Ryan Poles is already putting his draft plan in motion by scouting two potential prospects at a position he largely avoided in free agency
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is down at the Oklahoma Pro Day following a busy free agency week.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles will be meeting with the media at Halas Hall on Thursday evening at 4:15 p.m. CT to go over the busy week of free agency that included eight external additions, seven re-signings, and 10 departures at the time of this article.
It’ll also be the first opportunity for Poles to address the media since trading away veteran wide receiver DJ Moore and trading for a new starting center in Garrett Bradbury following the sudden retirement of Pro Bowl starter Drew Dalman.
Before he speaks with the media, however, Poles is making a quick stop to get an in person look at some potential draft prospects. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Poles is currently down at the Oklahoma Pro Day along with assistant general manager Jeff King & director of player personnel Trey Koziol.
Ryan Poles is getting an in person look at two top DL prospects at the Oklahoma Pro Day
The two names that already stand out as potential targets out of Oklahoma for the Bears are defensive end R Mason Thomas and defensive tackle Gracen Halton. The Bears were quiet on the defensive end front in free agency but did add two interior depth players Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street. Edge rusher remains a top priority going into the draft and I still wouldn’t rule out another interior selection.
Thomas and Halton are intriguing players to watch, and it’s no surprise to see Poles show interest. Thomas might be a little small for Dennis Allen’s liking, but Halton certainly fits Allen’s type on the interior. Both players are currently projected as Day 2 targets. Thomas has a 39.52 ADP while Halton has a 76.30 ADP according to the A to Z Sports Mock Draft Database.
Oklahoma WR Deion Burks is a fascinating player to watch as well
Poles and company might not be down there just to scout for Chicago’s defensive coordinator. Oklahoma also has a intriguing wide receiver prospect coming out in Deion Burks. Burks is an explosive playmaker that can fly. He excels in a gadget role on manufactured plays such as sweeps, reverses, and screens, making him the perfect kinda guy for Ben Johnson’s offense.
The Bears did add one wide receiver to the offense after losing DJ Moore in Kalif Raymond, who formerly played with the Detroit Lions and has familiarity with the offensive staff. Again, that addition shouldn’t rule out another move at the position. Burks currently has an ADP of 77.07.
It’s notable to point out that Clemson’s Pro Day is currently going on as well, which features two first-round potential defensive linemen in Peter Woods and T.J. Parker. Yet, Poles and his top two assistants decided to make the trip to Oklahoma instead.
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