Ryan Poles Is Already Getting A Head Start In Hunt For WR Help

The Chicago Bears have a lot of work to do this off-season. Everybody is focused on what they'll do at quarterback. This narrative won't change in the coming months. It is known that position is paramount to their future success. It doesn't change the fact that other roster areas need work, too. GM Ryan Poles understands this better than anybody. Chicago desperately needs a new center and another pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat. However, most will state they have to find another credible wide receiver across from D.J. Moore.

It has only been a week since the off-season began, but it appears Poles and his scouts are already hard at work searching for potential gems. Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network was in attendance for the Hula Bowl, one of the first college all-star games leading up to the draft. It has showcased some outstanding talent over the years, including Tony Dorsett, Steve McMichael, Dan Marino, Deion Sanders, and Wes Welker. While not the hotbed it once was, the game is still fertile ground for finding possible contributors.

The Bears seemed to like at least one of the participants they saw.

Ryan Poles' interest in Cephus isn't a surprise.

One thing that has become obvious with the Bears GM since he took over is he loves big athletes, regardless of position. Josh Cephus qualifies. He's 6'3, 200 lbs, and displays good run-after-the-catch ability. He is a physical player, unafraid to fight with defensive backs for the ball and block in the running game. Cephus is also a sharper route runner than he gets credit for. While not the most explosive player, he has enough qualities to make one understand why the Bears would be interested.

This is most likely a player Ryan Poles will have circled for the undrafted free agent market. Chicago has done an excellent job of pinpointing certain players they like and luring them in through careful recruiting. That is how they landed Jack Sanborn in 2022 and Tyson Bagent in 2023. Cephus could be one of those targets. He has considerable upside. It will be interesting to see how he times in speed drills. If he can reach the sub-4.5 range, that will significantly help his cause.