One thing that has stood out right away with new Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles is his accessibility. He’s had more press conferences since taking over in January than Ryan Pace had in his first two years combined. It is apparent the 36-year-old isn’t uncomfortable in front of the camera. He believes in having a strong connection with the media, keeping them apprised of what he and the organization are doing. It’s been a refreshing change of pace and helps to smooth over relations.
It seems he’s taken things to a new level. For the first time since its inception, the Bears unveiled their first mid-season episode of 1920 Football Drive. Poles and assistant GM Ian Cunningham were the focus of the video, covering their intensive work ahead of the 2023 NFL draft. It covers their 48-hour journey attending three different college games. Things started with a significant shock as Poles called area scout Brendan Rehor, asking him a simple question.
“Who’s your top guys?”
Make no mistake. Most NFL general managers wouldn’t do something like that. They are obsessive about keeping their internal secrets. Letting the media into their process is tantamount to blasphemy. Poles doesn’t seem to have such concerns. Of course, he never said actual names he’s interested in. That would be reckless. Yet to let his scout even mention where the best place to focus attention at a specific program is a remarkable piece of inside knowledge.
Rehor is current in his assessment. Clemson’s major strength this year centers around defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and defensive end Myles Murphy. Both are currently projected to be 1st round picks next April. That doesn’t include defensive tackle Tyler Davis and defensive end K.J. Henry. Both are talented enough to go somewhere between the 2nd and 4th rounds. It’ll be fascinating to see if any of those names surface on Ryan Poles’ radar, considering how big of a need the Bears have on the defensive line. People can point to this video as the genesis.
