Why Ryan Poles Can't Be Trusted To Do The Obvious At QB Next Year

Everybody seems settled into one of two camps right now. The Chicago Bears will keep Justin Fields as their starter and use their significant draft capital to continue building around him. Or they will offload him elsewhere and use the #1 or #2 pick they're likely to land on a new quarterback. It seems logical. However, one thing we've learned about GM Ryan Poles over the past two years is he doesn't always operate according to the general consensus. Nobody expected the trades for Chase Claypool or Montez Sweat. Nobody expected him to take Darnell Wright over Jalen Carter.

The fact he did those things suggests he isn't afraid to do the unconventional, provided he feels it's what is best for his football team. Why shouldn't that include the quarterback position? Contrary to popular myth, the upcoming 2024 class isn't just a two-man show. There will be other legitimate options on the table. There is every chance one of those guys makes the right impression on Poles. That and other factors are why Bears fans should be wary of assuming anything.

Ryan Poles is a wild card for several reasons.

There are legitimate questions about Williams and Maye.

Most draft experts agree the two players are the unquestioned top guys in this class. Williams has the improvisational skills, accuracy, and swagger teams love. Maye is an ideal prototype with size, arm strength, and aggressiveness. However, both aren't free of concerns. Williams is only 6'1 and has a lingering tendency to hold the ball too long. He's also not overly precise from the pocket. Maye has concerns about his slow delivery and his tendency to be reckless with the ball. That may seem like nitpicking, but similar problems followed Fields into the NFL, and we've all seen how that unfolded. They say it only takes one GM to fall in love with a player. We must remember Poles' opinion is what matters, and he may not like what he sees from them.

Trading down worked once already

There is no question the Bears would get an even bigger return for the #1 pick compared to last season were they to make it available. There are far more QB-needy teams this year, and most agree this class is far stronger than the one headlined by Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. That didn't stop Ryan Poles from landing a Pro Bowl wide receiver, a potential franchise tackle, a future 1st round pick, and a future 2nd round pick. Imagine what teams might be willing to give up for a shot to draft Williams or Maye. Poles has already shown he doesn't fear moving down. He loves stockpiling picks. Make no mistake. He will weigh the option of moving down carefully.

It's not impossible to find good QBs outside the top 5.

This last part cannot be understated. Everybody believes that the only path to good quarterback play in the NFL is through a top-5 selection. Never mind the large amounts of evidence to the contrary. Here is a reminder of every QB drafted in that range dating back to 2010.

• Sam Bradford
• Cam Newton
• Andrew Luck
• Robert Griffin III
• Blake Bortles
• Jameis Winston
• Marcus Mariota
• Jared Goff
• Carson Wentz
• Mitch Trubisky
• Baker Mayfield
• Sam Darnold
• Kyler Murray
• Joe Burrow
• Tua Tagovailoa
• Trevor Lawrence
• Zach Wilson
• Trey Lance

Yes, there are some studs in that group. There are also some stinkers and mostly a lot of meh. Meanwhile, teams haven't had trouble finding gems later in the 1st round or even outside it. Poles should know. He was with the Chiefs when Patrick Mahomes went 10th overall in 2017. Russell Wilson was a 3rd rounder in 2012. Dak Prescott was a 4th rounder in 2016. As much as it hurts to admit, Jordan Love went 26th in 2020. Poles doesn't have to be locked into just Williams or Maye.

There are other options in this class. Michael Penix, J.J. McCarthy, and Jayden Daniels are all considered 1st round possibilities. If the Bears sense one of them fits their vision better, then Poles may choose to wheel and deal. Trade out of #1, collect a haul, and grab one of them later in the 1st round.