WATCH: Poles, Johnson on additions of Odeyingbo, Dalman

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Thursday, March 13 2025

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson address the media Thursday at Halas Hall and introduce the two newest Bears – defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo and offensive lineman Drew Dalman.

Watch the press conference below:

Video summary/cliff-notes:

Here’s a summary of the press conference in bullet points with timestamps:

(00:00) Bears GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson introduced new additions, center Drew Dalman and defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo, highlighting their skill sets and impact on the team.

(00:43) Dalman strengthens the interior offensive line alongside Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, excelling in outside zone blocking and pass protection.

(01:18) Odeyingbo adds versatility to the defensive line, playing both inside and outside, contributing to stopping the run and rushing the passer.

(02:00) Poles emphasized the importance of having multiple pass rushers, referencing the Super Bowl as an example of the value of depth on the defensive front.

(03:00) Odeyingbo’s sack numbers don’t stand out, but the Bears see his potential to develop further under defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett, who previously coached him.

(03:30) Dalman was a top target in free agency due to his fit in the Bears' system, and the team was aggressive in securing him.

(04:03) The presence of quarterback Caleb Williams has made Chicago an attractive destination for free agents, generating excitement about the team's future.

(06:06) Dalman’s intelligence and leadership as a center are crucial for setting protections and leading the offensive line, and he’s eager to develop further.

(07:32) The relationship between the center and quarterback is essential for offensive success, particularly in adjusting to defensive schemes and blitz pickups.

(08:58) Johnson emphasized that the transition for new offensive linemen won’t be easy, as the team will challenge them in training to build chemistry and resilience.

(09:26) Poles noted that Johnson’s reputation for offensive creativity and success in Detroit has made Chicago an appealing team for free agents.