Bears GM reaffirms confidence in most important player

"I do believe in Justin Fields, and I do believe he can take the next step to get this organization to a championship-caliber team," Poles recently told NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund during an interview on NFL Plus (h/t NBC Sports Chicago).

Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft, is an exceptional runner. Last season, he rushed for 1,143 yards, seventh in the NFL and second most for a QB in league history.

As a passer, however, Fields must improve. In 15 games, he posted a 60.4 completion percentage, third to last in the league, and a QBR of 54, roughly the league average.

Poles also told Frelund that he evaluated QBs available in the NFL Draft for a transcendent prospect. But he reaffirmed his confidence in Fields prior to the draft by trading the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina for WR D.J. Moore and more.

Poles also said he kept Fields informed of the team's draft plans.

"I want my quarterback to be a part of the draft process," Poles told Frelund. 

Chicago added offensive talent in the draft, selecting Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright and Texas RB Roschon Johnson. Now Fields must prove he can be a franchise QB.