Every NFL general manager shares the ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl, and Ryan Poles is no exception. As the GM of the Chicago Bears, he is committed to making his team a serious contender. However, significant progress is still needed to reach that milestone. He believes a major step forward was taken with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, a move that should benefit quarterback Caleb Williams. Another crucial focus was strengthening the team’s presence in the trenches. The Bears added three new offensive linemen at center and both guard positions. On the defensive side, they bolstered the line by bringing in defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.
Poles has made it clear that he isn’t finished reinforcing the defense. In a recent press conference, he emphasized the need to improve the team’s pass rush, citing the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant Super Bowl victory over Kansas City as a key motivator. Watching the Eagles sack Patrick Mahomes six times reinforced the importance of pressuring the quarterback something Poles is determined to replicate in Chicago.
With the 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft, Poles might use the opportunity to further strengthen the pass rush. Recent history has shown that elite defensive talents can be found around that spot, with players like Jalen Carter, Micah Parsons, and Haason Reddick being selected in similar positions. Some potential targets for the Bears include Michigan’s Mason Graham, Mississippi’s Walter Nolen, Georgia’s Mykel Williams, Marshall’s Mike Green, and Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku. While some experts argue there isn’t a huge gap in talent between the 10th and 50th picks, Poles has the flexibility to select a player that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen sees as the best fit.
If the Bears add another pass rusher, it could provide both immediate and long-term benefits. With Odeyingbo, Jarrett, and Montez Sweat leading the way, a first-round selection alongside developing talents like Austin Booker could create a deep and formidable defensive front. This approach would help establish a steady pipeline of pass-rushing talent, a crucial element for sustained success.
