Mark Potash

After a teardown and promising first steps of the rebuild, Poles’ future still hinges on getting the quarterback right. It’s a daunting task, but with the No. 1 pick and recently acquired playmakers, Poles has opportunities to develop a franchise QB that his predecessors didn’t have.

With only four picks, the temptation to parlay No. 9 into additional picks will be tempting. But with Caleb Williams the presumptive No. 1, plus Montez Sweat and Keenan Allen, Poles is assured of a productive draft.

And, of course, Mr. Cub Ernie Banks lands on top of the list.

In 13 seasons from 1991 to 2003, Thomas averaged hitting .309 with 32 home runs and 105 RBI. His .996 OPS ranks fifth in that span — behind Barry Bonds (1.116), Mark McGwire (1.043), Todd Helton (1.041) and Manny Ramirez (1.010).

If the Bears draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams as expected, they have arguably the best pair of wide receivers any quarterback taken No. 1 overall has ever had in Allen and Moore, who have a combined 10 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Fields fit the profile of a young quarterback with massive potential that a desperate team mired in the muck of NFL mediocrity could fall in love with. But in a bit of a surprising rebuke, there was little interest, as he only netted a conditional sixth-round draft pick.

The Bears’ new safety is married to the four-time Olympic gold medal gymnast and is happy for all the attention she gets. “I love it,” he said. “You always want your wife on this pedestal. I love here. I support here. It’s no jealousy. We both support each other to the fullest.”

“He’s a laid-back guy, but when the lights come on, he produces,” said Gerald Everett, the Bears’ newly signed tight end who played the last two seasons with Allen with the Chargers. “People feed off that. We fed off that.”

“The dude’s still got it,” said linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, a former Chargers teammate of Allen’s who signed with the Bears in free agency. “He’s got the juice. He’s going to bring some special moments to the city of Chicago. They are going to love him.”