Ryan Poles Revealed Senior Bowl Players He's Watching Closest

Every GM has different priorities when going to the Senior Bowl. Some use it to confirm details about every prospect on their board. Others use it as a prime opportunity to see things they couldn't see in any other situation. That is often why all-star games are so much more valuable than scouting combines or pro days. Ryan Poles recognizes this opportunity for what it is. No other event brings this many players together before a draft and simulates them through NFL-caliber practices.

There is no telling how many of the prospects will respond. Some will thrive. Others will buckle under the pressure. It isn't a coincidence that many Senior Bowl standouts end up having productive NFL careers. However, Poles revealed to Larry Mayer of Chicagobears.com that there is one specific thing he uses the event for.

"It's real valuable for us," Poles told ChicagoBears.com. "You can't get around the country to see everyone throughout the fall, so being able to get up close and see how they move, see how they lead, communicate, those are all big pieces of the puzzle that we've got to answer.

"The other thing, too, is seeing specific matchups. You get the opportunity to see someone who might have gone to a small school go against a power five school [prospect], and that's important for our evaluation as well."

It isn't hard to understand this approach.

The process worked for him last year. That is what led to the Bears selecting a young tackle out of Southern Utah named Braxton Jones. He had an excellent week of practice at the 2022 Senior Bowl. That success confirmed what Bears scouts felt about him. The team scooped him up in the 5th round and he became their starting left tackle for the entire season. Now several more small school players are trying to seize that same opportunity.

• Aubrey Miller (LB, Jackson State)
• Nick Saldiveri (OG, Old Dominion)
• Andre Iosivas (WR, Princeton)
• Marte Mapu (DB, Sacramento State)
• Darrell Luter Jr. (DB, South Alabama)
• Jalen Wayne (WR, South Alabama)
• Grant DuBose (WR, Charlotte)
• Cody Mauch (OL, North Dakota State)
• Joey Fischer (OL, Shepherd)
• McClendon Curtis (OL, Tennessee-Chattanooga)

Ryan Poles got plenty of quality data this week.

A few of those listed names had standout moments. What makes it encouraging for Poles is that the big winners of the bunch were all on the offensive side. Guards Cody Mauch and McClendon Curtis looked far better in blocking drills than anybody expected. Wide receiver Grant DuBose actually arrived late to the event but didn't waste time making plays. All three likely saw their spots on the Bears' draft board rise since practices concluded on Thursday. Each can cement their success with a strong performance in the game.

One thing about Ryan Poles is he takes the Senior Bowl seriously. One of his first three draft picks ever was a standout from the event in Velus Jones Jr. So there is a reasonable chance that a few names from this event hear their names called by the Bears in April. It comes down to how Poles sees them fitting what the team wants to do. They must fit the profile of being athletic, long, and loves football. That is where the interviews will be important.