Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has always considered himself a scout. Thus, it’s no surprise that he actively searches for prospects in person. This approach allows him to better evaluate players. With the Senior Bowl and scouting combine now behind us, teams are dispatching representatives nationwide for college pro days to make final assessments of potential picks. Each spring, Poles typically visits several pro days, and his past actions indicate they should not be overlooked.
In the past three years, Poles has attended the pro day of players the Bears subsequently chose in the first round:
- 2023: Conducted a private workout with Darnell Wright at Tennessee
- 2024: Attended Caleb Williams’ USC pro day
- 2025: Observed Colston Loveland at Michigan’s pro day
As of now, he is confirmed to have attended the Oklahoma pro day, though it’s unlikely any prospects there will be first-round selections, except possibly pass rusher R. Mason Thomas, who may not suit Dennis Allen’s defense. However, things shifted significantly when NFL Network reporter Cameron Wolfe confirmed Poles was present at the Miami pro day.
Reason for Poles’ Attendance
Miami features several early draft prospects, notably edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, who combined for an impressive 22 sacks last season, creating considerable challenges for opposing quarterbacks. Chicago desperately needs a standout pass rusher for their defensive line, and either player could potentially fill that role. The critical question remains whether they will still be available by the Bears’ pick at #25, which many believed was improbable.
Indeed, draft season often complicates perceptions. Despite their impressive statistics, Bain and Mesidor carry red flags. Bain’s arm measurement of 30 inches at the combine is significantly below the NFL average for edge rushers. Conversely, Mesidor will turn 25 this season, a fact that tends to deter teams from using first-round picks on older prospects. Poles’ presence suggests he could be hopeful about one or both players being within reach for the Bears.
Historical Context Favors the Bears
While it may seem overly optimistic to believe they could land Bain or Mesidor, historical trends in the NFL provide insight. Since tracking began, no edge rusher with arms shorter than 32 inches has been selected before the 18th pick in the first round—this includes Melvin Engram in 2012. Teams tend to be cautious with shorter-arm players, which makes high picks on such athletes a significant risk, one most GMs prefer to avoid.
Mesidor’s age presents another challenge; in the last decade, the highest selection for a non-quarterback aged 24 at draft time was Jared Verse, taken 19th in 2024. The next closest was Jermaine Johnson at 26th. Therefore, Ryan Poles and the Bears are in a favorable position to possibly have Mesidor available at number 25. Poles has demonstrated a consistent ability to forecast which players are likely to be available each year, having been correct about Rome Odunze in 2024 and Loveland in the previous year. Selecting either Bain or Mesidor at #25 would be a significant achievement for the Bears.
