Tag: ryan poles

Why Bears should consider drafting Texas WR Xavier Worthy

The Bears could look to add a receiver in the NFL draft. If they elect to trade down, speedster Xavier Worthy should be a name to watch.

The Chicago Bears are doing their due diligence when it comes to the 2024 NFL draft. There’s no doubt that they’ll select quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, but there’s more intrigue at No. 9, where wide receiver is an option.

They’re likely are out of range for Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. (unless they elect to trade up). But one of Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers may be available (especially with a projected early run on quarterbacks), but that isn’t a guarantee either. If they want to make a difference in that position with this draft, they may need to get creative.

Someone that they might think about is Texas receiver Xavier Worthy, who could be drafted anywhere from Nos. 20-40 and nobody would be surprised. He broke the record for the fastest 40-yard dash time in the history of the NFL combine (4.21), which has raised his draft stock a little bit.

The Bears hosted Worthy for a Top 30 visit at Halas Hall on Monday, which was certainly notable. Chicago doesn’t have a second-round pick this year, so they might have to trade down from No. 9 to select him. There are plenty of teams in the bottom third of the first round that may consider moving up to the ninth selection for someone else that they want. If the Bears can add more picks to the draft and still land a player like Worthy, it might be something to consider.

If Worthy came to Chicago, he’d be surrounded by other great receivers like DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. There are other playmakers on hand, including tight end Cole Kmet and running back D’Andre Swift. All of these weapons would be great for Williams in his rookie year, but they would also be great for a young receiver with a high ceiling like Worthy.

Trading down was always an option for the Bears and the way that Worthy’s stock is rising might make it even better for them if they can also get him. With that type of speed, the sky is the limit for him in the NFL.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=417188052]

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Bears host 2 prominent offensive linemen for pre-draft visit

The Bears are set to host Alabama’s JC Latham and Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson this week.

A couple of top offensive line prospects are heading to Halas Hall this week to meet with the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham is set to visit with the Bears on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Meanwhile, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson was in Lake Forest on Monday, according to his Instagram.

Latham spent the last two seasons as Alabama’s starting right tackle, where he allowed just two sacks. He’s considered to be one of the top tackle prospects this year, trailing Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, but in the same conversation as Penn State’s Olu Fashanu and Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga. Latham is the second offensive tackle the Bears have brought in on a top-30 visit, along with Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton. Given his young age yet vast experience, Latham is someone the Bears could consider at No. 9 overall.

As for Powers-Johnson, he is the consensus top interior offensive lineman available and is a near lock to be selected in the first round. Powers-Johnson is someone who is more than capable of coming in right away and contributing as a team’s starting center, a position the Bears had trouble with over the last couple of years. It feels unlikely general manager Ryan Poles would pull the trigger on Powers-Johnson at No. 9 overall, but he’s a prime candidate to monitor if the Bears find a way to trade down.

With just over two weeks to go until the draft, the Bears are working hard to finalize their draft board, and more visits could still be on the way. But given their recent activity of wide receivers, edge rushers, and offensive linemen, it feels likely that one of those positions will be a priority after they select their quarterback at No. 1 overall.

Bears identified as possible trade-down team at No. 9

NFL teams are monitoring the Bears at pick No. 9 in the NFL draft.

The Chicago Bears have pair of top-10 picks in the 2024 NFL draft, where they have the opportunity to land two blue-chip players.

ESPN’s Field Yates shared an interesting draft nugget about how some NFL teams believe the Bears are a top trade-down candidate inside the top 10.

What NFL teams think other NFL teams will do in the draft should not be interpreted as gospel, but when I ask team personnel about intriguing opponents picking in the top 10, two that come up often are the Chicago Bears and New York Jets. Why? The potential of a trade down. Chicago has just four picks right now, fewest in the NFL, while the Jets lack a second-round pick and have a plan now at both offensive tackle spots following an active offseason. Given the number of teams that will be angling hard for OTs early, could either of those teams be incentivized to move down?

