ONE WEEK AWAY: Ryan Poles Keying in on 2026 NFL Draft + Jerry Azumah Joins! | CHGO Bears
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The CHGO Bears Podcast delivers a high-energy, draft-focused episode leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, with Jerry Azuma making a triumphant return to the studio. The show kicks off with excitement around the upcoming Bears draft party on April 23rd and 24th, featuring surprise appearances from Hall of Famers Lance Briggs and Corey Wooten, the robot, and Gary Ross. The core discussion centers on Ryan Poles’ strategy at pick 25, with heavy debate over whether the Bears should prioritize a defensive lineman or a safety. Jerry Azuma and host Greg Braggs analyze the Bears’ defensive needs, emphasizing the lack of consistency at safety and the pressure on rookie corners in a one-on-one coverage scheme. They explore potential picks like TJ Parker, Avion Terrell, and Caleb Lomu, while also discussing the controversial idea of trading for Dexter Lawrence. The episode features a standout interview with Sirius XM’s Lee J. Doozable, who shares his journey as an undrafted NFL journeyman and his new life as a culinary creator. The show concludes with a heartfelt birthday tribute to Adam Hogue, complete with a photo montage and a humorous story about being arrested while scalping tennis tickets at the U.S. Open.
The Bears are likely to draft a defensive player at #25, with strong debate around whether it should be a safety or edge rusher.
Jerry Azuma emphasizes that the Bears need a consistent safety to pair with Kobe Bryant, not just a high-upside rookie.
Lee J. Doozable’s NFL journey highlights how 'tweener' players were undervalued in the past but are now in demand.
The Bears’ defensive line remains a critical need, with Dexter Lawrence being a potential game-changing trade target.
Scalping tickets at major events like the U.S. Open is illegal, but the hosts argue it’s a victimless crime and a form of market efficiency.
Draft Party Countdown & Jerry Azuma’s Return
“The draft party next week just got turned up ten notches. I'm ready.”
Safety vs. Defensive Line: The Bears’ Draft Dilemma
“The thing that I think that we've been missing the most is this consistency at the safety position.”
Lee J. Doozable: From Undrafted Journeyman to Culinary Creator
“Being a tweener was the greatest thing ever and it kind of shows you the effort pollution of the NFL.”
The Reality of Rookie Adjustments in Chicago’s Defense
The hosts explore the difficulty rookies face in Chicago’s one-on-one coverage scheme, especially with a lack of pass rush. They discuss how fundamentals and speed are critical for success in the secondary.
Who Has the Most to Lose in the Draft?
The team analyzes which Bears players are most at risk if the team drafts a new player at a key position, including Austin Booker, Tyreek Stevenson, and Montez Sweat.
“Dexter Lawrence is a game changer, a wrecking ball in the middle of your defense.”
“Being a tweener was the greatest thing ever and it kind of shows you the effort pollution of the NFL.”
“The thing that I think that we've been missing the most is this consistency at the safety position.”
Hosts
Guests
Greg Braggs
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Jerry Azuma
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Lee J. Doozable
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Adam Hogue
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CHGO Bears Podcast
organization
Ryan Poles
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Montez Sweat
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Kobe Bryant
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Gary Ross
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TJ Parker
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