Some Love for Ryan Poles - Bear Fans Only

[cameronkrazie86]

Right and the issue with this entire line of reasoning is that poles is the one that got himself in this position by not adding anything to the WR to begin with.

It’s not like they had a good WR get injured and then he had to make a desperation mid season move because of it. Poles went into the year with Mooney and idk who was even #2. He was asked by the media what helps a young qb, he said ‘a great wr.’

Poles put himself in that situation. He deserves absolutely 0 benefit of the doubt for the move for claypool because they should’ve never been on that situation to begin with. That’s on poles.

It's the compounding results from one bad decision that then impacts multiple moves later. If they take George Pickens, they don't need to worry about trading away a 2nd rd pick for a WR because they had no one else. They sign a cheap safety or nickel back instead of drafting one and keep the 2nd rd pick. They're probably going to be replacing that safety due to concussion concerns soon sadly.

The offensive line sucks and they're forced to trade late round draft picks for dudes who played 10 snaps that they could've gotten after cut day (a repeated issue that he has not learned from) just so they have bodies. I'm not saying some dude in the 6th or 7th rd is going to be a draft hit, most times they won't be. But they'll never be if you keep trading the picks away for obvious cut candidates that you then get the privilege of overpaying.

Last year, they went into the season counting on a backup rookie LT coming off an exploded quad from Yale to step in if injuries happened. When he had to play, he looked like a guy who played at Yale coming off an exploded quad. It has appeared to me that they've had a tendency to only project the rosiest possible player outcome and if that is not achieved, there's no plan. That concerns me because you almost never will get peak player performance in a single game, much less a season, but for 3 years, that has appeared to be the primary strategy. Hopefully with the new coaching staff it changes, I really do hope so.

 

[ZOMBIE@CTESPN]

It's the compounding results from one bad decision that then impacts multiple moves later. If they take George Pickens, they don't need to worry about trading away a 2nd rd pick for a WR because they had no one else. They sign a cheap safety or nickel back instead of drafting one and keep the 2nd rd pick. They're probably going to be replacing that safety due to concussion concerns soon sadly.

The offensive line sucks and they're forced to trade late round draft picks for dudes who played 10 snaps that they could've gotten after cut day (a repeated issue that he has not learned from) just so they have bodies. I'm not saying some dude in the 6th or 7th rd is going to be a draft hit, most times they won't be. But they'll never be if you keep trading the picks away for obvious cut candidates that you then get the privilege of overpaying.

Last year, they went into the season counting on a backup rookie LT coming off an exploded quad from Yale to step in if injuries happened. When he had to play, he looked like a guy who played at Yale coming off an exploded quad. It has appeared to me that they've had a tendency to only project the rosiest possible player outcome and if that is not achieved, there's no plan. That concerns me because you almost never will get peak player performance in a single game, much less a season, but for 3 years, that has appeared to be the primary strategy. Hopefully with the new coaching staff it changes, I really do hope so.

Hopefully with new coaching staff this reigns in how poles builds the team with focus on trenches continuing to the draft. There are people on here that want wr,te,rb in first round learning nothing wanting more shiny new toys. Reminds me of Matt millen in Detroit and so does bears record last three years.

 

[SugarWalls]

It's the compounding results from one bad decision that then impacts multiple moves later. If they take George Pickens, they don't need to worry about trading away a 2nd rd pick for a WR because they had no one else. They sign a cheap safety or nickel back instead of drafting one and keep the 2nd rd pick. They're probably going to be replacing that safety due to concussion concerns soon sadly.

The offensive line sucks and they're forced to trade late round draft picks for dudes who played 10 snaps that they could've gotten after cut day (a repeated issue that he has not learned from) just so they have bodies. I'm not saying some dude in the 6th or 7th rd is going to be a draft hit, most times they won't be. But they'll never be if you keep trading the picks away for obvious cut candidates that you then get the privilege of overpaying.

Last year, they went into the season counting on a backup rookie LT coming off an exploded quad from Yale to step in if injuries happened. When he had to play, he looked like a guy who played at Yale coming off an exploded quad. It has appeared to me that they've had a tendency to only project the rosiest possible player outcome and if that is not achieved, there's no plan. That concerns me because you almost never will get peak player performance in a single game, much less a season, but for 3 years, that has appeared to be the primary strategy. Hopefully with the new coaching staff it changes, I really do hope so.

Yup, and this is why I was also frustrated the year they didn’t address center, had Larry borom as the starting RT which is not a realistic outcome, and went into the draft essentially needing to take a tackle at pick 10.

I will give the bears credit for their FA moves this year. Sure, it’s unlikely the DL and OL moves are all long term answers, but at least they can go into this draft with flexibility. It’s no longer going to ruin the entire season if they don’t come away with an interior o lineman or edge rusher etc

 

[Washington]

It's the compounding results from one bad decision that then impacts multiple moves later. If they take George Pickens, they don't need to worry about trading away a 2nd rd pick for a WR because they had no one else. They sign a cheap safety or nickel back instead of drafting one and keep the 2nd rd pick. They're probably going to be replacing that safety due to concussion concerns soon sadly.

