Ryan Poles’ latest Pro Day visit raises even more questions for the Bears potential targets in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears general manager was the only general manager in attendance at the Alabama Pro Day.
The pro day circuit continued for Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles after attending the Alabama Pro Day on Wednesday alongside assistant general manager Jeff King. As crazy as it sounds, Poles was the only general manager in attendance.
This is the third reported Pro Day that Ryan Poles attended after previously going to Oklahoma and Miami ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Alabama is usually a hot spot for general managers and head coaches this time of year, so it’s very notable that Poles was the only general manager in the house ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Which Alabama prospect(s) the Bears were locked in on is a valid question and raises some more questions about what positions the Bears look to address next month.
Assessing some top prospects the Bears could have been focused on at the Alabama Pro Day
The first name of note out of Alabama is offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. Proctor is one of the few Bama prospects actually in consideration for the first-round of next month’s draft (depending on how you feel about QB Ty Simpson). Proctor has rare size that makes him one of the top offensive tackle options and it’s still an uncertain position for the Bears.
Even after re-signing Braxton Jones and bringing in Jedrick Wills Jr., offensive tackle is still a possibility for Chicago with the 25th overall pick if Proctor is on the board. Following Ozzy Trapilo’s patellar tendon injury, the Bears need long-term clarity at the left tackle position and shouldn’t rule out making this move in this scenario.
Outside of Proctor, Alabama does have one edge rusher to get to know LT Overton. While not one of the top names, Overton is still a potential Day 2 option for teams in need of edge depth. He’s a long-limbed edge rusher that fits the desired traits of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. He also could put on more weight and be a 3-tech player in the right scheme. If Allen still wants to add another linebacker to his room, watch out for Deontae Lawson as a late-second/third-round option.
Another offensive name to be aware of is wide receiver Germie Bernard, a projected second-round target. Bernard is head coach Ben Johnson’s kind of guy with the way he attacks between the hashes while being a high IQ player. After trading DJ Moore, I wouldn’t put it past the Bears adding another receiver to the offense, even after signing Kalif Raymond.
And, since the Bears are sniffing around developmental centers to sit behind Garrett Bradbury in 2026, we can’t rule out Parker Brailsford as a prospect Chicago could consider looking at.
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