Chicago Bears Could Unite Execs Who Built NFC West Powerhouses

Chris Ballard and Lake Dawson are the first men up in their bids for the GM position of the Chicago Bears.  As yet the team has been linked to five candidates.  It’s unclear if there have been or will be more.  However, if anybody out there is doing their research, they might realize the Bears have a serious opportunity to construct of a front office that has already built a winning team in recent NFL history.

A lot of people might not remember the name Scot McCloughan, but they should.  He’s regarded around the NFL as one of the best talent evaluators in the business.  From 2005 to 2009 he was general manager of the San Francisco 49ers and, looking back, it’s clear that he built the foundation for their superb post season runs the past few years.  Here is a short list of the names he drafted in that span.

• Alex Smith
• Frank Gore
• Vernon Davis
• Delanie Walker
• Patrick Willis
• Joe Staley
• Dashon Goldson
• Michael Crabtree
• Anthony Davis
• Mike Iupati
• NaVorro Bowman

If that weren’t impressive enough, he took his talents north after leaving San Francisco and instantly helped the Seattle Seahawks as a personnel executive begin a talent infusion that led to their 2013 Super Bowl title.  Recognize the names?

• Russell Okung
• Earl Thomas
• Golden Tate
• Kam Chancellor
• Richard Sherman
• K.J. Wright
• Byron Maxwell
• Bobby Wagner
• Russell Wilson

It’s safe to say that McCloughan had a direct hand in build the NFC West as it is today.  Granted, he had some help.  One such name was Tom Gamble, who worked in the 49ers front office along with McCloughan and was recently released by the Philadelphia Eagles after Chip Kelly was promoted to take over personnel decisions.

Suddenly two of the best talent evaluators in the NFL are available and the Chicago Bears front office is vacant.  If ever there was a huge opportunity, this would be one their ownership has to consider exploiting.