Ryan Poles has been the Chicago Bears' general manager for the past four years.
As he enters his fifth year as the Bears' GM, we are starting to understand how he operates and what his drafts tend to look like. In a way, to look back at what he has done, it is a good time to rank his past drafts
Ranking Ryan Poles' draftsÂ
4. 2022
His first draft is clearly the worst, but not a bad draft, overall. He landed starters in Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon, while Braxton Jones and Dominique Robinson have had long careers for their draft slot. Still, there was no first-round pick, which hurts it compared to others. Brisker is no longer with the team, which hurts. Beyond that, Velus Jones was too high and puts a ding on an otherwise fine draft.Â
3. 2023
Poles appears to have nailed the Darnell Wright selection, even if passing on Jalen Carter was a bit controversial. Gervon Dexter has been a competent starter, and Tyrique Stevenson has flashed in moments as well. The issue is that there is hardly anything to discuss beyond those first couple of picks. Zacch Pickens, Roschon Johnson, and Tyler Scott are notable misses from this draft. Still, a starting right tackle, defensive tackle, and cornerback is not bad.Â
2. 2025
This one may not have been fully realized yet, but there is a lot of positive to take from this class. Colston Loveland looks like a massive hit, and if he can build on his rookie season, he is going to be a pick that gets discussed for a long time. Luther Burden has flashed, and there appears to be more upside there, and Kyle Monangai looks like a great late-round hit. Ozzy Trapilo is injured, but he started at left tackle. It is early for some of the other names, but it looks like Poles hit on the early picks once again, and these picks have already made big impacts.Â
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1. 2024Â
It is funny because if you take away one player, this is his worst draft. However, the Bears did not pick first overall because they were that bad. Poles made one of the best trades in NFL history to help his team land Caleb Williams. That will make it the best draft for a long time. Rome Odunze was taken with the actual pick, and he has been fine. Austin Booker has been a solid piece as well. Still, there are only a few picks; one was a punter, and it is still easily the best.