One thing that has stood out right away with new Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles is his accessibility. He’s had more press conferences since taking over in January than Ryan Pace had in his first two years combined. It is apparent the 36-year-old isn’t uncomfortable in front of the camera. He believes in having a strong connection with the media, keeping them apprised of what he and the organization are doing. It’s been a refreshing change of pace and helps to smooth over relations.
It seems he’s taken things to a new level. For the first time since its inception, the Bears unveiled their first mid-season episode of 1920 Football Drive. Poles and assistant GM Ian Cunningham were the focus of the video, covering their intensive work ahead of the 2023 NFL draft. It covers their 48-hour journey attending three different college games. Things started with a significant shock as Poles called area scout Brendan Rehor, asking him a simple question.
“Who’s your top guys?”
Ryan Poles is remarkably self-assured.
Make no mistake. Most NFL general managers wouldn’t do something like that. They are obsessive about keeping their internal secrets. Letting the media into their process is tantamount to blasphemy. Poles doesn’t seem to have such concerns. Of course, he never said actual names he’s interested in. That would be reckless. Yet to let his scout even mention where the best place to focus attention at a specific program is a remarkable piece of inside knowledge.
Rehor is current in his assessment. Clemson’s major strength this year centers around defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and defensive end Myles Murphy. Both are currently projected to be 1st round picks next April. That doesn’t include defensive tackle Tyler Davis and defensive end K.J. Henry. Both are talented enough to go somewhere between the 2nd and 4th rounds. It’ll be fascinating to see if any of those names surface on Ryan Poles’ radar, considering how big of a need the Bears have on the defensive line. People can point to this video as the genesis.
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Really? How dumb would other teams be not to know where our needs are? And, how poor in their scouting would they be to not know where the same talent is that we know about? The real inside secret they would have to know is how we rank that talent and what order we placed our needs in. I’m sure there are some behind the scenes intrigue and sly visits they keep to themselves.
Poles has done so much with ole so little considering the total s**t show left by his predecessor. To date he passes the New GM test with flying colors. If Poles could do as good as he’s done up to this point imagine what he’s going to do with his hands untied. I have no doubts that he will make the right moves this off season that will put the Bears in contention as early as next season. The excellent leadership of Flus, excellent paly calling of Getsy and superior leadership QB play of Fields (all with a full season… Read more »
At least he didn’t say, “my man”. Agree that it is productive to let everyone have their voice and back up their gut feeling on a particular prospect without criticism or intimidation. Each scout should feel valued and respected.
This “genius'” best move to date, was the hiring of Matt Eberflus. Very good move, Ryan!
But, the 2023 NFL draft as well as free agency will tell a lot more about Ryan Poles than all this propaganda.
I don’t think any real information is given up in a video clip like this. Aren’t all GMs getting out there and scouting college players. It’s nice to see a visible GM but there is nothing another team is really going to get from this. Also Poles needs a car mount for that phone, holding it like an amateur lol