The Chicago Bears have changed their approach in recent years, especially during the pre-draft period. Historically, the organization held private meetings with prospects they intended to draft, using these sessions to refine their evaluations and capture essential details. However, last year’s strategy reflected a noticeable change. Of the 22 players who had top 30 visits with the Bears, none were ultimately drafted. While some were unavailable, many remained on the board when the Bears chose not to select them. This shift indicates that the purpose of these visits has evolved. Offensive line coach Dan Roushar confirmed this new direction.
Roushar explained in an interview with Foster Swift SPORTS TALK that the “30” visits focus on players about whom the team has concerns. These could pertain to medical evaluations, character issues needing a personal assessment, or questions regarding a player’s football IQ. The Bears aim to verify whether their pre-existing information about these prospects is accurate.
Roushar Discusses Effective Organizational Strategy
Looking at successful teams like Baltimore, Detroit, and Seattle, they rarely use top 30 visits on players they draft. Instead, these visits often help them decide to remove certain candidates from their draft lists. For instance, Baltimore passed on Tyleik Williams and Josh Simmons in the last draft despite having met with both beforehand. They selected Malaki Starks instead, someone they had not interviewed.
This strategic approach proves effective, as all three franchises have excelled in their drafts over recent years. Since the Bears implemented this strategy, their drafting success has notably improved. It appears that moving to a more investigative model for top 30 visits effectively streamlines their draft board, allowing them to target players more likely to excel in the NFL. Roushar is clearly a proponent of this method.
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Reevaluating the Bears’ Visits
As of this writing, several players are scheduled for meetings with the Bears, all of whom come with notable concerns. Running back Seth McGowan, for example, faced jail time for larceny, raising character questions. Wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling has an undisclosed injury history and has not progressed as expected in his performance. Center Jager Burton also contended with injuries and snapping issues during his time at Kentucky. Lastly, linebacker Jimmy Rolder began his college career as a non-starter at Michigan, garnering limited starting experience before his senior year. As this list expands in the upcoming weeks, any players drafted from it will indicate the Bears successfully gathered valuable information.
