Best of the Bears: Best strategy for using 25th overall pick in NFL Draft
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The Mully & Haugh Show dives into the Chicago Bears' strategic approach to the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, analyzing whether they should stay put or trade up. Hosts Marshall Harris and Gabe Ramirez explore the Bears' pressing needs—particularly on defense, with a strong emphasis on edge rushers and safeties—while weighing the risks of drafting a high-upside player versus a safer, more consistent one. The discussion centers on Keldrick Falk, a high-potential edge rusher from Auburn with elite athletic traits but limited production, as a top target. They also examine Braxton Jones’ potential to reclaim the starting left tackle role after a major ankle injury, highlighting his resilience and the team’s internal development philosophy under Ben Johnson and Dan Rochard. The hosts debate whether the Bears should prioritize immediate impact at a need position or use their pick to develop talent in-house, ultimately leaning toward a best-available strategy that balances risk and long-term growth. The episode concludes with a lively back-and-forth on mock drafts, trade scenarios, and the importance of player fit over positional need.
The Bears should consider trading up to 16 to target a top edge rusher like Keldrick Falk, especially if the Lions pass on him.
Braxton Jones has a real shot at starting at left tackle in 2026 if he stays healthy and proves consistent during training camp.
The safety position is a strong value target at 25, with Dylan Thienemann emerging as a top candidate.
Ben Johnson’s 'best player available' philosophy allows for risk-taking on high-upside players, even if they don’t fit traditional need profiles.
The Bears may avoid drafting a left tackle in the first round, trusting internal development over high draft capital.
Ben Johnson's Vision and the Bears' Draft Position
The episode opens with a discussion of Ben Johnson’s offensive vision and how it shapes the Bears’ roster construction. The team’s improved performance has landed them a lower draft pick, giving them more flexibility. The hosts reflect on the excitement and pressure surrounding the 25th overall pick.
Positional Needs and the Edge Rusher Dilemma
“If you're at a position of need, do you take risk inside of the position of need? Do you take the steadiest guy or do you take the guy with upside?”
The Case for Keldrick Falk and the Safety Position
“He's got to be in the mix, I would think, unless there's something about him that they're completely turned off by, was playing top-level competition in the SEC.”
Braxton Jones: The Comeback Story and Left Tackle Outlook
“I'm not sure. I don't want to call him a starter yet. I'm here with... I'm here. You convinced me. Listen. I'm out. I want him to be... Theo Benedict. I want him to be the best player available.”
Trade Up vs. Stay Put: Strategic Considerations
The hosts debate whether the Bears should trade up to secure a top-tier player or stay at 25 to preserve their second-round picks. They reference Bill Barnwell’s analysis suggesting a trade up to 16 could allow them to beat the Lions to a key edge rusher.
“He's got to be in the mix, I would think, unless there's something about him that they're completely turned off by, was playing top-level competition in the SEC.”
“If you're at a position of need, do you take risk inside of the position of need? Do you take the steadiest guy or do you take the guy with upside?”
“The Bears should trade up to 16 to target a top edge rusher like Keldrick Falk, especially if the Lions pass on him.”
Hosts
Braxton Jones
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Ben Johnson
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Ryan Poles
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Keldrick Falk
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Dan Rochard
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Dylan Thienemann
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Mark Grody
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Dennis Allen
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Theo Benedett
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Caden Proctor
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