Ryan Poles had a tough decision to make last spring. He held the #1 overall pick in the draft. That meant the Chicago Bears could take any quarterback in the class. However, they also had Justin Fields, who had played well for stretches in 2022, nearly breaking the quarterback rushing record. It wasn’t an enviable spot to be in. The Chicago Bears GM decided to roll with Fields, trading the #1 pick to Carolina for a massive return package. Nobody thinks this decision was a bad one. The trade led to D.J. Moore, Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, and now the #1 pick in the 2024 draft. Fields has also shown signs of improvement.
The big issue is whether it has been enough to justify passing on a quarterback for a second time. While Poles didn’t make a wrong decision in the eyes of most, there is one development elsewhere that might be giving him a sense of urgency that wasn’t there a year ago.
The ascent of C.J. Stroud.
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Houston drafted the Ohio State quarterback #2 overall after Carolina took Bryce Young. The rookie has enjoyed a terrific season, leading the Texans to a 10-7 record. They locked up a playoff spot on Saturday with a 23-17 win, led by Stroud’s 264 yards and two touchdowns. He threw only six incompletions the entire game.
Pressure bearing down and still drops a dime! CJ Stroud is that guy! pic.twitter.com/LjvnFASG8R
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) January 7, 2024
CJ STROUD IS AN ALIEN 👽
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) January 7, 2024
Ryan Poles faces a tough decision.
Make no mistake. A sect of Bears fans are angry with him for passing on Stroud, even if his decision last March was perfectly logical. Watching a rookie outperform the more experienced Fields as a passer isn’t easy. Poles has what many GMs rarely get: a second chance. He once again controls the draft at the #1 overall spot. This incoming class appears even stronger at quarterback than last year’s. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and Michael Penix all seem to be 1st round locks. It isn’t hard to imagine at least one of them making a strong impression on Poles.
The Bears are far better positioned to take on a young quarterback than they were a year ago. Ryan Poles has built a solid offensive line thanks to the additions of Wright, Braxton Jones, and Nate Davis. Moore is a star at wide receiver and Cole Kmet has blossomed into a reliable tight end. One more receiver and a solid center could turn this into a strong unit. One cannot envy the Bears GM. If he keeps Fields, he runs the risk of missing out on another potential star QB. If he drafts one, he risks angering the locker room.
Talk about pressure.
