Former GM Explains Why Chicago Bears Have Huge Advantage At Senior Bowl

The Senior Bowl begins this week, and the Chicago Bears are well-represented. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy got the honor of coaching the American team. That means he will run everything from practices to meetings and the game itself next weekend. It marks the second time since 2017 the Bears have had this honor. They didn't really take advantage of the opportunity six years ago, only drafting one Senior Bowl participant in Jordan Morgan. Perhaps that might change this time around.

Former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman couldn't understate how big of an advantage the Bears will enjoy with Getsy running the show down there. He'll have access to these players that other teams can only dream of. He explained what it could do for a franchise's fortunes on Football Night in Chicago.

Harrison Smith is a six-time Pro Bowler for the Vikings and one of the best safeties of the 2010s. A year later, another division rival proved his words correct. The Detroit Lions coached the South team in 2013. They made defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, who was on that roster, their 1st round pick. He was an All-Pro for them and played six solid seasons before injuries shortened his career.

The Chicago Bears can't let this opportunity pass again.

Thankfully they appear to have somebody in charge that takes the event seriously. Ryan Poles drafted four players who were at the 2022 Senior Bowl. He came from an organization in Kansas City that had considerable success targeting players who shined at the event. Eric Fisher went 1st overall in 2013 and made the Pro Bowl twice. Dee Ford dominated the event a year later and collected 30.5 sacks in five seasons with the team. There is plenty of proof to back up the idea of players that look great at the Senior Bowl carrying it into the NFL.

There will be no shortage of intriguing prospects for the Chicago Bears. Rashee Rice (WR), Darnell Wright (OT), Matthew Bergeron (OT), and O'Cyrus Torrence are all considered top 50 players in this class. Getsy will be coaching all of them directly. It isn't hard to imagine the Bears targeting them in the early rounds if they make a big impression. That is why this week should be exciting for fans. Players they see shine in practices and the game may end up hearing their names called in April.