The one constant in the NFL is change. Roster turnover happens every year. Attrition takes its toll on every roster. There are several reasons this happens. Players become free agents and move to another team. They retire, get traded, and some players' careers end prematurely due to injuries. Tarik Cohen was a player who suffered a career-ending injury. Even now, his versatility is sorely missed.
In 2022, Ryan Poles found several gems in the draft, and Jack Sanborn, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Wisconsin. Braxton Jones started every offensive snap after being selected in the 5th round. Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon became starters at safety and cornerback.
By many accounts, Ryan Poles and his scouting team landed several players they hope will continue the trend of finding key contributors in 2023. Ryan Poles spent much of last year tearing down a roster of aging veterans and expensive contracts. This year it is time to rebuild. After landing several key players via free agency and trade, Poles showed us his draft skills for a second straight year.
After signing OG Nate Davis to bolster the interior of the offensive line, Poles used his first-round draft choice on Tennessee's right tackle. Many believe Wright to be the best tackle in the draft. All Wright did in 2022 was line up against some of the best pass rushers in the SEC. He didn't allow a sack. Since joining the team, coach Eberflus has been raving about Wright's athleticism.
Gervon Dexter
Drafted in the second round (53rd overall), Gervon Dexter might be the edge rusher fans have been waiting for. Tall and powerful, Dexter has a quick burst off the line and the strength and power to get to the quarterback inside and around the edge. Many scouts believe his skillset was not maximized at Florida. If Gervon Dexter does become a solid player on the edge, it will fill a void left when Mack and Quinn were traded.
Tyrique Stevenson has already turned many heads during OTAs and mini-camp. Some scouts had a first-round grade on him, and Poles traded up a few spots in the 2nd round when he was still available. The Bears selected Tyrique 56th overall in round 2. He has experience at every position in the defensive backfield and is slated to be the starting corner opposite Jaylon Jones.
Tyler Scott
Another player that has flashed often during OTAs is Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott. Scott possesses sub-4.4 speed and maybe the fastest player on the team. He immediately impressed coaches during the preseason when he took turns getting behind every Bears DB. Touted as one of the steals in the draft, look for Tyler to move up the depth chart if he continues to beat opposing DBs when preseason games begin.
The fourth round of the 2023 draft is one many will talk about for years to come if both Tyler Scott and Roschon Johnson become standouts for the Chicago Bears. When discussing Johnson, many scouts rave about his versatility. Johnson can carry the ball, pick up the blitz in pass protection and catch the ball out of the backfield. He was often the leading blocker for first-round pick Bijan Robinson at Texas, but many scouts agree Robinson could have been RB1 just about anywhere else. Many reporters covering the Bears have suggested Roschon will be the top back on the depth chart sooner than later.
Give credit to Ryan Poles and his scouting department. He deserves it.
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