Grote wants the Bears to select a cornerback at No. 25 overall

In this episode of the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show, Mark Grody makes a compelling case for the Chicago Bears to select a cornerback with their No. 25 overall draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He argues that the Bears' cornerback position lacks depth and competition, pointing to Tyreek Stevenson’s underutilization despite being a second-round pick, Jalen Johnson’s injury-plagued performance, and the limited impact of other depth players like Dallas Flowers and Jalen Jones. Grody highlights the team’s reliance on injured or inconsistent players and questions whether the coaching staff truly believes in their current secondary. While acknowledging Kyler Gordon’s versatility, he remains skeptical about his ability to play outside every snap. Grody suggests that drafting a cornerback at 25—or using a second-round pick—would address a critical need, especially with the depth at the position being thin. He also discusses potential targets like Avian Terrell, Chris Johnson, and Keith Abney, noting the risk of falling to pick 57 if they don’t land their top choice. The conversation transitions into a positive Cubs update, with Marshall Harris expressing optimism about their seven-game winning streak and strong offensive performance. Key takeaways include: 1) The Bears’ cornerback room lacks depth and competition, making a draft pick essential; 2) Tyreek Stevenson’s underperformance despite high draft capital signals a trust issue with the coaching staff; 3) Jalen Johnson’s health and performance remain a major concern; 4) Kyler Gordon is versatile but may not be a long-term solution at outside corner; 5) The Bears should prioritize cornerback at No. 25 or use a second-round pick to address the position; 6) Potential targets include Avian Terrell, Chris Johnson, and Keith Abney; 7) The team must avoid relying on injury-prone or limited players to fill critical roles; 8) A proactive draft move could prevent another season of defensive strain. The overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning and addressing roster weaknesses.