Best of the Bears: Could Chicago trade back from No. 25 overall in NFL Draft?

The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show dives into the Chicago Bears' 2026 NFL Draft strategy, focusing on whether trading back from the No. 25 overall pick is the optimal move. The hosts debate the depth of the draft—particularly at edge, cornerback, and linebacker—suggesting that the Bears could benefit from trading down to accumulate more second- and third-round picks, allowing them to target multiple high-upside players. They highlight potential targets like Monroe Freeling, Caden Proctor, Malachi Lawrence, and Gabe Bacchus, arguing that trading back preserves flexibility while still securing top-tier talent. The discussion also explores under-the-radar needs beyond the defensive line, including wide receiver depth with Jaday Walker and versatile tight ends like Oscar Delp and Justin Jolie. The hosts reflect on Ben Johnson’s transformative impact on team culture and the Bears’ offensive vision, while also addressing the financial constraints that may prevent them from pursuing marquee free agents like Dexter Lawrence. A broader philosophical debate emerges with NFL insider Mike Florio, who challenges the fairness of the current draft system, arguing it should be more like a free market where players can choose their teams, citing the imbalance between player opportunity and team control. The episode concludes with a mix of humor and insight, touching on everything from player development to the ethics of media coverage and the absurdity of tanking in professional sports.