Ryan Poles' Latest Appearance Might Be Tipping His 2024 Draft Plan

While he might be the general manager, Ryan Poles made his name in the NFL as a scout. That is where he feels he can do the most good for the Chicago Bears. So he's been busy every weekend attending games in person. Obviously, he is focusing on many positions. Based on his string of appearances since the start of the college season, most will argue that he's most focused on the quarterbacks. It isn't a surprise. Chicago is still projected to have at least one top-5 pick next year, maybe two. That would put him in the ideal position to draft a quarterback of his choice. However, inspecting his most recent appearances suggests another position might have his attention.

Left tackles.

On September 30th, he was in Happy Valley to watch Penn State and its star, Olu Fashanu. Many view him as one of the best tackle prospects seen in the past few years. The following week, Poles popped up at Georgia vs. Kentucky, where likely 1st rounder Amarius Mims was playing for the Bulldogs. Then, on October 14th, he was in attendance to watch USC and Notre Dame. While everybody watched Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams, there was also stud Irish left tackle Joe Alt in action.

Ryan Poles may look to cement a new era of Bears offensive line.

He already got things started with Darnell Wright this past April. The 10th overall pick is already playing like a quality starter five games into his career. No one knows how much better he will get as he builds experience and refines his technique. Imagine if the Bears add Fashanu or Alt on the left side. Both are believed to be blue-chip prospects. That means they have All-Pro ceilings. It would be the most talented tackle combination this organization has fielded since Jimbo Covert and Keith Van Horne in the 1980s.

It's also a reminder that Ryan Poles was dead serious about reinforcing the offensive blocking for this team. Chicago's line has looked considerably improved this season despite some injury setbacks. Much of this decision will depend on Braxton Jones. The former 5th round pick looked strong to start the year, but a neck injury sidelined him for the past month. When he returns, he can't afford to waste time. Improvement must continue to show. Otherwise, it looks like the team may have plans to upgrade at his position.