NFL Scouts Predicted What Ryan Poles Will Do In 2024 Draft

The Chicago Bears are five games away from beginning their preparations for the 2024 NFL draft. As things stand, the organization will hold not one but two picks in the top 5. This is almost unheard of without the benefit of trading up as the Houston Texans did last year. It could give GM Ryan Poles a massive opportunity to change the landscape of his roster. Many experts believe the incoming class is stacked with talent at several different positions. If the Bears do their work correctly, they could come away with two blue-chip talents.

What nobody knows for sure is what Poles has planned. It is still months away from becoming serious. That said, there is no shortage of speculation. Albert Breer of The MMQB has solid connections to the franchise. He's spent recent weeks talking to several scouts and personnel people across the NFL, trying to get a feel for how things will likely unfold come April. This compelled Breer to do his first mini-mock draft. His picks for the Bears were eye-opening for several different reasons.

"So in the spirit of that, and with a bunch of conversations with scouting types already in the bank, here’s a way-too-early look at how the top five picks could go, with the college season now in its postseason stage …

1. Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

3. Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

4. Commanders: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

5. Bears: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama"

It seems Ryan Poles may have differing priorities from fans.

First, let's address the most obvious part. The expectations are that Chicago will stay at #1 overall and select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Not much has changed over the past few months. While Drake Maye has made a case to challenge for that top QB spot, most experts still see Williams as the guy. Most believe Poles will move on from Justin Fields after the season, restarting the quarterback clock with somebody of his choice. All signs have been pointing in that direction for the past few weeks.

The bigger surprise is at #5 with the Bears taking a pass rusher. Many believe the team will stay focused on offense, taking a top receiver or one of the offensive tackles. However, it's crucial to remember Ryan Poles' philosophy. He believes teams must invest in what he calls "premium" positions. These are positions that impact the game the most. Quarterback is obviously one. Others include offensive tackle, cornerback, and pass rusher. Wide receiver is important, but not as much as a potential 10-sack-per-year rusher. Chicago did a great job getting Montez Sweat at the trade deadline in October. Adding another QB hunter opposite him makes tons of sense, especially in their 4-3 system.

While a lot can change over the next five weeks, this assessment feels pretty on-brand for Poles.