The offensive line sucks and they're forced to trade late round draft picks for dudes who played 10 snaps that they could've gotten after cut day (a repeated issue that he has not learned from) just so they have bodies. I'm not saying some dude in the 6th or 7th rd is going to be a draft hit, most times they won't be. But they'll never be if you keep trading the picks away for obvious cut candidates that you then get the privilege of overpaying.

Last year, they went into the season counting on a backup rookie LT coming off an exploded quad from Yale to step in if injuries happened. When he had to play, he looked like a guy who played at Yale coming off an exploded quad. It has appeared to me that they've had a tendency to only project the rosiest possible player outcome and if that is not achieved, there's no plan. That concerns me because you almost never will get peak player performance in a single game, much less a season, but for 3 years, that has appeared to be the primary strategy. Hopefully with the new coaching staff it changes, I really do hope so.

I agree with that 100%.

Keep trading away draft capital and overpaying the players you get in return will turn into cap hell again inevitably. Trading a 5th for Bates who would have been cut and is loaded with arthritis, was mind-boggling. They still lack depth on the OL. If Kiran is our swing tackle, we're in a scary position.

 

[Nelly]

I agree with that 100%.

Keep trading away draft capital and overpaying the players you get in return will turn into cap hell again inevitably. Trading a 5th for Bates who would have been cut and is loaded with arthritis, was mind-boggling. They still lack depth on the OL. If Kiran is our swing tackle, we're in a scary position.

I think Amegadije was intended to be a redshirt. You had both Braxton Jones and Larry Borom to play LT and both got hurt, forcing Amegadije into action. We'll see what he looks like this year after a full year under his belt and (presumably) a better line coach in place.

 

[playthrough2001]

I think Amegadije was intended to be a redshirt. You had both Braxton Jones and Larry Borom to play LT and both got hurt, forcing Amegadije into action. We'll see what he looks like this year after a full year under his belt and (presumably) a better line coach in place.

Absolutely, that’s what they had in mind. They were crushed with injuries last season.

 

[playthrough2001]

Most improved units in free agency by Ted Nguyen of The Athletic​

“Bears offensive line​

Acquisitions: RG Jonah Jackson (trade), LG Joe Thuney (trade), C Drew Dalman (free agent)

The Bears haven’t had a serviceable offensive line since 2013. New head coach Ben Johnson, who cut his teeth on the dominance of the Lions’ offensive line, didn’t want to just shore up the line’s weaknesses, he wanted to weaponize it. So, the Bears completely rebuilt the interior of the line.

Jackson, who played for Johnson with the Lions, has played like one of the best guards in the league when he’s been healthy.

The Chiefs decided to pay Trey Smith, one of the best young guards in the league, which made Thuney available. Thuney has been one of the most dependable linemen in the league, starting all but two games in his career, and he’s exceptional in protection and as a run blocker. He even kicked out to left tackle for the Chiefs’ postseason run.

Dalman isn’t in the same tier as Thuney and Jackson, but he was the best available center, a position that has been a problem spot for the Bears for years. Last season, quarterback Caleb Williams did a lot of work at the line of scrimmage, getting the offense into the right protection. Dalman will help relieve some of the pre-snap responsibilities.

The improved interior will join right tackle Darnell Wright (the 10th pick of the 2023 draft) and left tackle Braxton Jones. Wright has the potential to be one of the best right tackles in the league. He’s a road grader who fits what Johnson wants in an offensive lineman. Jones is an above-average starter — he allowed seven sacks, but Williams tends to hold the ball. Jones isn’t elite, but the Bears have to feel good if he’s their weakest link. It’s much easier to scheme help for one position than for multiple.


GO DEEPER
Guards Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson excited to be part of Bears' trench investment plan

The Bears are setting themselves up to take a huge load off Williams’ shoulders. Last season, Chicago ranked 22nd in rushing success rate and faced the third-most third-and-long attempts in the league. They will need Jackson to stay healthy and Wright to take the next step for the line’s potential to be realized. They also need to add a running back. It’s a rich running back class, but if Ashton Jeanty falls to No. 10, you have to imagine Johnson would sprint to the podium to get his Chicago version of Jahmyr Gibbs.”

Bears O-line, Colts secondary, Rams WR corps among most improved units in free agencyBears O-line, Colts secondary, Rams WR corps among most improved units in free agency

 

[playthrough2001]

​

“How will the 2025 draft be impacted by free agency?​

​

2. Aside from the quarterbacks, what’s been the most impactful signing so far, relative to how it might impact the draft?​

Dochterman: More than one specific signing — a trio of moves have changed Chicago’s entire focus come draft season. The Bears gave up 68 sacks last year, so signing a free-agent offensive lineman or two was always part of GM Ryan Poles’ plan. But in trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, plus signing center Drew Dalman, Poles reworked the Bears’ greatest weakness into a solid unit.

