Poles on start of training camp, potential of adding a defensive end |
LAKE FOREST, IL - With the rookies reporting to training camp, general manager Ryan Poles spoke to the media Friday to discuss the increased competition on the Chicago Bears versus previous seasons.
“Excited to have all the rookies here for the first practice (Saturday). It’s really important that they get as much time as possible in practice. So, we’re happy about that,” Poles said. “They also get a really cool opportunity to learn from the vets that we have on this team that are going to help show those guys how to play at a high level in the NFL but, also, through the ups and downs, how to overcome some adversity as well. So, again, we’re just really excited about the makeup of our football team.” Some players for Chicago will not be available for the beginning of training camp. One of them is rookie offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie, who will start training camp on the non-football injury and illness (NFI) list. Another is defensive end Jamree Kromah who is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, who the Bears signed as an undrafted free agent who recorded 11 sacks for James Madison last season. “Kiran is going to start on NFI. He has done an outstanding job this offseason working (and) rehabbing. We love his work ethic. That’s one of the reasons why he’s here. He’s progressing. Everything is positive,” Poles said. “But, I don’t have a specific timetable right now and then Kromah, the defensive end, he’s going to start on PUP. Had an issue with his finger, small operation. Don’t have a timetable for his return either.” Defensive end is the position to pay the most attention to during training camp and the preseason. Seen as one of Chicago’s weakest points going into the offseason, the Bears did not acquire a defensive end in free agency and did not draft one until the fifth round when they traded back into the draft for Austin Booker. There has been some speculation about the Bears adding a defensive end before the season starts. However, Poles says the team is currently comfortable with the players they have. “I don’t really see it as a defensive end problem. Our mindset is always, ‘How can we make a position group the best we can possibly make it and deep as we possibly can make it?’ So, it’s like I said, just really leaning on (defensive line coach) Travis (Smith) and (defensive coordinator) Eric (Washington) to continue to develop the players that we have and see, especially when we get pads on, see how they do. We saw some really encouraging things during (organized team activities) OTAs. But, we all know this game is played in full (pads). So, we want to see that process through,” Poles said. “We feel really comfortable with the guys that we have in our roster now and I’m excited, we’re both excited, to see Travis and Eric really put their hands on those guys and develop them as we go through the beginning of training camp. But, we will always have our eyes on the list of players that we could potentially bring in.” Another position to pay attention to is the offensive line. The Bears have struggled at offensive line for numerous years. However, Poles was intentional about the free-agent acquisitions Chicago picked up along the offensive line and feels good about the players Chicago currently has on the roster. “I feel really good about the offensive line. Obviously, we’re excited to see (right tackle) Darnell (Wright) take the next step. I know he has the opportunity to be pretty special. Braxton’s coming along and continuing to get better and then we have (centers Ryan) Bates and Coleman (Shelton) competing inside,” Poles said. “I think there’s opportunity that we can be really talented and deep and one of the kind of tough things we’ve had to do the first two years is just a lack of depth and not enough versatility to really create the best five from week one all the way to the very end of the season. So, we’re happy with that group. But obviously, they’ve got to continue to work, get better and, again, build that chemistry together.” The offensive line will be especially important to protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams just signed his rookie contract fully guaranteed for four years, $39,486,058. His contract shows a trend in contracts, particularly quarterback contracts, to include more guaranteed money as No. 2 overall selection, Jayden Daniels with the Washington Commanders, also received a fully guaranteed contract. So far in minicamp and OTAs, Williams has impressed with his desire to learn and grow as a player while also being a good person and being involved in the community, going to various Chicago sports events with teammates. The Heisman winner’s work ethic is also top notch, one thing that has stood out to Poles. “I would say the thing that stands out the most that gets everyone excited is, actually two things - his passion for the game and his work ethic is outstanding,” Poles said. “The kid’s a grinder and wants to be great. But, it’s always nice to see the work ethic match the desire to be great.” With the rebuild seemingly complete in Chicago, Poles has one thing in mind - to continue to improve to meet the team’s ultimate goal of winning the NFC North and the Super Bowl. He says the team is getting “closer and closer” to achieving that goal. Whether that will come to fruition has yet to be seen, but training camp and the preseason opener in the Hall of Fame game on Thurs. Aug. 1 against the Houston Texans (7 p.m./ABC) could provide some insight.
