Ryan Poles' Track Record Points To Bears' Likely Target At 10th Pick

The Chicago Bears have completely shrouded their plans for the 10th overall pick in smoke. That was by design. At the start of free agency, their strong push ensured they addressed most of their pressing needs. Doing so would open up the opportunity for GM Ryan Poles to take any player he and head coach Ben Johnson want in the 1st round. People can't seem to agree on who that player will be. Arguments have centered around which position they will prioritize. Maybe a running back, an offensive tackle, or another pass rusher are all possibilities.

That might not be the right approach. In these situations, it is important to look at things through the eyes of the man in charge. Talent is a driving force for any general manager, but each prioritizes certain things over others. After seeing Poles operate for the past three years, it is evident that he places a high value on players of character with his highest picks.

Darnell Wright (10th pick, 2023)

"In terms of Darnell, just like I said, an outstanding person and a great worker," Eberflus said, "and you could see the raw traits for him to be able to really improve and get better. He's already good, but we're excited to have him, and he's going to be a force in there."

Caleb Williams (1st pick, 2024)

"I worked with the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed," McCain said. "None of them have that competitive drive that [William's] has. … It's unmatched. He simply does not compute losing. He doesn't accept failure at all."

Rome Odunze (9th pick, 2024)

“Team captain. Good leader. Tough. Dependable. (Michael) Penix would just fling it up in the air sometimes and (Odunze) just went and got it. He’s my favorite player on the West Coast”

Poles knows that in order to build a winning team culture, you must acquire the right personalities in addition to talent. Each of his 1st round picks reflects that to this point. If we apply this knowledge to the 2025 class, do any of the potential options at the 10th overall pick stand out?

Ryan Poles would instantly gravitate to a player like Tyler Warren.

Start with the talent. Many see him as one of the best tight ends to come out of college football in years. He's not far away from Brock Bowers, who just set rookie records last season for the Las Vegas Raiders. Warren draws comparisons to Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, not just on the field but off it as well. An NFL executive indicated as much to NFL draft insider Lance Zierlein.

“When you ask about the different prospects in their building, Penn State spends about two sentences on Warren because not much needs to be said. Elite player, elite character.”

The guy checks all the boxes. He was the best playmaker on one of the best teams in the country. Every time Penn State needed him to step up, he did. Warren scored two touchdowns in the playoff victory over Boise State, then had 75 yards receiving and 21 rushing against Notre Dame the next week. While tight end might not be considered a premium position by some, there is no denying Ryan Poles could see how dangerous he can be in Johnson's offense.