Former GM Says Ryan Poles' Off-Season Has Been Brilliant

GM Ryan Poles made a vow when he took over the Chicago Bears. He would not get dragged into mindless spending during free agency. He planned to be selective, make smart decisions, and build through the draft. To his credit, he's held to that philosophy. After a quick burst on the first day of the off-season, the Bears have gone quiet as several players who had been connected to them keep signing elsewhere. All the big-name right tackles are gone, as are the prominent defensive tackles.

It's apparent Poles won't get caught in a bidding war for players he doesn't feel are worth a certain number. That kind of discipline is admirable. Still, plenty of people are criticizing the Bears for not doing more. Former GM Scott Pioli isn't one of them. He worked in front offices for several years. He built winners in both New England and Kansas City. From what he's seen thus far, Poles is doing it the right way. Pioli went so far as to call the work done over the past couple of weeks some brilliant stuff.

Ryan Poles' main event is approaching fast.

His free agency moves have yielded some talented players. The Bears are set at linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. Nate Davis beefs them up at guard while DeMarcus Walker gives them some needed juice on the defensive line. More signings will come, but they might be done making splashes. Poles is likely shifting his focus to his most important date of the calendar year. He wants to build through the draft. The Bears have ten total picks, including four in the first three rounds.

If everything goes according to plan, the team might secure three or four legitimate starters when the dust settles. Ryan Poles is confident he can pull it off. His first draft offers optimism. Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker showed flashes of promise on defense. Braxton Jones started every game at left tackle. If he could do that is a minimal budget, there is no telling what he might accomplish with far more resources. It sounds like he is well-prepared and eager for the challenge ahead.