Grote breaks down his Bears mock draft
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In this episode of the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show, Mark Grote breaks down his 2026 NFL mock draft for the Chicago Bears, revealing a bold, strategic approach that prioritizes immediate impact and long-term roster building. Grote selects safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren with the 25th overall pick, citing his elite run defense and fit within the Bears' defensive scheme, while also addressing concerns about the safety class depth. He then trades up from 57 to 36 overall with the Raiders to secure defensive tackle Caden McDonald, emphasizing McDonald’s run-stopping prowess and the Bears’ dire need to improve against the run. Finally, Grote rounds out his mock with a second-round pick at 60, selecting Iowa center Logan Jones for his pure center experience and reliability. The segment is laced with humor, pop culture references, and real-time commentary on breaking news, including Cubs pitcher Kate Horton’s second Tommy John surgery and a fictional rumor about Drew Dahlman returning from retirement. The episode also highlights the team’s upcoming live show and the return of the popular 'Who's Your Guy' segment with Dane Brugler.
The Bears should prioritize run defense in the 2026 draft, targeting players like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Caden McDonald.
Trading up for a high-impact defensive lineman is a viable strategy if the right player remains available.
A proven, experienced center like Logan Jones offers immediate depth and stability at a critical position.
Grote’s mock draft reflects a theme of addressing the Bears’ biggest weaknesses: run defense and offensive line consistency.
The Bears’ draft strategy should be bold and proactive, not just reactive to the board.
Welcome Back & Live Show Recap
The hosts welcome listeners back, celebrate the success of the live Take the North Live event at The Score’s Odyssey Blue Cross Blue Shield Studios, and highlight intergenerational fan engagement and special guests like Frank from Oak Park.
The Beast & Who's Your Guy Return
The team announces the return of the 'Who's Your Guy' segment and reveals that Dane Brugler, author of The Beast draft guide, will join the show post-draft. They also showcase the physical copy of The Beast, emphasizing its value during technical issues.
Grote's 2026 Bears Mock Draft: First Pick
“I feel comfortable with that man at number 25. There's too much ambiguity and gray area when it comes to those edge rushers and defensive tackles in the first round from going back 10 years and just looking at the hits and the misses.”
Trade-Up for Caden McDonald
“The Bears were 27th against the run last year and they sucked against the run the year before. And Andrew Billings is done with the Bears.”
Final Pick: Logan Jones & Stadium Drama
Grote selects Iowa center Logan Jones at 60th overall, citing his 51 starts and pure center pedigree. The segment ends with humorous banter about Drew Dahlman possibly returning from retirement and a teaser for upcoming Bears stadium controversy.
“Second Tommy John. Second TJ for him. Prior take to our IP career.”
“I feel comfortable with that man at number 25. There's too much ambiguity and gray area when it comes to those edge rushers and defensive tackles in the first round from going back 10 years and just looking at the hits and the misses.”
“The Bears were 27th against the run last year and they sucked against the run the year before. And Andrew Billings is done with the Bears.”
Hosts
Chicago Bears
other
Mark Grote
person
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
person
Caden McDonald
person
Logan Jones
person
Rahimi Harrison
person
Marshall Harris
person
Cubs
other
Dane Brugler
person
The Beast
book
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