Ryan Poles on Caleb Williams' development, potentially addding a running back |
INDIANAPOLIS, I.N. - The Chicago Bears must improve at numerous positions this offseason. General manager Ryan Poles acknowledged the need to upgrade the offensive and defensive lines. However, he also left the door open for the Bears to make some changes at running back.
When Johnson was with the Detroit Lions, the Lions had a dynamic duo with former Bear David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. This duo is part of what made Detroit’s offense so explosive. Chicago does not currently have such a duo. Their top running back, former Lion D’Andre Swift, had a poor season last year and does not seem capable of being Chicago's No. 1 back. That could be part of why the Chicago Bears have scheduled a formal interview with running back and Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty. Drafting Jeanty is not out of the question, even though the Bears need to improve at the line. Nonetheless, Poles seems to keep Chicago’s options at running back open. “We’re going to take a look at what’s available to us. I really believe it lines up (with) the additions we’re going to have over the next two player acquisition periods of free agency and the draft,” Poles said. “We’ll be in a position to have a strong run game to stay balanced which, in turn, helps a quarterback out as well.” Unlike last year, Chicago is not looking to draft a quarterback. Last year, they seemed to have secured their quarterback of the future with the No. 1 overall pick when they selected Caleb Williams. The coaches around him were arguably detrimental to his development, which is perhaps why Poles and Johnson have decided to start from the foundation and go from there this offseason. “I think he wants to start really from the foundation and build up from there. I think I mentioned before there’s some things in the development of a young quarterback that you got to have and I know that he’s going to hit that first and really to help him be the best professional football player he can possibly be,” Poles said. “But, I love the excitement from both Ben and from Caleb. I know he’s eager to get started and work with Ben and get his career going in year two.” Before Williams became the quarterback, tight end Cole Kmet was a consistent playmaker in the offense. However, statistically, last season marked the worst season of Kmet’s career since his rookie year in 2020. He only recorded 47 receptions and 474 receiving yards. Conversely, in his last season with quarterback Justin Fields in 2023, Kmet had 73 receptions for 719 yards. Williams and Kmet need to develop chemistry this offseason. Despite the numbers from last season, Poles does not seem concerned about that. “He is going to put those guys in a position to be successful, and usually, with a young quarterback, tight ends are able to have a lot of production,” Poles said. “So, making sure those guys are lined up, have the chemistry, seeing things the same (way). I believe that from his past, that should be able to take off pretty good.” It would be in Chicago’s best interest to acquire some wide receivers through free agency and/or the NFL Draft to add depth to the wide receiver room, especially if Keenan Allen does not return. The wide receivers do not complete their drills at the NFL Combine until Sat. March 1 (1 p.m. / NFL Network). This year’s running back class will also participate in the combine simultaneously with the receivers.
