Ryan Poles Had Bears Scouts Out In Force At Interesting College Game

You can always tell what a GM might be thinking from how he distributes his scouts at college games every year. If there is one scout at a game, it is probably the usual research trip. If there are two or more, that might be a sign that at least one or two players have their full attention. Ryan Poles did that for the Chicago Bears on the first major day of college football. According to Ryan Fowler of Draft Network, the Bears were one of only seven NFL teams with more than one scout in attendance for the Texas-Ohio State matchup. Poles himself was there as well.

Now, having multiple guys in a matchup between top programs isn't crazy. What makes it somewhat unusual is the roster configuration. Looking ahead to the 2026 draft, experts have ranked the top names on both rosters. It doesn't really line up with the Bears' most pressing needs.

• #1 prospect - S Caleb Downs (OSU)
• #2 prospect - QB Arch Manning (Texas)
• #18 prospect - TE Max Klare (Ohio State)
• #43 prospect - LB Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas)
• #49 prospect - WR Carnell Tate (Ohio State)
• #53 prospect - CB Malik Muhammad (Texas)
• #55 prospect - EDGE LT Overton (Ohio State)

Of the seven players currently rated as 1st or 2nd round prospects, only two play a position of need for the Bears. One is Downs, who is almost certain to go in the top 10, and the other is Overton.

Ryan Poles' draft plans might not line up with what we expect.

Most Bears fans would agree that the organization's top needs when looking ahead are left tackle, edge rusher, running back, and safety. Ben Johnson has made his thoughts on left tackle clear. Both Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard are free agents after this season. The pass rusher situation is questionable outside of Montez Sweat, who is approaching 30. Running back also faces deep concerns as Roschon Johnson battles health problems again. Not to mention, many still don't see D'Andre Swift as a primary back.

This heavy representation would suggest the Bears might be eyeing different positions as priorities next year. It isn't hard to understand their potential interest in Downs. Many have compared him to Chiefs legend Eric Berry, whom Ryan Poles helped draft in Kansas City. If the Bears picked high enough, he would be a monster addition to the secondary. Still, seeing this early glimpse at the team's scouting approach is interesting.