Chicago Bears Making Massive, Unexpected Changes To Scouting Department

GM Ryan Poles said he's been thoroughly impressed with the scouting department the Chicago Bears had in place when he arrived in 2022. That is why he didn't seem to make any sweeping changes aside from a promotion here and a replacement there. However, it appears things have changed. Following one of the most impressive drafts (on paper) the Bears have had in a long time, Poles is has decided to shake things up. Not one but two of their most prominent scouts will be leaving the organization.

One is Midlands area scout Drew Raucina, who'd been with the organization for the past six years. However, the far bigger surprise is the exit of Sam Summerville. He's been with the Bears since 2012, serving as one of their most reliable scouts. He ran the country's Southeast region, helping the team nab some excellent players, including Roquan Smith, Eddie Jackson, and Tarik Cohen, among others. Letting him go is a big shock, considering what he has meant to the organization for over a decade.

The Chicago Bears now have two big vacancies to fill.

There is a strong possibility the Bears could bring in somebody new from the outside. A promotion could also be on the table for one of their area scouts. This also might not be the only change they make. It is hard to imagine Poles doing this unless he feels like he's getting some people he really likes added to the staff. Who they could be is a mystery that likely won't come out until next month. Scouting department promotions and other business don't come out until May. It will be interesting to see what they do.

Raucina's exit isn't a huge surprise. He was a holdover from the Ryan Pace era. Summerville is a different story. He felt like a mainstay who did great work regardless of the regime. The Chicago Bears seem content to let him explore new opportunities. Maybe he and Poles didn't see eye to eye on things. Maybe Summerville wanted to move on. It isn't clear. The vacancy to fill will be a big one. Fans will have to trust Poles knows what he's doing. He seems to have a sharp eye for scouting talent.