Chicago Bears Have Opened Up Two Major Scouting Positions

Big moves are happening within the Chicago Bears scouting department. Last month, right after the draft, it was revealed the organization had parted ways with two of their key scouts. Midlands scout Drew Raucina and national scout Sam Summerville were both released. It was somewhat unexpected by GM Ryan Poles, who'd expressed satisfaction with his staff up to this point. Whatever the reasons, it opened up two notable positions. However, it appears the organization isn't done yet.

According to Neil Stratton of Inside The League, Poles is reshaping the front office even further. Assistant college scouting director Breck Ackley becomes Director of college scouting while national scout Francis St. Paul takes over the assistant job. In addition, Southwest area scout John Syty and Southeast area scout Brendan Rehor received promotions to national scout positions. That means three areas jobs, presuming they keep the Midlands, are now open. It is a significant shakeup.

The Chicago Bears must proceed carefully.

Both the Southwest and especially the Southeast are vital regions for NFL teams when scouting. The Southeast holds the majority of powerhouse programs, such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Florida State, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and others. The Bears have dipped into that pool successfully multiple times in recent years.

• Darnell Wright (Tennessee)
• Gervon Dexter (Florida)
• Tyrique Stevenson (Miami)
• Roquan Smith (Georgia)
• Eddie Jackson (Alabama)

One can't ignore the Southwest, though. While the dividing lines aren't clear, the region could house programs like Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Arizona State. That area has also done well for the Chicago Bears.

• Braxton Jones (Southern Utah)
• Roschon Johnson (Texas)
• Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State)
• Jaylon Johnson (Utah)
• Henry Melton (Texas)

It will be interesting to see what Poles has in mind. He may decide to promote from within, or he could have eyes on some outside names. We should know by early June.