Ryan Poles And Bears Already Have Their First Top-30 Visit Lined Up

The scouting combine is done. Now, NFL fans must wait two weeks until the start of free agency on March 15th. However, there are no off days for teams. Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears must now shift to the next phase of their evaluation process. That includes visiting pro days around the country and conducting their 30 private visits with various prospects they're interested in. While such visits don't always dictate what a team will do in the draft, it does offer an idea of which way they're leaning.

Perhaps few things offer a better indication than who they plan to meet first. Before the combine was even over, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN revealed that the Bears already have one lined up. It will be with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Many believe the Heisman finalist is a lock for the 1st round this April, showcasing a skillset similar to former superstar LaDainian Tomlinson. The Bears haven't had somebody of that caliber in town since Matt Forte left a decade ago.

Ryan Poles and Bears eyeing Jeanty shouldn't be a surprise.

For one, Chicago was not a good rushing team last season. While D'Andre Swift had over 1300 total yards from scrimmage, he only averaged 3.8 on the ground. The Bears were 25th in rushing. That won't fly with new head coach Ben Johnson. He likes to run the football, as his three years in Detroit proved. Naturally, a star-caliber workhorse like Jeanty would appeal to him. Chicago hasn't drafted a 1st round running back since Curtis Enis in 1998. Given their needs on both lines, it feels unlikely that will change this year. Then again, Jeanty is a rare prospect. Many see him as an instant star at the next level. Pairing him with Caleb Williams in the same backfield could lead to some exciting things. Would Ryan Poles do it? We should know more after free agency begins.