Former Player Explains Why Ryan Poles Nailed The 2023 Draft

When discussing which teams had the best drafts this year, most will say it was the Philadelphia Eagles or the Seattle Seahawks. That isn't a huge surprise GMs Howie Roseman and John Schneider are two of the best in the business and have had their organizations in the playoffs several times over the past decade. Where some people are shocked is how much love the Chicago Bears were getting for their work last month. It wasn't exactly a flashy class, filled chiefly with names that weren't hyped up going into the draft. Yet it seems Ryan Poles did some great work.

Few are bigger fans of the class than Matt Bowen. A former NFL defensive back, he has become one of the most respected tape analysts in the business while working for ESPN. He was asked which rookie class among all 32 teams would have the most instant impact. His answer wasn't a hard one.

Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Chicago Bears. The Bears added depth and talent at premium positions, with a couple of potential Day 3 steals. Darnell Wright is your Day 1 starter at right tackle. Both Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens have the traits to create interior disruption on the defensive front, and corner Tyrique Stevenson brings a physical play demeanor to the secondary. Plus, running back Roschon Johnson and wide receiver Tyler Scott could factor into the offensive game plan as rookies.

Bowen called Stevenson one of the best pure scheme fits in the entire draft. His style of play and athletic profile is tailor-made for Matt Eberflus' defense. Remember, he has zero bias. Bowen is going purely from tape study. That, more than anything, should have Bears fans excited.

History says to trust Ryan Poles' evaluations.

Last year, Bowen stated that safety Jaquan Brisker was also a perfect fit for Eberflus' defense. Brisker went on to lead the team in sacks, finished among leaders in tackles and had one of the best interceptions the entire year. That should get you excited about what's to come from Stevenson. Word is the cornerback is already making noise at rookie minicamps. The fact Bowen is also high on Wright, Dexter, and Pickens offers hope the Bears will be much better in the trenches this season.

Time will tell with every pick Ryan Poles made. Still, having the thumbs up from somebody like Bowens proves the Bears based their evaluations primarily on tape study. They believed the film wouldn't lie to them. Athletic testing numbers and analytics are great, but it's often best to let the film tell the story. The Bears are excited about this draft class. They feel it's an important stepping stone toward their goal of consistently competing for championships. September can't get here quickly enough.