Watch: Bears Post-Draft Media Availability
The NFL draft has concluded, and the Bears ended with five players after starting with four picks. Draft grades are pouring in, and it seems to be primarily positive. The Bears never traded back like I thought they should, but instead, they traded 2025 draft capital to secure an additional pick. The Bears’ primary focus this year was the offense, and they proved that by selecting offensive players with their first three picks. After returning to Chicago, Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus discussed the draft with the media, and there were a lot of questions about those three picks. The GM and head coach are entering their third year together and eagerly anticipate returning to work in 2024.
Poles supported former quarterback Justin Fields, but I forgot this would be the first quarterback he’s helped draft since Patrick Mahomes. The media asked questions of Poles and were likely hoping he would make favorable comparisons. The Bears haven’t given a quarterback a second contract in 20 years, and the franchise, with the fans, are hoping Caleb Williams ends that drought. After drafting Williams, the Bears selected Rome Odunze at nine, and they appear to have their futures connected. After the draft, Eberflus invited Williams, Odunze, and their families to meet in his office. Eberflus is excited about their talent, but he keeps speaking to their character and even thanked their parents for how they raised them. The potential impact of these players on the team’s future is immense, and I can’t wait to see them put in work on the field.
The moment Caleb Williams found out we drafted Rome Odunze.
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) April 26, 2024
Eberflus shared how he first met Kiren Amegadjie, and it’s a fun story. Amegadjie is an Illinois native and is excited to be a Bear. Drafting Amegadjie benefits the Bears, and it makes the meeting between him and Eberflus more serendipitous. I had Amegadjie as my fifth-ranked tackle, but he is a work in progress. He’ll likely play swing tackle, and Larry Borom may see a decrease in work. I like his size and work ethic, but his technique and balance need refinement. Eberflus also complimented his size and length and, of course, spoke about his character.
Kiran Amegadjie basically told Eberflus “you’re gonna draft me next year, and you’re gonna like it”😂😂 I love it
— Sadeek 🪐 (@SadeekNextWave) April 27, 2024
The Bears have made significant strides in the three years under Poles, and they knew it was a challenging task. Eberflus had high praise for Poles and his ability to bring in diverse talent. Poles spoke to the increased talent but was even more proud of the locker room’s culture and character. The Bears believe Williams adds to that character, and they’re impressed with his ability. Eberflus said he’s “all ball” and complimented how much time he’s spent on his game. Eberflus wants him to be able to run the offense and talked about Williams needing to lead the team. Poles spoke to his ceiling and said he had the tools to give him a “really high ceiling.” It did seem like a lot of the same and reminiscent of their feelings about Justin Fields. Eberflus wouldn’t commit to a trait to work on, but maybe that’s a good sign.
This team is working hard, and adding talent pushes both sides of the ball to improve. The Bears still have a lot to do, but it feels different. Adding Austin Booker helps the defense, but it’s only one player. Montez Sweat, Jaylon Johnson, and the young talent need help, but ending last year in the top five brings hope. Tory Taylor is also a great addition and brings the end of Trenton Gill, who was dead last in net yards. The fact the Bears can consider a punter in the fourth round is a testament to the strides they’ve taken. Their hard work is paying off, and the future looks bright. The Bears currently have three picks in the first 64 of the 2025 draft and can continue to build on this team. The Bears might not have much work left to do, but only time will tell.
