One Player Each Chicago Bears Coach Who Worked Senior Bowl Likely Circled

We’ve already established that GM Ryan Poles values the Senior Bowl over every other pre-draft event. To him, it is the best way to tell if players can handle the rigors of an NFL practice schedule and if they can take that preparation and carry it over into games. His approach can’t be argued. It’s led the Chicago Bears to some solid players thus far, including Braxton Jones, Darnell Wright, and Tyrique Stevenson. One can imagine Poles was thrilled when four assistant coaches from the Bears’ staff would be allowed to work with various position groups at the event.

It meant the Bears would have a golden opportunity to get extra details on several prospects. Such insight can be invaluable. So let’s go through each of those coaches and pinpoint one player under their watch who had an excellent week, likely causing the Bears to keep them circled for the draft in April.

Chicago Bears coaches likely loved these guys.

Jim Dray (National OL) – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

Chicago needs a new center. So it was fortuitous Dray had a front-row seat for probably the best week of practice by any offensive lineman at the entire event. Powers-Johnson dominated drills, showcasing his mix of power, intelligence, mobility, and athleticism. He is somebody who can fit any offense and play immediately. His performance was so strong that he opted not to even play in the game. If the Bears weren’t sure where he stood on their board before, they certainly know now.

Kerry Joseph (American QBs) – Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

Joseph switched hoodies at the last second, going from the Seahawks to Chicago right before the event, becoming the Bears’ new quarterbacks coach. The timing couldn’t be better, as he oversaw the best performance of any QB at the event. Rattler was sharp the entire week, far more than any other player, and put an exclamation point on everything with a stellar opening drive capped by a 29-yard touchdown. It also spoke to how superior he was, given the American team didn’t score another point after he sat down.

Justin Hinds (American DL) – Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

One thing we know about this Chicago Bears regime regarding defensive linemen is that they love traits. They want big, long, and powerful athletes. The trade for Montez Sweat and drafting of Gervon Dexter were two prime examples of this. If they stick to that approach, then Robinson jumped up their board in a big way. He’s 6’5, boasts 34-inch arms, and beat blockers all week with a mix of strength and quickness. Don’t be shocked if he enters the 1st round conversation and the Bears are involved. He’s that talented and looked that good.

Kenny Norton III (American DBs) – Jarvis Brownlee, CB, Louisville

One thing we know about Eberflus is he loves ballhawk. Brownlee did himself plenty of favors during Senior Bowl week, looking active and instinctive in drills before capping it with a red zone interception in the game itself. This carried over from his two years at Louisville, where he had three interceptions and 18 passes defended. The guy gets hands on the football a lot. While cornerback isn’t a pressing need for the Bears, there is no such thing as too much depth. He would fit everything they do.