Anthony Herron expects Bears to draft a defensive player at No. 25 overall (Hour 4)

Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show43mApril 21, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show, football analyst Anthony Heron joins the hosts to break down the Chicago Bears' upcoming 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Heron argues that the Bears should prioritize defense, specifically targeting a defensive lineman or safety, over offensive tackle despite the position's need. He emphasizes that the depth of the defensive class—featuring projected players like Akeem Mesidor, Zion Young, and TJ Parker—makes it a prime opportunity for the Bears to address their weak defensive front. Heron praises the consistency and NFL-ready traits of players like Mesidor over high-upside but unproven edge rushers like Arvel Reese. He also highlights the importance of drafting players who can contribute immediately, citing Darnell Wright as the only recent Bears draft pick whose traits matched his tape. The discussion shifts to roster stability, with Heron expressing cautious optimism about Braxton Jones at left tackle and noting the value of veteran cohesion in the secondary. The hosts also engage in lighthearted banter about Cubs and Bulls trades, including a humorous bet over whether Nico Hoerner would be traded—spoiler: he won’t.

Key Takeaways
1

The Bears should draft a defensive player at No. 25, prioritizing immediate contributors over high-upside projects.

2

Akeem Mesidor is a top defensive target due to his consistent production and NFL-ready traits.

3

Braxton Jones is acceptable at left tackle, but the Bears should still consider upgrading if a better option is available.

4

The secondary has veteran depth, making it feasible to draft a rookie safety without sacrificing defensive stability.

5

The Bears' draft strategy should focus on cost-controlled, long-term assets, especially on defense and offensive line.

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Bears' Draft Position and Defensive Priority

If they mess around and take a tight end or something, you will flip out. I'll be here with Rami. I'm going to be across the tree at Fox 32.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Evaluating Defensive Talent: Mesidor, Young, and Reese

He's not going to beat Arvel Reese in the 40-yard dash, but he's going to be to me a more consistent rookie in the NFL than Arvel Reese.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Safety Position and Rookie Development

The hosts debate the safety position, with Heron favoring Dylan Thienemann for his on-ball production and versatility over Emmanuel McNeil-Warren’s physicality. He argues that the Bears’ veteran secondary makes a rookie safety viable.

30:00
10 min

Offensive Line and Braxton Jones Evaluation

Heron discusses the Bears’ offensive line depth and expresses cautious confidence in Braxton Jones at left tackle, acknowledging his past struggles but praising his willingness to play through injury and the team’s strong play-calling support.

40:00
10 min

Roster Stability and Draft Strategy

The conversation turns to the Bears’ overall roster health and the importance of drafting cost-controlled, long-term contributors. Heron stresses that the team has fortified most positions and should use the draft to address defensive depth.

High-Impact Quotes
I'm so far up on my dollar bets that it does not pay me to give you your dollar.
Anthony Heron42:38
Viral: 88.0
If they mess around and take a tight end or something, you will flip out. I'll be here with Rami. I'm going to be across the tree at Fox 32.
Anthony Heron41:24
Viral: 85.0
He's not going to beat Arvel Reese in the 40-yard dash, but he's going to be to me a more consistent rookie in the NFL than Arvel Reese.
Anthony Heron5:49
Viral: 78.0
Speakers

Hosts

RahimiHarrisGrote

Guest

Anthony Heron
Topics Discussed
Bears 2026 NFL Draft Strategy95%Defensive Line Draft Prospects90%Safety Position Evaluation85%Offensive Line Depth and Braxton Jones80%Roster Building and Long-Term Draft Planning75%Veteran Cohesion in the Secondary70%Draft Capital and Financial Strategy65%Cubs and Bulls Trade Rumors60%
People & Brands

Chicago Bears

other

45xNeutral

Anthony Heron

person

12xPositive

Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show

media

10xPositive

Ryan Poles

person

8xMixed

Marshall Harris

person

8xNeutral

Caleb Williams

person

7xPositive

Braxton Jones

person

6xNeutral

Darnell Wright

person

6xPositive

Cubs

other

6xPositive

104.3 The Score

other

6xPositive

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