Ryan Poles gets plenty of grief from Chicago Bears fans for the team's lack of success over the past three years. That is understandable. You don't get credit if you don't win. That said, evidence suggests the GM has done a favorable job filling out the roster with young talent. The 2025 draft class was the next step in that process. He needs at least a couple of members from the group to contribute right away. Based on the preseason opener against Miami, he should be encouraged.
While the Bears didn't win the game, multiple draft picks made meaningful plays in the 24-24 tie. It started with Luther Burden. He may have only had two catches, but both were significant. One was a 16-yard gain on 3rd and 15. The other was a 13-yard gain before sneaking out of bounds with one second on the clock to preserve a 57-yard field goal attempt, which was good. He also got wide open for a touchdown, but the ball wasn't thrown to him.
Next was Kyle Monangai.
With Roschon Johnson out, the 7th round pick carried the load admirably in the first half, collecting 30 yards on six carries with several of them after contact. Ruben Hyppolite led the team with six tackles in the game, including one for a loss. There were no glaring mistakes from 2nd round pick Ozzy Trapilo during his time at left tackle. Undrafted free agent Jahdae Walker also had a touchdown catch.
Ryan Poles may have finally energized the offense.
Through his first two drafts, his most impactful picks resided on the defensive side with Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, Gervon Dexter, and Tyrique Stevenson. It was hoped Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze might balance the scales when they arrived in 2024. While each had good moments last year, it didn't change the status quo. For the first time, it feels like the Bears have added not one, not two, but three potential playmakers in one draft. Burden and Monangai were big factors in their limited snaps. Nobody talked about tight end Colston Loveland, who only got to play one series before he was stashed on the sideline. These guys can play, and Ryan Poles was responsible for acquiring all of them. If this pans out as hoped, people may look back on the 2025 class as a turning point.
