Chicago Bears End Draft Silence By Snatching Uber-Talented OT

It has become clear GM Ryan Poles is entirely focused on securing his new quarterback. After taking Caleb Williams at #1 overall, the Chicago Bears got him another weapon in Washington receiver Rome Odunze at #9. After that, the team was forced to endure a long gap to their next pick at #75 in the 3rd round. Poles could've tried to move up but decided to protect his remaining assets. In the end, he got somebody the team was clearly interested in. Chicago selected Yale offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie, a rising star throughout the pre-draft process, thanks to his outstanding mixture of size, length, power, and athleticism. He has the kind of mean streak the Bears covet and is also a Hinsdale native.

Amegadjie is followed by your typical questions. He's somewhat inexperienced at his position. He played against second-tier competition, and there are parts of his game that need polishing. Such things are correctable, though. They will come with coaching and practice. He's got excellent power and 36-inch arms, loves to get after it in the running game, and has the necessary footwork to handle NFL rushers. He can stay outside at tackle or move to guard. The best part is the Bears don't have to play him immediately. They have established starters across most of the line. He has time to develop.

The Chicago Bears taking him was a wise decision.

They know there is uncertainty at both left tackle and guard. Braxton Jones still has some proving to do. Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis both struggle to stay healthy. Amegjie provided immediate depth as a backup with a boatload of upside to become a plus starter within the next two years. That is a forward-thinking pick for the Bears. His physical profile and mentality clearly fit what Poles likes. The kid can tangle with any human being on the planet and is a hard worker. He's also obviously intelligent, given the school he went to.

One thing that must be mentioned is how the Chicago Bears have approached this draft. It would be easy for Poles to keep his head coach happy by targeting defense. Instead, he's remained focused on situating his new quarterback with as much help as possible. He doesn't plan to make the same mistakes Ryan Pace did. The defense is talented enough. They can survive for a year without a second stud pass rusher. Getting the quarterback off the ground is priority one. Amegjie will help with that if the Bears are patient with him.