The 2026 NFL Draft season officially shifts into overdrive this week in Indianapolis — and for the Chicago Bears, it starts with two of the most important men in the building stepping to the podium.
Before prospects run 40-yard dashes or bench press under bright lights, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson will face a different kind of test: the media.
The Bears’ leadership duo is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the NFL Scouting Combine. Poles will address reporters first at 9:15 a.m. CT, followed by Johnson at 10:30 a.m. CT.
On the surface, it’s routine. In reality? It’s revealing.
The Combine isn’t just about prospects — it’s about positioning. With free agency only weeks away and the draft board beginning to solidify, every comment carries weight. Every pause gets analyzed. Every carefully chosen phrase becomes a breadcrumb for fans hungry for answers.
Chicago enters Indianapolis with clear roster priorities.
The Bears are expected to target help at defensive tackle, edge rusher, safety, and left tackle — positions that could define whether this team takes a true step forward in 2026.
Poles has never been one to tip his hand publicly, and Johnson — entering another critical offseason shaping his vision for the roster — is unlikely to give away strategy. But history shows that subtle hints often emerge at the podium.
Is Chicago preparing to be aggressive in free agency?
Will they lean on the depth of this year’s defensive line class?
Are they committed to building through the trenches first?
The Combine marks the first real checkpoint in answering those questions.
Beyond the press conferences, the Bears’ front office and coaching staff will spend the week meeting face-to-face with top prospects for the first time in the pre-draft process. Interviews behind closed doors can matter just as much as on-field drills.
For Poles and Johnson, this week is about gathering information — but it’s also about projecting confidence. The Bears are entering a pivotal stretch. With roster needs clearly defined and draft capital in hand, expectations are rising.
And make no mistake: fans will be dissecting every word spoken Tuesday morning.
The on-field workouts begin later in the week:
Thursday, Feb. 26: Defensive line, linebackers, and place kicker workouts
Friday, Feb. 27: Defensive backs and tight ends
Saturday, Feb. 28: Running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers
Sunday, Mar. 1: Offensive line
Each day aligns almost perfectly with Chicago’s biggest needs — particularly along the defensive front and offensive line.
But before the prospects take center stage, it’s Poles and Johnson who will command the spotlight.
They may not reveal much.
They rarely do.
Still, in Indianapolis, even silence can be telling.
And for a Bears team looking to reshape its future, this week could quietly set the tone for everything that follows.
Leave a Reply