Certainly the fact that Chicago has just four draft picks would make them a top trade-back candidate. But general manager Ryan Poles recently said he’s comfortable with just four draft picks given how he’s built the roster out with key contributors over the past two years.

Plus, given four quarterbacks are expected to go in the top four, there could be some top options available come the ninth overall selection — including receiver Rome Odunze, offensive tackle Joe Alt and edge rusher Dallas Turner.

Then again, if the right offer comes along — and a blue-chip player isn’t available — it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see Poles trade back.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=417188052]

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Bears GM Ryan Poles explains why he’s comfortable with just 4 draft picks this year

The Bears have a league-low four draft picks this year. But GM Ryan Poles is quite comfortable with it.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an important NFL draft, where they’re expected to usher in the Caleb Williams era and add to a talented, young roster looking to make a leap in 2024.

General manager Ryan Poles has made it clear that he wants to build this team through the draft. But Chicago has just four picks in this draft, after trading for wide receiver Keenan Allen (fourth rounder) and offensive lineman Ryan Bates (fifth rounder) this offseason.

But Poles isn’t stressed about having just four draft picks, which is the fewest among all NFL teams this year.

“The way this is set up and [with] some of the draft capital we’ve been able to create in the first two years, I feel pretty comfortable about it,” Poles told ESPN. “It’ll be boring if we don’t do any trades, but I feel pretty good about where we’re at.”

It also helps that all four picks are within the first four rounds with two of those selections being in the top 10 — with the first overall and ninth overall picks.

There’s definitely an allure for a trade-back scenario — especially if a team makes a compelling offer — but it sounds like the Bears are prepared to stay put at No. 9.

“We’re going to get a ‘blue’ [the highest-rated prospect by how the team color codes its draft board] player there for sure,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “What we’ve done in free agency allows us to be flexible, to really be able to take the best player, the one we feel fits for us in that spot.”

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Trading down for Jackson Powers-Johnson might be smart for the Bears

If the Bears opt to trade back from No. 9, targeting center Jackson Powers-Johnson should be a consideration.

The Chicago Bears are almost certainly going to select quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick (courtesy of the Carolina Panthers) in the 2024 NFL draft.

But the Bears also have the ninth overall selection, which offers plenty more intrigue (and options).

There are going to be some really good players on the board for them to consider at No. 9, and there’s certainly an allure of landing two blue chip players in the top 10. But there’s also a possibility of them trading back to get even more selections in the draft, considering they currently have just four picks.

One player they might consider trading down for is Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, who could be an immediate contributor. To get him, you don’t need to be picking super high in the first round, but you probably can’t drop far below 20.

If the Bears could find a suitor that desperately wants to come up to No. 9 — and makes a generous offer — it’s something for them to think about. If any of the top quarterbacks, wide receivers or offensive tackles fell to that spot, there would certainly be interest from teams to move up. The possibilities are endless.

Chicago hasn’t had an answer at the center position in a long time. They’re starting to put together a good offensive line — they added two options in Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton, who are currently expected to compete for the starting job. But there isn’t a center there that you are going into the season with full confidence.

Powers-Johnson might be able to bring that to this group. Putting him with = Williams while both are rookies means that they could grow together, which is important. They also have PAC-12 connections, which is something that could bond them.

General manager Ryan Poles would also be adding other draft picks in 2024 or 2025 with a move like this, as well. We’ve seen desperate teams give up a lot to move up a handful of spots, and the Bears could be on the other side of that this time. Powers-Johnson makes a compelling case in a trade back scenario.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Bears improve their offense in Lance Zierlein’s latest mock draft

If the Bears were to land this haul in Lance Zierlein’s latest mock draft, it would be an ideal scenario for Chicago.

The Chicago Bears’ direction in the 2024 NFL draft is all anyone can think of right now. Which makes sense considering they have the No. 1 overall pick (courtesy of the Carolina Panthers) along with their own No. 9 selection.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein released his latest mock draft, and it has some very interesting selections. There are a few trades made and some really good selections across the league.

