Three Key Takeaways From Ryan Poles’ and Ben Johnson’s NFL Combine Interviews
The first step of the offseason is already underway at the NFL’s annual Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
While the on-field drills and testing numbers naturally garner the flashy headlines, the event also provides an opportunity for fans to get insight into how teams plan to attack the offseason (or at least how they say they will attack the offseason).
Unlike the Bucs’ new head coach, Liam Coen, coaches and GMs seem to have all the right answers this time of the year.
However, it can be difficult to tell what is real versus what is deception, as each front office tends to play their cards as close to their vest as possible when the cameras are rolling.
While it may be peak lying season across the league, there are still some (potentially) valuable takeaways to be gleaned from Ryan Poles’ and Ben Johnson’s media appearances over the past couple of days.
1) Ben Johnson Passed His First Test With Flying Colors
PHOTO: Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
Some consider a coach’s introductory press conference to be their first test, as that is generally an indication of how well they can command a room. While I agree that you can weed out a bad coach based on how awful that goes (I was genuinely relieved Johnson came off as well as he did there), I believe the first true test is assembling a quality coaching staff.
The wealth of experience amongst the coaching staff speaks for itself, but hearing Johnson speak about his thought process for the hirings really proves that he knocked the ball out of the park in that regard.
Instead of poaching his previous coaching staff’s tree (or attempting to do so – *cough Liam Coen *cough), he targeted coaches from a wide range of successful trees.
- OC Declan Doyle: Sean Payton coaching tree
- DC Dennis Allen: Sean Payton coaching tree (& 2x former HC)
- RB coach Eric Bienemy: Andy Reid coaching tree
- OL coach Dan Roushar: Sean Payton coaching tree
- WR coach Antwan Randall El: Dan Campbell coaching tree
- QB coach J.T. Barrett: Dan Campbell coaching tree
A+ all around on the coaching staff and the process in which it came together.
2) The Bears Seem to Be In a Good Spot to Address Their Needs This Offseason
“The supply matches the demand.”
That was the sentiment echoed by both Johnson and Poles during interviews this week when they were asked about their potential to improve the roster this offseason. While this could normally be seen as nothing more than wishful thinking, you don’t have to squint to see where their optimism is coming from.
This year’s draft might not be nearly as top-heavy as last year’s class, but it features great depth across the board through the first two rounds. Luckily for the Bears, they have three picks inside the top 41 selections, which should allow them to fortify the trenches (a strength of this year’s class). Alternatively, there are also a few big fish floating around in free agency on the offensive line and a few rare trade candidates on the defensive side of the ball. They truly have a slew of options when it comes to addressing their top needs this off-season.
3) Don’t Close the Door on D’Andre Swift Being a Valuable Contributor This Season
Look away, Ashton Jeanty hopefuls.
‘He can help ignite an offense.’ Those were Johnson’s exact words when asked how he plans to utilize Swift this season.
Could it be a smokescreen? Sure. Is it one? Unless they are able to land two high-quality starters along the offensive this offseason, I would strongly bet against it (if they do, then I reserve the right to change my opinion, though).
Swift is not, nor has he ever been, a bad player. However, he has always been dependent on the blocking in front of him. If they get the offensive line situated, he can beat defenses (albeit in a poor man’s fashion) in many of the same ways that Gibbs has for Detroit over the past two seasons. The running back position is another major strength of this year’s class, and there will likely be a few players available early on day three who would be day two locks if they came out another year.
They need to find a between-the-tackles grinder to pair with him, but they should have no problem doing that later in the draft this year.
PHOTO: Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
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