Clay Harbor breaks down Bears' options at No. 25 overall
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Clay Harbor joins the Mully & Haugh Show to break down the Chicago Bears' draft strategy at the No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Bears facing significant defensive deficiencies—ranked 29th in pass rush win rate and run defense—Harbor emphasizes the need for immediate impact at edge rusher and defensive tackle. He evaluates top prospects like Akeem Mesidor, Caden McDonald, and Peter Woods, noting that while no perfect fit exists at 25, trading down to the 57–60 range could yield a high-floor, high-impact interior defender. Harbor also discusses the rising value of older college players due to NIL and the evolving NFL landscape, citing Keontae Scott and Jalen Kilgore as potential steals at safety. He weighs the viability of drafting offensive tackles like Caden Proctor or Caleb Lomu, cautioning about scheme fit and physicality. The segment concludes with a spotlight on late-round gems like Bryce Lance and Ted Hurst, who could thrive in schemes tailored to their skills. Overall, Harbor advocates for a needs-based, flexible approach with an emphasis on defense and developmental upside.
The Bears must prioritize defensive improvement at edge rusher and interior defensive tackle due to league-worst rankings in pass rush and run defense.
At No. 25, there’s no perfect fit—trading down to 57–60 could yield a high-impact run stuffer like Caden McDonald or Peter Woods.
Older college players (25+), such as Keontae Scott and Akeem Mesidor, are viable draft picks due to maturity and NFL readiness despite age concerns.
Safety is a legitimate target at 25—Jalen Kilgore, Keontae Scott, and Emmanuel McNeil Warren offer versatility and immediate starter potential.
Late-round gems like Bryce Lance and Ted Hurst could thrive in scheme-specific roles, especially in a Ben Johnson-style offense.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Clay Harbor and Draft Context
Clay Harbor introduces himself as a former NFL tight end and football analyst for Chicago Sports Network, emphasizing his deep experience in meeting rooms with elite quarterbacks and his film-heavy approach to draft analysis.
Bears' Defensive Needs at No. 25
“You need to come away. You didn't do it in free agency. You need to come away with something that's going to give you more pressure on the quarterback.”
Evaluating Top Defensive Tackle Prospects
“Caden McDonald will. He's a guy that will get his hands on you. You're not moving him. He's owning the A-gaps.”
Safety as a Strategic Draft Target
“If you could get him at 57 to 60, I think that's your safety problem there.”
The Rise of Older College Players
“I don't think of it as this guy's too old to play. You want the value of that front contract, that first contract when he's on a rookie deal.”
“I don't think of it as this guy's too old to play. You want the value of that front contract, that first contract when he's on a rookie deal.”
“You need to come away. You didn't do it in free agency. You need to come away with something that's going to give you more pressure on the quarterback.”
“Caden McDonald will. He's a guy that will get his hands on you. You're not moving him. He's owning the A-gaps.”
Hosts
Guest
Clay Harbor
person
Chicago Bears
other
Caden McDonald
person
NFL Draft
other
Akeem Mesidor
person
Austin Booker
person
Jalen Kilgore
person
Ryan Poles
person
Keontae Scott
person
Emmanuel McNeil Warren
person
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