Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles said he expects Justin Fields to be the team's starting quarterback next season and just about slammed the door on drafting one with the No. 1 overall pick.
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields meets with Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah after an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Detroit.
Fields, the No. 11 overall pick in 2021, emerged as one of the NFL's most exciting players in his second season. But he was drafted by former general manager Ryan Pace — not Poles. The loss to Minnesota combined with Houston's last-minute win at Indianapolis gave the Bears the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 1947. They took Oklahoma State halfback Bob Fenimore, who played in just 10 NFL games because of injuries.
The Bears ranked 29th overall on defense and were 31st against the run. They were last in sacks with 20, their lowest total since the 2003 team had 18. “He showed the ability to be a playmaker,” Poles said. “Be impactful. He can change games quickly. Does he have room to grow? He does. He has to get better as a passer, and I’m excited to see him take those steps as we move forward.”
Poles acquired receiver Chase Claypool from Pittsburgh on Nov. 1 for their second-round pick this year. But he struggled following the trade. It didn't help, either, that he and Fields were banged up and missed some games.
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