It isn’t unusual to see GM Ryan Poles and assistant GM Ian Cunningham on the scouting trail this time of year. College games are underway, and it’s time to evaluate the upcoming draft class. However, it gets pretty interesting when the two show up together at the same game. College reporter Jack Soble revealed that Poles and Cunningham were in attendance for the big matchup between Notre Dame and Miami. No big deal, right? Executives always attend high-profile matchups. Except it is a little more notable in this scenario.
The thing to remember is that Poles trusts Cunningham more than anybody regarding talent evaluation. That is why he brought him in as assistant GM. It is unlikely the two would be together unless it were important. There is evidence to back this up. In November of 2022, both were spotted at the Clemson-Syracuse matchup. It proved significant as the game featured several defensive tackles, including three eventual draft picks. While the Bears didn’t pick any of them from this game, it did end up tipping their hand the following April.
Chicago took Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
The following NFL GMs are scheduled to attend tonight's game between Notre Dame and Miami:
Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears
Joe Schoen, New York Giants
Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills
Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers
Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham is on the list as well.
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 31, 2025
Ian Cunningham and Ryan Poles are pointing in a specific direction again.
When looking at the matchup between the Irish and Hurricanes, it is heavily slanted toward the trenches. You have no fewer than four players who are currently considered top 100 prospects.
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EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami)
OT Francis Mauigoa (Miami)
OG Charles Jagusah (Notre Dame)
OT Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame)
Both Bain and Mauigoa are considered 1st round prospects. It isn’t a secret that the Bears have serious needs at left tackle and edge rusher. Ian Cunningham and Ryan Poles attending this game is a dead giveaway that their thinking is in the same place. Obviously, this game doesn’t mean the Bears will end up drafting any of those players, but it is a strong indicator that edge rusher and tackle will be their focus come next April.