Ryan Poles Is Failing to Deliver in Chicago

2022: Missing on Wide Receivers

In his first draft in 2022, the Bears were in desperate need of pass catchers for quarterback Justin Fields. In the third round, with the 71st overall pick, they selected wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., a 24-year-old gadget player who had spent six seasons in college.

Jones’ time in Chicago was a failure. In 25 games, he recorded just 12 catches for 135 yards—and had twice as many fumbles as touchdowns.

Jones was taken over pass catchers such as Khalil Shakir, Isaiah Likely, Romeo Doubs, Jalen Tolbert, and Jake Ferguson. Poles also passed on George Pickens in the second round.

2023: Passing on a Star

In the 2023 draft, the Bears held the No. 1 overall pick but traded it to the Carolina Panthers for a massive haul. With the ninth pick, Chicago still had a chance to draft the most talented player in the draft, defensive lineman  Jalen Carter.

Instead, Poles traded down one spot with the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Eagles selected Carter, while the Bears picked right tackle Darnell Wright.

Although the Bears got the lesser player, there was a justifiable though process. Carter carried major off-field concerns, and Chicago instead chose to bolster its offensive line to help Fields.

It may have been the wrong move, but it was at least backed by logic.

2024: Caleb Williams Was the Only Option

Chicago’s trade with Carolina in 2023 landed the Bears the No. 1 pick for the second straight year.

Poles was locked in on Williams from the start. Williams was the consensus top prospect in the class, but the Bears’ process raised eyebrows.

They didn’t even offer a Top 30 visit to reigning Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, and one report claimed Poles openly mocked North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye to his staff while watching his film.

Williams may prove to be the right pick, but failing to properly evaluate all options was malpractice.

2025: A Concerning Start

The 2025 draft class is only two games into its career, but the early returns have not been encouraging.

Chicago’s top two picks, tight end Colston Loveland (10th overall) and wide receiver Luther Burden (39th), have combined for just four catches for 14 yards through two weeks.

At least they are getting on the field, because Poles’ next two picks, Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner, were healthy scratches for the Week 2 matchup against Detroit.

It’s too early to make final judgements, but the slow start is not ideal. Especially while the other first-round tight end Tyler Warren is already turning heads with his play so far.

A GM on the Hot Seat

Ryan Poles came to Chicago with a bold promise to dominate the NFC North. Nearly four years later, the Bears are still searching for answers.

Draft missteps, questionable evaluations, and wasted opportunities have put the organization in a constant cycle of rebuilding. While players like Williams and Odunze bring hope, Poles’ track record raises serious doubts.

If things don’t turn around quickly, the Bears may need to find someone else to lead the franchise into the future.