LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- In the days leading up to this NFL Draft, Bears general manager Ryan Poles invited second-year quarterback Justin Fields into the film room at Halas Hall.
It was there that Poles and Fields sat together and watched tape on several prospects the Bears coveted in this draft class. Poles felt it was important to hear from the 23-year-old Fields, whom Chicago hopes emerges as a franchise star in the years to come. They focused on receivers, and the Ohio State product Fields naturally made a case for former Buckeyes teammates Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson.
“I want to be able to communicate with my quarterback,” Poles said.
But Friday evening, Poles didn’t make a bold move on behalf of Fields. He stood by his vow to be patient and disciplined in the draft, with the Bears using their two second-round selections on defensive players before turning their attention to offense. The Bears added Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon with the No. 39 overall pick, Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker with the No. 48 slot and Tennessee receiver Velus Jones with the No. 71 selection.
The Bears’ picks of Gordon and Brisker reinforced what has been clear since Poles took office as general manager in late January. He sees an organization that needs an overhaul before it can compete for a championship.
Poles has never believed the Bears were one player away from becoming a threat to the Packers in the NFC North. It’s why he didn’t want to reach on a wide receiver in the second round despite the desire to bring Fields weapons on offense. Poles also didn’t overextend for an offensive lineman who wasn’t worth an early second-round selection in his mind.
Without the opportunity to trade back, the Bears stood pat and took a pair of players in Gordon and Brisker who project to be immediate starters in their secondary. Poles used his first picks leading the draft room at Halas Hall to invest in Chicago's defense, not its quarterback.
“Sometimes other positions are higher because they’re really good at their position,” Poles said. “I just think it would be a huge mistake to say, ‘Let’s just ignore that really good player over there and let’s go over here and take someone just because we need that right now.’”
By taking Jones in the third round, the Bears made their first addition to the offense in this draft. But even that selection was made more with the long-term future rather than the 2022 season in mind.
Jones, who turns 25 in May, is considered a developmental prospect who's still honing his craft as a receiver. He boasts top-flight speed, as shown by his 4.31 time in the 40-yard dash. Jones projects to be a gadget for the Bears’ offense as a rookie while providing a presence in the return game. He caught the attention of Fields, who signed off on Jones during that film session with Poles.
However, Jones’ potential as a receiver rests in how he can grow as a route runner.
"Man, that’s taking advantage of your opportunities," Jones said. "Make the most of them. That comes play by play. Living in the moment. Getting ahead of the game, staying in the film room. Don’t take anything for granted. I’ve faced a lot of adversity to get here, and I’m definitely not going to take it for granted. I’m ready to get to work. If I could come in tomorrow, I would. I know who I am, and I know what I’m going to do. I’m definitely ready to put on a show for this upcoming season."
Two days before the draft began, Poles refused to use the word “rebuild” in assessing his plan for the Bears. But it’s obvious by his decisions that rebuilding is the course of action at Halas Hall. The work Poles has done thus far hasn’t made the path easy for Fields to make a significant leap in his second NFL season, but that isn't an indication that Poles doesn’t believe in Fields’ future.
Instead, Poles' current focus is on developing Chicago's entire roster. After his first draft picks as Bears general manager, he feels confident they’re closer to that goal.
“I really feel like our whole group and myself, we were disciplined in following the board,” Poles said. “And we’re excited about it.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.