he has a plan of action regarding the NFL draft, he isn’t afraid to drop hints about those intentions, even if he doesn’t let anybody know which players he likes. Last year, he didn’t dodge the discussions about taking a quarterback #1 overall and didn’t even dissuade the idea it was anybody other than Caleb Williams. However, he tends to save his hottest quotes for when he’s planning something bigger.
That was evident during an interview with Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com. The two were discussing the goals at the NFL scouting combine this week. Poles stated that interviews and medical evaluations benefited the Bears plans most. Then, in the midst of his explanation, Poles dropped a casual bombshell about his intentions for the 10th overall pick.
“Really the approach is the same,” Poles told ChicagoBears.com. “We’re just trying to gather as much information about the players that we interact with.
“We know sitting at 10, there’s probably going to be some really good opportunities for us to improve our football team. But with this draft there’s also enough depth in the first round that I believe that you could actually move back a little bit and still pick up a good player.”
Don’t try to downplay those words.
After all, Poles was just as forthright with them two years ago in 2023, right before the Bears traded the #1 overall pick to Carolina. He even stated it could happen before free agency, which ended up happening. The Bears GM doesn’t say these things unless he’s confident it can happen.
“There are some scenarios that it might benefit us to move before free agency opens potentially, but again when we get back with all the information that we’ve gathered from here (at the combine) I think we’ll have a better direction.”
Ryan Poles’ stance is easy to understand.
Based on the buzz from around the league, it seems as if this draft class is more about depth than star power. There isn’t much of a difference between players picks at #10 and #40. That means you have a strong opportunity to land good players if you have multiple picks in 2nd and 3rd rounds. The Bears already have two 2nd round picks this year. It appears Ryan Poles might be hoping to add to that inventory even further by moving down. Chicago also doesn’t have a 4th round pick, so he may wish to rectify that situation as well.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Remember, there is a new coaching staff in town. They may desire to overhaul certain areas of the roster. For that, you need picks. While the Bears have eight this year, adding more would give Poles the flexibility necessary to find more guys. If he can find a trade partner for #10, it would make things much more interesting.
Also, there is at least 2 articles per day on this site that claim to know something about the Bears draft plans. It’s vapid dribble whether it’s a quote from Poles or some “expert” that claims me to know.
I don’t see this as anything revealing. He’s stating one of many options. I’d bet 32 of 32 GMs would say similar things. Who here is so uninformed that they find this as a tipoff. I hope everyone understands, because I’m not sure the authors in this site do, you are not in charge of your draft plans unless you draft 1st overall. After that you are at the mercy of the other teams plans on if your targets will be available. You can prepare with a draft board of guys they like but, surprise, all 32 teams likely have… Read more »
@barry…that was the idea.
Also, hyenas will gladly eat those sandwiches or worse and then laugh or snicker with each other as if being correct or successful.
@David You’re right. GM’s words and actions do not match up.
Why? Well, Poles is doing one of three things: Either he is 1) peddling disinfo because he thinks it gives him an advantage (it doesn’t, because his words are not credible outside of the building); 2) just winging it (“got a big mouth but he lacks big ideas,” as k dot would say); or 3) actively lying to press and fans for his own amusement.
It’s bad no matter how you slice it.
@Dr. Sallie Robinson and my guy JF1 in the same backfield would’ve been awesome to watch.