As far the Bears’ selections go, it’s an ideal first round.

Zierlein had the Bears, to the surprise of nobody, selecting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. It’s essentially a lock at this point, especially after the team traded away Justin Fields.

At this point, anything other than the Bears taking Williams with this selection would be a shock.

Between picks 2-8, there was a steady mix of other quarterbacks, offensive weapons, and defensive players taken. Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze was still on the board, though, and that is the direction Zierlein has the Bears going with this selection.

Every time I put together a mock draft for the Bears, I keep coming away with Caleb Williams and an ultra-talented wideout. In this case, they sit tight with the ninth pick and land a terrific ball-winner with untapped potential as a route-runner.

Adding a dynamic young receiver like Odunze would only enhance a good receivers room that already has DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. That trio could be one of the best in the NFL (and Bears history).

If Chicago were to acquire this type of haul later this month, they could be seen as a potential playoff squad. General manager Ryan Poles has done a masterful job so far, and this is his chance to get even better.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Bears stressed flexibility along interior offensive line this offseason

Bears GM Ryan Poles said the lack of flexibility along the interior offensive line was something that bothered him for a long time.

The Chicago Bears have been busy shoring up important needs on offense for incoming rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, which included the additions of wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett.

General manager Ryan Poles said the lack of flexibility along the interior offensive line was something that bothered him for a long time. Which is why Chicago also made a couple of swings along the offensive interior this offseason.

The Bears traded a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for Ryan Bates, who Poles signed to an offer sheet in 2022 before Buffalo matched it. Bates, who served primarily as a guard, also has experience at center giving Poles that versatility he desired.

“With Bates coming in, I feel like we’ve created some depth there and versatility,” Poles said, via The Athletic. “It’s something that’s really bothered me for a long time, just in terms of the lack of flexibility we’ve had in the past, it stresses you out from week to week. I feel like we have more versatility now and competition.”

That competition involves fellow newcomer Coleman Shelton, who was signed during free agency to battle for the starting center job.

While there are questions along the entire interior — as Teven Jenkins has yet to play an entire season and Nate Davis’ first-year struggles in Chicago — center was the one glaring hole. And, until the Bears get production from the position, it will continue to be the biggest concern.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

How Bears are preparing for decision with No. 9 pick

The Bears should have several options with the No. 9 pick. Here’s how GM Ryan Poles and his team are preparing for different scenarios.

The Chicago Bears have two top-10 draft selections in the 2024 NFL draft, where they’ll be able to land a couple of top prospects.

While trading back is certainly an option — especially given Chicago currently has just four picks — it sounds like the Bears are planning on staying put at No. 9 and landing a top prospect.

General manager Ryan Poles has employed an interesting strategy when it comes to preparing for a decision at ninth overall, where there could very well be top prospects at several premium positions.

The Bears will have different teams representing a specific position group, where they’ll run simulations to determine the best fit.

“One team is going to talk about, ‘The tackle position is the best to go after’ [or] ‘the wide receiver’s the best’ [or] ‘the defensive end’s the best.’ — and use factual information to kinda spit that out,” Poles said, via the Sun-Times. “And we’ll have a debate in terms of what’s more impactful for our football team, short-term and long-term.”

The Bears’ biggest need among the groups is defensive end, where the team is looking to pair someone with Montez Sweat off the edge. After not addressing the position in free agency, it certainly seems like it’s on the board in the draft, where top options like Dallas Turner, Jared Verse and Laiatu Latu should be available — be it at No. 9 or in a trade back scenario.

While Chicago traded for Keenan Allen this season — pairing him with DJ Moore — if a top receiver like Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers falls to them at ninth overall, it would be hard to pass on him. Plus, adding weapons for a young, incoming rookie quarterback like Williams is never a bad thing.

