One of the more divisive topics among Chicago Bears fans is how GM Ryan Poles has handled the 2024 draft. After two years where he had 11 and 10 picks respectively, he goes into this event with only four. None of them beyond the 4th round. It seems like such a stark departure from how he's operated to this point. That is why many believe he is prepared to trade down from #9 overall on April 25th. He will hope to secure one or two extra selections to give his team more flexibility and chances to land good players.
While that would be in keeping with Poles' character, one person isn't so sure it's necessary. Former Dolphins and Saints GM Randy Mueller believes that the Bears are in a perfect position. What they lack in an overall number of picks is that they've made up in quality thanks to those two top 10 selections. He explained on the Hoge & Jahns podcast that the hard truth is the 2024 draft isn't a great one. There is a significant lack of depth compared to previous years, with many seeing a steep drop after the 2nd round.
That is why Poles has felt comfortable dealing picks for more proven guys like Montez Sweat, Keenan Allen, and Ryan Bates. Mueller explains below.
Ryan Poles has the mind of a chess player.
He can think four or five moves ahead. It has been said that good general managers aren't solely focused on the current draft. They have their eyes on what is likely coming down the pipe over the next two years. This also influences what decisions they make. Poles seemed to recognize early that the 2024 draft would be top-heavy. After a certain point, the pool of legitimate prospects would run dry. The best thing for him to do would be to strike early for two blue-chip players and use other picks to enhance the roster with proven veterans. Sweat already made the Pro Bowl last year. Allen is still playing elite ball, even in his early 30s. Bates has been dependable whenever given opportunities.
If Ryan Poles can hit on those two picks in the top 10, this team will be loaded and ready for a potential playoff run. Besides, it's not like Chicago's cupboard is bare. The GM has carefully secured nine picks for the 2025 draft, including two in the second round. So, even while he may have limited his flexibility for 2024, he's made sure to secure the Bears' future. That is a far cry from how Ryan Pace handled things, recklessly throwing away future picks for moves up in the draft. Poles knows what he's doing.
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