Bears GM Ryan Poles Seeks Sustainable Success Through Savvy Draft Picks

As Bears prepare for a potential Caleb Williams contract extension, hitting on draft picks is key to maintaining financial flexibility.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange representing the action on the field.The Bears' draft strategy aims to build a sustainable roster around their quarterback through savvy, cost-effective picks.Chicago Today

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is focused on building a sustainable winner, which he believes starts with nailing draft picks to fill key positions cost-effectively. With quarterback Caleb Williams potentially in line for a lucrative contract extension, Poles knows the Bears must find immediate starters and long-term contributors through the draft to offset the rising QB salary. Poles is following the model of teams like the Lions, who have assembled a contending roster by hitting on mid-round picks to surround their high-paid veteran quarterback.

Why it matters

The Bears are at a crossroads after their first good season under Poles, and the team's long-term success hinges on Williams' development as well as Poles' ability to find value in the draft. By landing immediate starters and cost-controlled contributors, the Bears can manage the eventual spike in Williams' salary and maintain a competitive roster around him.

The details

The Bears hold three highly valuable picks in the upcoming draft, including the No. 25 overall selection and two second-rounders. Poles and his staff will be focused on finding players who can step in as starters at key positions like left tackle and defensive end, providing significant savings compared to veteran free agents. Even later-round picks have the potential to become starters on cheap rookie deals, enabling the Bears to build a contending roster around Williams' eventual big-money extension.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 27.
  • The Bears hold the No. 25 overall pick in the first round.
  • The Bears also have second-round picks at No. 57 and No. 60 overall.

The players

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, hired in 2022 to rebuild the team.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' starting quarterback, who is eligible for a contract extension in 2024.

Jeff King

The Bears' assistant general manager, working alongside Poles.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' head coach, previously an assistant with the Detroit Lions.

Jared Goff

The Detroit Lions' veteran quarterback, acquired in a trade rather than drafting a QB.

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What they’re saying

“There are few words, if any, that Bears general manager Ryan Poles has used to describe his approach to building a roster more than 'sustainable.'”

— Jason Lieser, Reporter

“The draft is how recent great teams like the Patriots, Chiefs and Eagles maintained success after big quarterback contracts started squeezing out expensive veterans.”

— Jason Lieser, Reporter

What’s next

The Bears will look to address key positions like left tackle and defensive end with their top draft picks, aiming to find immediate starters and long-term contributors on cost-effective rookie deals.

The takeaway

By prioritizing the draft and finding value across the roster, the Bears can build a sustainable winner around quarterback Caleb Williams' eventual big-money extension. Lessons from the Lions' rebuild show the importance of hitting on mid-round picks to surround a high-paid QB.