If the Bears can’t add a top wideout, the next best thing would certainly be shoring up protection for your rookie quarterback. Given quarterbacks are expected to dominate the top-five, could there be a situation where Joe Alt falls to Chicago at No. 9? If not Alt, Olu Fashanu and Taliese Fuaga are other options at tackle.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

NFL analyst believes Justin Fields will be Steelers’ starter in Week 1

Justin Fields will have a chance to compete for the Steelers QB job with Russell Wilson, and there’s one analyst giving the nod to Fields.

The Chicago Bears officially closed the book on the Justin Fields era when they traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month.

Now, Fields gets a fresh start in his fourth NFL season with Pittsburgh, who also signed Russell Wilson this offseason.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed that, while Wilson is currently in the pole position, Fields will have an opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback job. Which should make for one heck of a competition this summer between two talented QBs.

Former NFL quarterback and current NFL Network analyst David Carr believes Fields will ultimately come out on top of this Steelers QB battle.

“Justin Fields is going to be the starter Week 1,” Carr said on NFL Total Access Tuesday. “I personally believe that. This offense is not something that takes a ton of experience for the quarterback position to run. It’s a nuanced offense, but it’s more RPO-based. It’s more quarterback is going to run the ball. He’s gonna be a threat. Arthur Smith’s a smart guy. He understands 11 on 11. Around the league, when the quarterback runs the ball, there’s an advantage there for the offense. Just look at Lamar Jackson.”

It’s definitely a storyline we’ll be following this offseason as it involves the compensation Chicago acquired in exchange for Fields. The Bears received a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick that becomes a fourth rounder if Fields plays 51% of snaps in 2024.

So Bears fans everywhere should be rooting for Fields to beat out Wilson — whether it’s simply to wish him luck or for Chicago’s draft compensation.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Bears president Kevin Warren shares his thoughts on Justin Fields trade

Bears president Kevin Warren talked about trading Justin Fields and its reflection on GM Ryan Poles.

“What will the Chicago Bears do with Justin Fields?” That was the question that reverberated from the fanbase and through Halas Hall in the twilight of 2023 season and beyond, dominating all conversation as the clock ticked closer to draft day.

The Bears have been transfixed with USC phenom Caleb Williams ever since the team had a firm grasp of the number overall selection of the 2024 NFL draft, but their clear intention to select him with the pick left an odd man out in the QB room. Would the team retain Fields and allow him to compete with his rookie counterpart in training camp? Or would the team part ways with the talented dual-threat QB, giving him a chance to start somewhere else?

The latter was the route the Bears took. Chicago shipped Fields off to Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick that could be a fourth based on his playing time, closing the book on the Fields era in Chicago. The move was met with frustration from some fans, bemoaning the little amount of compensation the Bears received, but general manager Ryan Poles made it clear that it was Fields’ wish to go to Pittsburgh. Poles emphasized that Fields would have a say throughout the whole prolonged process, and that ended up being true in the end.

Bears president Kevin Warren voiced his approval of the deal when speaking with the media at the NFL owners meetings, specifically praising Poles for staying true to his word.

“I’m glad we were able to do right by (Fields),” Warren said. “And that was another critical data point to show you who Ryan Poles is. That he’s going to build this (team) with integrity and class and when he says he cares about people and players.”

Warren spoke at length about Fields, saying that he believes that Pittsburgh was the right place for him.

“One of the things I appreciated the most is that we wanted to do right by Justin, and Pittsburgh was the best trade destination for him,” Warren said. “And I think in the long term, if you do right by people… those things come back to you in ways you really hasn’t planned… I wish him well. And I say that sincerely.”

It’s quite the breath of fresh air to see the organization so unified in their beliefs, as the Bears’ front office has been notoriously rigid in the last couple of decades. They were in lockstep when handling the Fields dilemma, and it seems that they are dedicated to hitting a home-run with the number one pick next month. There’s much work to be done before Chicago is ready to be a serious playoff contender, but communication between the higher-ups is something the Bears have gotten right thus far.