Bears general manager Ryan Poles is expected to attend the highly anticipated matchup between No. 4 Alabama and No. 2 Georgia on Saturday, as confirmed by Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy. Set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CST, this game marks the first clash of the 2024 college football season featuring two top-5 teams. The Bulldogs are coming off a tightly contested victory against unranked Kentucky, narrowly winning by just a point.
Despite this recent close call, Georgia has been formidable, losing only two games over the last three years, which makes them a consistent powerhouse. Meanwhile, Alabama is navigating its first season without Nick Saban as head coach since 2006, yet they have demonstrated their enduring strength as a top-tier program.
Poles’ attendance at this game isn’t surprising given the historical dominance of Alabama and Georgia in college football over the past decade. Both programs have a remarkable track record of producing NFL-ready talent, making their players particularly appealing for teams like the Chicago Bears, especially those focused on bolstering their line play.
Earlier on Saturday, I shared a list of standout players from both teams, highlighting a few future NFL prospects who are eligible for the upcoming draft. Here’s a closer look at some of the top talents to watch:
A standout defender for the 2025 draft, Williams possesses an impressive physique with long arms and an NFL-ready frame. His quickness off the line and ability to shed blocks make him a potential game-changer, and as he hones his technique, his upside is significant.
Walker brings a unique blend of size and skill at 6-foot-2, 245 pounds. With excellent mobility and a robust pass-rushing arsenal, he can function as a versatile asset in the NFL, capable of excelling in various defensive roles.
Stackhouse, weighing in at 320 pounds, is a powerful run-stuffer with a strong anchor for two-gapping. His ability to control the line of scrimmage makes him a critical asset in stopping the run.
– **SS Malaki Starks**: Starks could be a first-round safety in this draft, showcasing comprehensive skills in coverage, strong tackling ability, and excellent football intelligence.
Although Ratledge may not play this week, he is among the elite guards in college football and worth keeping an eye on for NFL teams seeking offensive line help.
Fairchild is a smart player with great hand technique, although his strength and pad level need improvement. He is an underrated talent on Georgia’s offense.
Wilson has stepped up as a starter this season, ranking third among Power 4 centers and displaying high football IQ along with a competitive edge.
Taking over for Brock Bowers, Delp has showcased his athleticism as a tight end, though he still needs to enhance his blocking and physicality at the catch point.
-Brailsford stands out as the top center prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His technique, effort, and awareness compensate for his size, making him a likely second-round pick, which could be beneficial for the Bears who hold multiple second-round selections.
While not as technically polished as Brailsford, Booker possesses exceptional athleticism and play strength, making him a prospect to watch. He has the potential to be selected early in the second round or even late in the first round.
Often overlooked, Roberts is a strong player with good hand placement and a tenacious blocking style, making him a solid candidate for the NFL.
Overton is a versatile lineman who excels both inside and outside. His strong performance at Alabama, highlighted by an impressive PFF grade, underscores his potential as a future contributor.
After a promising start at Michigan, Sabb has made significant strides at Alabama, already accumulating two interceptions this season. His coverage skills and physical play indicate he could emerge as a standout player.
As Poles prepares to observe these potential NFL stars, the game promises to showcase elite talent and the future of professional football.