Bears' latest mock draft does the exact opposite of what Ryan Poles would do

The Chicago Bears have a lot of draft needs coming up, but one thing will be clear: they won't be reaching on a position.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles has made it clear that he will pick the best available player, regardless of position. ESPN NFL Draft expert Matt Miller released his latest mock draft, in which he has the Bears selecting Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at 25, with an interesting comment.

"This isn't a great interior defensive line class, but the Bears could check off their biggest roster need while picking a defender in Round 1 for the first time since 2018 (Roquan Smith). Woods didn't live up to his potential at Clemson, but scouts believe that he'll be a better pro than college player. His physical tools are special, with first-step burst and overall strength that look like a high-end 3-technique starter. Woods could serve as Grady Jarrett's understudy before taking a larger role in the future."

Bears going defensive tackle at 25 despite weaker defensive tackle class

Before jumping into Miller's comments about the interior defensive line class, it's important to note that the Bears have already done a ton of work on signing interior defensive linemen. Guys like James Lynch and Neville Gallimore are going to give the Bears the depth needed at the position, with 2025 second-round draft pick Shemar Turner expected to be back from injury to join them and Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter.

If Miller's comments on the interior defensive line not being great, as he said, are to be taken at his word as an expert, this would be the wrong move. The Bears still need to get help off the edge on defense or add a starting safety.

Last season proved that the Bears aren't scared of going offense in the first round, as they selected tight end Colston Loveland. That worked out pretty well as Loveland led the Bears in receiving in his rookie season.

Chicago would be better off just picking the best player available, as Poles has done it the last few seasons, and it has worked out well for them so far.