Bears 'open-minded' about NFL draft's top overall pick, GM says - ESPN

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles will apply similar logic with his decision to either use the No. 1 pick in the draft or trade it away like he did last offseason.

Ahead of sending last year's top pick to the Carolina Panthers in March 2023, Poles said he would need to be «blown away» by a quarterback in the draft to move on from then-second-year QB Justin Fields.

«I've got to stay open-minded about it,» Poles said Wednesday. «Not to use the same quote, but when I say, 'I need to be blown away,' it's the same setup because seeing the things that Justin did this year, his ability to make plays… keeping his eyes down the field, taking less sacks, you see a lot of growth there where he can continue to get better. So, I'll have the same mindset.»

The Bears possess two picks in the top 10 at Nos. 1 and 9. Poles said his staff is in «information gathering mode» right now with all their options at quarterback in addition to beginning the search for a new offensive coordinator after Luke Getsy was fired Wednesday.

Poles said a big part of his evaluation on Fields and where he needs to see continued improvement from the quarterback is «in two-minute situations.… That's where you win games.»

«I did think Justin got better,» Poles said. «I think he can lead this team. But at the same time, there is a unique situation.»

During his season ending news conference, the general manager was asked about several scenarios the Bears could choose to pursue at quarterback, including one where the Bears stick with Fields but also draft a rookie.

«My brain has gone crazy all year just thinking about the million different scenarios,» the GM said. «And I'm sure that's one of them. I'll just stay very wide open with the