It is hardly uncommon for evaluators to have favorites going into a draft, be they the general manager or the head coach. Ryan Pace loved Mitch Trubisky in 2017, while John Fox wanted Jamal Adams. Obviously, the two men on the top must reach an agreement on who to take once the team is on the clock. That said, it doesn't stop personal preference from creeping into discussions. Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson are no different. They have favorites, too.
Sources have informed SM who those players are. Johnson is said to be a huge fan of Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. The head coach envisions him being a significant weapon in the passing game, similar to what Sam LaPorta was in Detroit. He's drawn comparisons to Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, so it's easy to see the appeal. As for Poles, he is said to have developed a soft spot for Missouri tackle Armand Membou.
"Really likes him," the source said.
It is believed the Bears are still hunting for a future left tackle. Perhaps Poles sees Membou as a solution to that problem.
Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson may not get their wishes.
As is often the case, the draft isn't interested in giving you what you want. Other teams like those two players as well. Many projections from experts have both Membou and Warren coming off the board before the Bears pick at #10. That would mean Ryan Poles must have contingency plans in place. The source did say defensive coordinator Dennis Allen loves Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, who is all but guaranteed to be available. Perhaps that is a name to watch. The draft is unpredictable. We saw that last year. All it takes is one or two surprise picks in the first nine spots for either player to slip through. If one does, don't be shocked when the Bears run their name to the podium.
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