The Chicago Bears operated according to a plan that fans aren’t used to in the draft. Sure, they hear every year that the team wants to draft the best player available, regardless of position. However, the team always ends up taking somebody at the most obvious position of need. In 2023, it was an offensive tackle. Last year, it was a quarterback. Yet it genuinely felt like GM Ryan Poles took that approach to heart for the first time. Each of his first four picks never felt like they were primarily fueled by the pressure to fill a need.
They took a tight end in the 1st round despite having Cole Kmet. They took a wide receiver with their first 2nd round pick despite having D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. It wasn’t until they got to Ozzy Trapilo with their next 2nd rounder that it felt like they addressed a need. Even then, people were surprised because he was primarily a right tackle, which the Bears didn’t need due to the presence of Darnell Wright. Poles was asked what drew the team to Trapilo despite that. He used a somewhat puzzling word to help explain.
He’s boring.
Ryan Poles understands the value of consistency up front.
Positions like quarterback, tight end, or wide receiver are always about generating impact plays. The more exciting they are on tape, the greater their value should be to a team. For offensive linemen, it is the opposite. The last thing you want from them is excitement. Boredom isn’t just a good thing. It’s a great thing. Play after play, it is the same. They block their guy, execute the play, and move on to the next. Ho hum. When you have five guys who are like that, offenses thrive. Ryan Poles knew this from his time in Kansas City.
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The Bears haven’t had enough guys like Trapilo. Sure, he has certain flaws. Some feel he plays too upright for such a giant tackle. He isn’t known for elite power. Still, he is smart and polished and was developed by a coaching staff with deep NFL connections. What he can’t accomplish with outright talent can be easily covered up with fundamental consistency. The Bears saw great value in that. Understandably so.
