Best of the Bears: Best strategy for using 25th overall pick in NFL Draft

The Rahimi, Harris & Grote 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. The hosts debate the team’s pressing needs—particularly on defense, with a strong consensus that the Bears need a pass rusher or a top-tier safety. While many mock drafts project a defensive lineman, the discussion centers on Keldrick Falk, a high-upside edge rusher from Auburn with elite athleticism but limited production, as a potential fit for Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme. The show also explores the possibility of trading up to secure a top-tier talent like Falk or a safety such as Dylan Thienemann, with Bill Barnwell’s analysis suggesting the Bears could move up from 25 to 16 using their 60th pick. However, the hosts remain skeptical about trading away second-round picks unless the value is undeniable. A significant portion of the episode focuses on Braxton Jones, the Bears’ fifth-round pick from 2023, who is coming off a serious ankle injury and is now in a competitive battle for the starting left tackle job. The hosts express cautious optimism about Jones’ potential, citing his work ethic and the coaching staff’s belief in his development, while also acknowledging that the Bears may be better off drafting the best player available at a need position rather than investing a high pick in a player who may still be developing. The episode concludes with a lively debate on whether the Bears should prioritize immediate impact or long-term development, with a strong undercurrent of hope that Jones can rise to the challenge. Key takeaways include: 1) The Bears should consider trading up to secure a high-upside edge rusher like Keldrick Falk or a top safety like Dylan Thienemann; 2) Braxton Jones has a legitimate shot at starting left tackle if he stays healthy and continues to develop; 3) The Bears’ offensive line depth, including Theo Benedett and Jedrick Wills Jr., provides flexibility, reducing the urgency to draft a tackle early; 4) Ben Johnson’s ‘best player available’ philosophy allows for risk-taking on high-ceiling players even at positions of need; 5) The team may benefit more from drafting a difference-maker on defense than from addressing offensive line concerns with a first-round pick. The overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with a strong belief in the team’s long-term vision and player development culture.