Why Ryan Poles May Divert From Predicted 2024 QB Path

One thing to remember about the NFL draft is that it isn't always as predictable as people like to believe. What seems like a no-brainer in November becomes unthinkable in April. One thing people agree on is that if the Chicago Bears end up with a top-2 pick in the 2024 draft, GM Ryan Poles is guaranteed to select either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye at quarterback. Justin Fields' time will be over. Straightforward and simple. Poles has seen enough of Fields. He didn't draft the quarterback but made sure to give him a fair opportunity to earn the long-term job.

However, it might not be wise to assume outright that Williams or Maye are the unquestioned guys in Poles' mind. One source informed SM that the Bears GM "really likes" Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. While that may shock some, it shouldn't. After a rough four-year stint in Indiana that involved injury setbacks, Penix has come alive in two seasons with Washington. Across 22 games, he's thrown for 7,842 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. As of this moment, he is the current betting favorite to win the Heisman trophy.

Yet many continue to ignore him in favor of Williams and Maye. Poles doesn't seem to be one of them.

Ryan Poles' interest in Penix would not be surprising.

While he has yet to draft a quarterback in his stint as Bears GM, he did sign one in Tyson Bagent. The Shepherd product brought good size (6'3), consistent accuracy, poise in the pocket, and lots of starting experience from college. Penix is 6'3, throws with good accuracy at all levels, isn't flustered in the pocket, and has started 35 games. He checks every single box based on what we know of Poles' QB preferences. He also has a growing reputation for showing up in big games. Penix beat Texas in the Alamo Bowl last year. This year, he has taken down powerhouse Oregon and outdueled Williams in the Rose Bowl.

None of this means Ryan Poles would take him with one of those high 1st round picks. The general consensus around Penix is that he's a late-1st, early-2nd round talent. It is possible the Bears might wish to use those early 1sts on top non-QB prospects while trying to wrangle another pick to try nabbing Penix. We already know Poles isn't afraid to trade down from high picks. He did so last March with #1 overall.

There are so many variables still involved. It's possible minds will change over the next few months. Plenty of evaluations are still to come. Just Penix in mind once the off-season arrives.