Ryan Poles Admits One Part Of Eagles Super Bowl Is Influencing His Plans

Winning the Super Bowl is the endgame for every NFL general manager. Ryan Poles is no different. The Chicago Bears GM is determined to finally get his team into the conversation. However, lots of work is needed to clear the final hurdle. He believes the first big step was taken when the Bears hired Ben Johnson as the new head coach. He should be an instant asset for quarterback Caleb Williams. The next was upgrading Chicago's presence along the line of scrimmage. Three new offensive linemen were acquired at center and both guard spots. Then he secured defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to help the defensive line.

By the sound of things, Poles isn't done with the latter. At his recent press conference, he made some interesting comments about focusing on improving the team's pass rush. He admitted that watching the Philadelphia Eagles' dominant Super Bowl win against Kansas City sparked his renewed urgency. They sacked Patrick Mahomes six times, a glaring reminder that winning teams often are able to get after the quarterback. Poles sounds like he is deadset on reaching a similar point.

Ryan Poles might be looking to double down in the draft.

Chicago holds the 10th overall pick in the 1st round next month, a premium spot to land a potential pass rusher. Some excellent players have gone in that vicinity over the past few years.

• Jalen Carter (9th, 2023)
• Micah Parsons (12th, 2022)
• Rashan Gary (12th, 2019)
• Da'Ron Payne (13th, 2018)
• Haason Reddick (13th, 2017)

Ryan Poles could have some prominent names on the board once he goes on the clock. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, Marshall defensive end Mike Green, and Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku all feel like possibilities. Are any of them worth the 10th pick? That depends on who you ask. Most experts seem to think there isn't much difference in talent between the 10th pick and the 50th pick. That means Poles could probably take whoever defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants without concerns of "overdrafting."

It would certainly set the Bears up for the short and long term. Odeyingbo, Jarrett, and Montez Sweat could handle the heavy lifting while their 1st round pick, and hopefully, Austin Booker can develop as rotational options. That is how you build potential waves of pass rushers.