Ryan Poles’ 1st Round Plans For 2023 Point In A Likely Direction
Ryan Poles will enter the 1st round officially next spring as GM of the Chicago Bears. Tenures of a GM can often be predetermined by their first pick in the 1st round. Jim Finks drafted Walter Payton. Phil Emery drafted Shea McClellin, and Ryan Pace drafted Kevin White. Poles will be under a lot of pressure to get that pick right, considering how much he values building through the draft. Chicago has an ugly recent history with its top choices.
Since 2010, only two of their 1st round selections are still with the team. They are also the most recent in Roquan Smith and Justin Fields. Three selections were outright busts (Gabe Carimi, McClellin, and White). Two were disappointments (Leonard Floyd and Mitch Trubisky). The remainders were really good for a short period but flamed out before reaching their 30th birthdays (Kyle Long and Kyle Fuller).
Poles has to get off on the right foot.
The question many have looking ahead is where he may end up focusing. There is often a way to get an idea of this. Poles was a scout and then executive with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009 to 2021. During that time, the organization made nine 1st round picks.
- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
- Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee
- Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
- Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
- Eric Fisher, T, Central Michigan
- Dee Ford, EDGE, Auburn
- Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
- Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
A close examination reveals one consistent theme. Kansas City often focused on the trenches with those picks. Four of the nine selections were spent on offensive or defensive linemen. Three made at least one Pro Bowl, and the other started in the league for seven years. As for those hoping the Bears target a wide receiver, that doesn’t look favorable, given how bad Baldwin was in Kansas City.
Ryan Poles has made it clear he’s a trenches guy.
From the moment he took over, that was obviously the case. He believes in controlling the line of scrimmage—no surprise since he played offensive line in college. Defensive back is out of the question after the Bears spent two 2nd round picks on the secondary with Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker. Linebacker doesn’t seem likely either, with its overall importance having diminished in recent years. That leaves receiving, defensive line, and offensive line as the three likely targets with that 1st round pick.
Yes, Justin Fields needs more weapons. That is indisputable. However, the two men in charge likely don’t see the game through that position. Ryan Poles is an offensive line guy. As for head coach Matt Eberflus, his defensive scheme is dictated by the front four. Right now, the Bears have a glaring weakness at defensive tackle. It’s why their run defense is so poor, and their pass rush can sometimes be inconsistent.
The draft is unpredictable.
Sometimes the board dictates having to go best player available, even if it’s a position that may not be a top priority. Still, if current trends remain, don’t be shocked if Poles targets the trenches on Night 1 next April.