As the Chicago Bears wrap up their week at the Senior Bowl, the front office now sets its sights on the next major checkpoint in the pre-draft process: the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. For GM Ryan Poles, newly minted head coach Ben Johnson, and the rest of the decision-makers at Halas Hall, this is the last big opportunity to evaluate a wide pool of draft prospects in one place before the real decisions start coming in April.
While trying to decode who the Bears are truly interested in can feel like reading tea leaves, there are some patterns worth watching. Let’s break down four key things to keep an eye on once the combine kicks off later this month - and how they might hint at Chicago’s draft-day strategy.
1. Don’t read too much into who the Bears meet with at the combine
Every year, reports trickle out about which prospects the Bears are meeting with in Indy. And every year, fans and analysts try to connect those meetings directly to the team’s draft board. But here’s the thing: history suggests that’s more smoke than fire.
Over the past two years, the Bears have reportedly met with at least 59 players at the combine. Only three of those ended up being drafted by Chicago - Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, and Ozzy Trapilo.
That’s not coincidence; it’s strategy. Ryan Poles has shown a clear tendency to use combine meetings as a smokescreen, keeping other teams guessing and protecting the team’s true intentions.
So yes, it’s worth noting who the Bears talk to. But don’t assume that means they’re tipping their hand. If anything, the real targets might be the ones flying under the radar.
2. Keep an eye on the 40-yard dash - especially for running backs
Running back might not scream “need” for the Bears right now, but that can change quickly - especially with Ben Johnson calling the shots. Johnson has a track record of being selective, even ruthless, with his backfields. He moved on from both Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift in Detroit, despite strong production from both.
What does Johnson value above all else in a running back? Speed. Pure, unfiltered speed.
Just look at how the Lions prioritized Jahmyr Gibbs - a burner with game-breaking quickness - or how the Bears reportedly tried to trade up for TreyVeon Henderson last April. If you’re trying to project which backs might catch the Bears’ eye this year, circle the 40-yard dash.
Anyone who posts a blazing time will be worth watching. That home-run threat out of the backfield?
It’s a trait Johnson clearly covets.
3. Bench press numbers matter for Bears’ defensive line targets
When it comes to identifying “Bears-type” defensive linemen under coordinator Dennis Allen, size and length are often mentioned first. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find another common thread: raw power.
Allen’s history shows a clear preference for defensive linemen who show out in the bench press. We’re talking about guys who can stack and shed, hold the point of attack, and collapse the pocket with brute strength. Here are some examples from Allen’s past:
- Von Miller - 21 reps
- Khalil Mack - 23 reps
- Shelby Harris - 25 reps
- Sheldon Rankins - 28 reps
- David Onyemata - 33 reps
- Marcus Davenport - 22 reps
- Payton Turner - 23 reps
- Bryan Bresee - 22 reps
It’s a consistent trend. So if you’re trying to project who the Bears might be eyeing at pick No. 25 - or even later in the draft - pay close attention to the bench press.
Anyone who clears 20 reps is likely to stay on the radar. It’s not the only box to check, but it’s a big one in Allen’s system.
4. The three-cone drill could reveal the Bears’ next left tackle
With Ozzy Trapilo rehabbing from a patella injury, Chicago may be in the market for a new blindside protector. And for offensive line coach Dan Roushar, one timed drill tends to speak volumes when it comes to evaluating tackle prospects: the three-cone.
This drill isn’t about brute strength - it’s about agility, body control, and the ability to change direction at high speed. All are essential traits for a left tackle tasked with mirroring elite edge rushers.
The best in the league typically post times in the 7.6-second range or better. For context, Ryan Ramczyk - a former Roushar pupil in New Orleans - clocked a 7.29.
If any tackle prospects hit that mark or better in Indy, they’re going to draw attention. Roushar knows what it takes to mold a high-level NFL tackle, and the three-cone drill is one of his go-to evaluation tools.
Final Thoughts
The combine is always a whirlwind - a mix of buzz, misinformation, and genuine insight. For the Bears, it’s a chance to gather final data points, test athletic ceilings, and maybe even confirm a few gut feelings from the Senior Bowl.
But as always with this front office, don’t expect them to show their cards. Poles and company play the long game. And while the combine won’t give away their draft board, it will offer clues - if you know where to look.