One thing we’ve learned about GM Ryan Poles since taking over the Chicago Bears is he’s always on the lookout for talented offensive linemen and isn’t afraid to dabble in smaller schools. Braxton Jones is a shining example of this. Chicago plucked the talented left tackle out of Southern Mississippi in 2022, and he immediately became their starter. So nobody should be surprised that Poles might think about trying this again. It appears he already has somebody in mind.
The 2024 offensive tackle class is widely considered a strong one in this draft. If there is one name generating tons of buzz in scouting circles, it’s Kiran Amegadjie of Yale. His profile really started taking off last season as he showcased his unique blend of incredible size (6’5, 326 lbs), length (36-inch arms), and mobility. He has the quick feet necessary to handle NFL pass rushers and stands out most in the run game, where he is aggressive and mean. It is little wonder Poles and the Bears scheduled him for a private visit according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
It also doesn’t hurt that Amegadjie was born in Hinsdale, Illinois. He’s a local kid.
The Bears GM loves big athletes with length. That is showing on both sides of the ball with guys like Jones, Darnell Wright, Gervon Dexter, Montez Sweat, and Zacch Pickens. He also loves adding players with hometown roots. T.J. Edwards, Cole Kmet, and Jack Sanborn fit that profile as well. The fact that Amegadjie checks all of those boxes makes it easy to understand why Poles is interested. He would make for the perfect developmental project behind Jones and Wright. We already know offensive line coach Chris Morgan is excellent at teaching raw prospects.
As always, it comes down to where and when the Bears could take him. Projections have Amegadjie going somewhere on day two of the draft. The 2nd round is a popular spot, which is problematic since Ryan Poles traded his to Washington for Sweat. That means the Bears would need him to slip to the 3rd. Don’t forget Jones went in the 5th, so players like him are hard to project. If Poles does end up getting him on the roster, that offensive tackle group could be one of the most talented in recent franchise history.
