We Have Learned Who Ryan Poles' Next Draft Crush May Be

Ryan Poles won't tell anybody what he plans to do for the 2025 NFL draft largely because he doesn't yet know himself. However, history suggests he already has an idea of which direction it will go. Last year, the Chicago Bears GM carved a path on the scouting trail that left zero doubts about his intentions. From September 2nd through October 14th, reporters saw him attend six games in person. Those games included Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, Spencer Rattler, Riley Leonard, and Quinn Ewers. All were quarterbacks who could potentially declare for the 2024 draft.

People may have said the Justin Fields experiment wasn't over yet, but actions like that suggested otherwise.

Fast forward to the year and Poles might be tipping his hand again. The first game he popped up at was Clemson vs. Georgia. Hard Knocks cameras even caught him on the field evaluating players. It was pretty obvious which one of them had his attention.

Ryan Poles already has his eyes on Mykel Williams.

Early projections have the edge rusher group loaded for the 2025 draft. Everybody knows the Bears have some depth concerns across from Montez Sweat. Many see Williams as a possible top-10 pick next year. He's 6'5", 265 lbs, long, athletic, and has power in his hands. Some have compared him to New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, who just made the Pro Bowl last season. He finished the Clemson game with two tackles for a loss, helping Georgia to a 34-3 route. Williams fits the exact profile Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus prefer in defensive ends.

It didn't stop there. On that same day, the GM traveled to see the Texas A&M game against Notre Dame. It just so happened that the contest featured another projected top-10 pass rusher: Nic Scourton. He had 10 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss last season. Though the Irish won the game, Scourton gave them fits with a sack and 1.5 tackles for a loss. Either way, it is plainly evident what Ryan Poles is planning. Depending on where the Bears land in the draft order, he fully aims to pursue pass rush help.

Sweat will be 29 next year. Maybe Austin Booker can build on his excellent preseason. The Bears can't depend on that. Further investment in the front four is paramount.