Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles attended Alabama's Pro Day on Wednesday. With Chicago still looking to fill key holes on its roster, the Crimson Tide feature several standout prospects who could be ideal fits.
When Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles landed in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday for Alabama's Pro Day, there was something unique about his appearance.
Poles was the only general manger in attendance, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Bears assistant general manager Jeff King also joined to watch some of the 2026 NFL Draft prospects workout in front scouts and personnel from around the NFL.
The Crimson Tide's Pro Day was also the same day as Ohio State's. The Bears still had representation in Columbus, Ohio, but Chicago's primary decision maker and assistant GM made it a priority to watch the Crimson Tide, meaning the Bears have interest in the group of prospects.
Two of those prospects play on the offensive line: left tackle Kadyn Proctor and center Parker Brailsford.
Starting with Proctor, measuring in at 6-foot-7, 352 pounds, he's a massive football player who shows explosion when getting out of his stance. In his junior season at Alabama, Proctor played 985 snaps (including the playoffs) and allowed two sacks and four quarterback hits.
Something that a few draft experts have mentioned about Proctor is the possibility of him moving inside to guard or playing right tackle because he struggles to mirror pass rushers, at times, and has had some "inconsistency in pass protection," according to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein.
The Bears have an opening at left tackle, so the team would have to be confident that Proctor can play the position if they were to consider him with the 25th overall pick.
Brailsford is slightly undersized center at 6-foot-2, 289 pounds, but what he lacks in his frame he makes up for it with gritty play style and speed. He ran a 4.95 40-yard dash and finished with a 1.7 10-yard split. His tape fits what the Bears had in the center position with Drew Dalman last season -- a quick agile offensive lineman who could with advantageous angles.
Poles and King were in the front row to watch both of the Alabama offensive linemen perform in the various workouts.
Alabama's defense also has some players that could interest Chicago. LT Overton played 483 defensive snaps (including 322 snaps lined up outside opposing offensive tackles) in his senior season, registering 40 total tackles, four sacks and 24 total quarterback pressures. Overton doesn't have the quickest get-off and given his frame at 6-foot-3, 274-pounds, he could be someone who plays more inside in the pros.
Cornerback Domani Jackson fits the athletic profile that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes in his defensive backs. At 6-foot-1, 194 pounds, Jackson ran a 4.41 40-yard dash. He had his most productive college season his junior year at Alabama. The Crimson Tide corner totaled 51 tackles, seven passes defensed, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
While the other NFL GMs were elsewhere, Poles scouted the talent in Tuscaloosa. The Bears have holes on their roster to fill, and one of these Alabama prospects could help strengthen Chicago's roster ahead of the 2026 regular season.