NFL Scouts Predict Ryan Poles Delivers 1st Round Stunner
We’ve heard the opinions of experts and fans for several weeks now. The general feeling around the Chicago Bears is they will be focused on one of four possibilities at #10 overall: running back (Ashton Jeanty), tight end (Tyler Warren), offensive tackle, and defensive line. Everything depends on how the board unfolds and what GM Ryan Poles wants to do. It is a safe assumption that he and head coach Ben Johnson have a good idea of who they want. At times like this, it is interesting to get the perspective of people inside the league itself.
Matt Miller of ESPN decided to collect such information. He put together ten scouts from around the NFL and conducted a mock draft based on how they believe things will go. Things started pretty much as everybody expected. The first six picks played out with Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, Will Campbell, Mason Graham, and Ashton Jeanty. Things only took a turn at #7 when the New York Jets took Armand Membou. From there, Carolina and New Orleans both went with edge rushers. That makes the pick for Chicago clear, right?
Wrong.
10. Chicago Bears
Projected pick from an NFC South area scout: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
“I believe in using a top-10 pick on premium positions,” the scout said. “Quarterback, left tackle, pass rusher or cornerback. Johnson’s tape the last two years is of an elite cornerback.”
Johnson missed the second half of the 2024 season with a toe injury and was slowed in the predraft process by a hamstring issue, but he was the best cornerback in college football when healthy. Johnson had two interceptions early this season, running both back for touchdowns, and he has the eyes and instincts of a playmaker — which is why I compare him to Trevon Diggs as a pro prospect.
Ryan Poles pivoting to a cornerback isn’t as crazy as it sounds.
We must remember his track record. The Bears GM said he liked to focus on premium positions early in a draft. He proved that with an offensive tackle, quarterback, and wide receiver as his 1st round picks to date. His first pick ever was a cornerback. He’s drafted two cornerbacks in the 2nd round to date, so we know he’s not afraid to stack the position. Most assume Tyrique Stevenson was a lock to start this season because it’s been that way for two years, and he has shown plenty of promise. However, that was under a different coaching staff. There is a possibility that new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen might not be a fan.
Then, one must point out the comparison made by Miller: Trevon Diggs. Don’t forget that new Bears secondary coach Al Harris developed Diggs into an All-Pro with the Dallas Cowboys. If he sees the same qualities in Will Johnson, he’d likely urge Ryan Poles to consider drafting the Michigan star. The obvious elephant in the room is that Chicago would be passing on Penn State tight end Tyler Warren in this scenario. Would head coach Ben Johnson allow that in favor of adding a player at a position that doesn’t really need help?
Seems some in the NFL believe they would.