Ryan Poles wants Chicago Bears to copy Steelers and Ravens NFL Draft strategy in the late 1st round

Ryan Poles is signaling a strategic pivot for the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft, favoring a 'Ravens and Steelers' approach at the 25th overall pick—prioritizing steady, NFL-ready players over high-ceiling, high-risk projections. Rather than chasing flashy athletes with raw tools, Poles wants 'good, hearty football players' who are immediately impactful and require minimal development. This shift reflects a deliberate move away from the 'project' mentality that has plagued past drafts, especially when selecting in the top 10. The host breaks down how this philosophy aligns with the Bears’ current draft position and identifies clear fits like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Avion Terrell, and Caden McDonald—players who are plug-and-play starters with no need to reinvent their college game. Meanwhile, players like Keldrick Falk and TJ Parker fall into a gray zone, offering both immediate value and room to grow. Conversely, prospects like Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, and Caden Proctor are deemed too project-heavy for Poles’ new blueprint. The episode underscores that the Bears may trade up to secure a 'safe' pick or trade down to accumulate more assets if the right solid players are gone at 25.