Poles values Quinn’s leadership, intangibles

Poles has been open about his aggressive approach to building the best roster possible for the Bears. Once teams cut down their rosters on Tuesday, Poles took action, claiming six players off waivers on Wednesday. Guard/tackle Alex Leatherwood was one of them.

Leatherwood, a first-round draft pick in 2021, comes to Chicago from Las Vegas after starting in all 17 games as a rookie with the Raiders.

Poles’ first assessment of Leatherwood back in 2021 was a talented, physically-gifted player who is a “prototype in his size and movement.” The general manager is excited about the opportunity to help Leatherwood develop.

“In terms of success with him here, I think we all believe in player development here, and we’ve put pieces in place to allow players to be their best selves,” Poles said. “So we’re going to approach that in many different ways, and we’re going to give him an opportunity to develop and grow. Forget the draft pick thing. That’s over. So let’s start from the ground floor. Let’s build you up and take your time and whatever that is, we want to put him in the best position to succeed. [Offensive line coach] Chris Morgan and his staff and everyone around, from the weight room, we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

While Leatherwood started the first four games at right tackle for the Raiders, he spent the rest of the season at right guard. Poles believes Leatherwood still has the ability to play both positions, which he views as a huge benefit.

“I mean you’ve seen how we’ve shuffled people around on the O-line, so wherever he settles in, that’s what we’ll do,” Poles said. “I trust the coaches to go ahead and have a process for that, and I look forward to it. As soon as we get out of here, I’m going to go run and see what he looks like.”