Ryan Poles And Bears Reportedly Smitten With Top Draft Prospect

The Chicago Bears will enter the 2025 NFL draft with a clear list of needs. GM Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson must determine the best direction to go. Having the 10th overall pick could be a major benefit, giving them a big opportunity to land a difference-maker to their fortunes. What nobody knows for sure is who they may have in mind. It is a safe assumption that the Bears already know who may or may not be available when they go on the clock in April. The key is whether any of those names are what they're looking for.

Maybe it's a pass rusher like Mykel Williams or an interior disruptor like Walter Nolen. Perhaps a left tackle like Kelvin Banks draws their interest. They could even go for Ashton Jeanty, the record-breaking running back who carried Boise State to the playoffs. However, one source revealed to SM that Poles and others in the building are big fans of another under-the-radar name. That is Alabama's Tyler Booker, whom many believe is the best overall guard in the entire draft.

Ryan Poles' interest in Booker is both a surprise and not a surprise.

One reason some draft experts are lower on him is his average athletic ceiling. Booker isn't known for being the most mobile guy on the field. Poles has often shown in previous drafts that he likes blockers who can move. However, Booker is known for being a powerhouse in the run game, technically sound in all facets of his blocking, and an unquestioned locker room leader at Alabama. He can drive defenders off the ball with regularity and has outstanding fundamentals in pass protection.

The belief is Booker might be one of the safest picks in the draft. He will go somewhere and start for 8-10 years. Ryan Poles isn't naive. He knows the spotlight is on him. The Bears offensive line gave up 67 sacks this year, which is the worst in franchise history. Much of that is due to his poor job building that area of the roster. He badly needs to fortify it. Booker might not be flashy, but he presents as close to a sure thing as the Bears are likely to find on the offensive line in this draft.