Before the trades, Chicago was in the market for an offensive lineman at No. 10. Poles still might select one, just no longer based on need. The Bears could pivot instead to running back Ashton Jeanty or whoever Poles deems as the best player available. That’s a much healthier position for the franchise, which made it a priority this offseason to protect franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.”

How will 2025 NFL Draft be impacted by first wave of free agency?How will 2025 NFL Draft be impacted by first wave of free agency?

 

[TheEarlofRobin]

Absolutely, that’s what they had in mind. They were crushed with injuries last season.

Any plan that has Larry Borom seeing the playing field is a losing plan. "Crushing injuries" is just a convenient excuse. Bears have lost 10 of their last 11 games at this point.

 

[playthrough2001]

Any plan that has Larry Borom seeing the playing field is a losing plan. "Crushing injuries" is just a convenient excuse. Bears have lost 10 of their last 11 games at this point.

I don’t think any GM has a plan that addresses having to play 27 different offensive line combinations. Also, most NFL teams don’t have stars just sitting around as backups.

Thanks for jumping in.

 

[Washington]

I don’t think any GM has a plan that addresses having to play 27 different offensive line combinations. Also, most NFL teams don’t have stars just sitting around as backups.

Thanks for jumping in.

But they knew what Borom was coming into the season and I don't think anybody on this board expected Borom to be a Bear knowing how shitty he was. All the combinations are a matter of injuries and a very poor selection of players. Injuries are part of the game and good depth is required. While Poles has shored up the starters, they are one injury at OT away from getting CW killed again. I know people are high on Kiran, but I am not one of them. I expect Kiran to be the same level of player as Borom. Hope I am wrong.

 

[playthrough2001]

But they knew what Borom was coming into the season and I don't think anybody on this board expected Borom to be a Bear knowing how shitty he was. All the combinations are a matter of injuries and a very poor selection of players. Injuries are part of the game and good depth is required. While Poles has shored up the starters, they are one injury at OT away from getting CW killed again. I know people are high on Kiran, but I am not one of them. I expect Kiran to be the same level of player as Borom. Hope I am wrong.

Yet the Dolphins just signed him.

Of course injuries are a part of the game. The Bears had an inordinate amount on their offensive line last season. It happens. Look at what transpired with the Chiefs after losing just one starter on their line.

 

[Washington]

Yet the Dolphins just signed him.

Of course injuries are a part of the game. The Bears had an inordinate amount on their offensive line last season. It happens. Look at what transpired with the Chiefs after losing just one starter on their line.

Mind boggling that Borom was signed. He might have been the worst OT the team has had in a long time.

The Chiefs went the Super Bowl and lost to the team who had far superior trenches but a far less talented QB than their own.

The Bears still have work to do on the OL (and DL). I sure hope Poles uses his draft capital wisely. I will be PO'ed if I see a RB in round 1 and not a lineman.

 

[playthrough2001]

Mind boggling that Borom was signed. He might have been the worst OT the team has had in a long time.

The Chiefs went the Super Bowl and lost to the team who had far superior trenches but a far less talented QB than their own.

The Bears still have work to do on the OL (and DL). I sure hope Poles uses his draft capital wisely. I will be PO'ed if I see a RB in round 1 and not a lineman.

I definitely agree with that. I want offensive and defensive linemen with the first four picks.

However, I do believe one of them will be used on a RB.

 

[TheEarlofRobin]

I don’t think any GM has a plan that addresses having to play 27 different offensive line combinations. Also, most NFL teams don’t have stars just sitting around as backups.

Thanks for jumping in.

Wow, I never thought I'd see the day in which someone capes for Larry Borom. What a time to be alive!

 

[onebud34]

Mind boggling that Borom was signed. He might have been the worst OT the team has had in a long time.

The Chiefs went the Super Bowl and lost to the team who had far superior trenches but a far less talented QB than their own.

The Bears still have work to do on the OL (and DL). I sure hope Poles uses his draft capital wisely. I will be PO'ed if I see a RB in round 1 and not a lineman.

I hear ya, a RB can wait.

Grab Caleb Johnson in the latter rounds

 

[cameronkrazie86]

Any plan that has Larry Borom seeing the playing field is a losing plan. "Crushing injuries" is just a convenient excuse. Bears have lost 10 of their last 11 games at this point.

Agree 100%. God forbid they sign a backup worth a damn. Nope our answers are Larry Borom and exploded quad OT from Yale. Good luck, Caleb!

 

[onebud34]

Agree 100%. God forbid they sign a backup worth a damn. Nope our answers are Larry Borom and exploded quad OT from Yale. Good luck, Caleb!

sHITS

 

[playthrough2001]

Wow, I never thought I'd see the day in which someone capes for Larry Borom. What a time to be alive!

Thanks for putting words in my mouth. Stating reality is hardly “caping" for Larry Borom.

 

[TheEarlofRobin]

Stating reality is hardly “caping" for Larry Borom.

True! Stating reality is the most damning thing you could do to Larry Borom.