Take The North's 2026 NFL Draft bonanza! | Take The North
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The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show's 'Take The North' podcast delivers a high-energy, comprehensive 2026 NFL Draft bonanza, diving deep into the Chicago Bears' draft strategy with hosts Dan Wieterer and Mark Grody. The episode unpacks the Bears' 2026 draft capital—picking 25th in round one, with multiple second, third, fourth, and seventh-round picks—while analyzing the implications of a wide gap between their fourth and seventh-round selections. The hosts debate key positions of need, including offensive tackle, edge rusher, and defensive tackle, and explore the possibility of trading up or down. They emphasize the importance of 'impact disruptors' on defense and discuss the Bears' quarterback depth, which they consider strong. The episode features mock draft scenarios, a 'gift basket' exercise for fans, and a deep dive into past draft classes, highlighting both colossal whiffs and standout picks. The hosts also touch on compensatory picks and the Bears' recent decision to pick up Darnell Wright’s fifth-year option, signaling long-term commitment to their 2023 first-round pick.
The Bears pick 25th in the first round and have multiple picks across rounds one through seven, creating strategic flexibility.
Offensive tackle and edge rusher are top positional needs, with Akeem Mesidor and Caden McDonald emerging as top targets.
The Bears' quarterback room is considered strong and stable through 2027, reducing urgency to draft a QB.
The draft class evaluation rubric from The Athletic provides a league-wide framework for judging draft success by round.
The Bears may consider trading up for a top-tier prospect like Caden McDonald if he falls to the second round.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor Break: Progressive, Amex, Quaker
The episode opens with three sponsor ads for Progressive Insurance, American Express Business Gold Card, and Quaker Protein Instant Oatmeal, promoting their respective products and services.
Welcome to the Draft Bonanza
“We're going to bonanza the hell out of you that's what we're gonna do”
Bears' 2026 Draft Picks & Historical Context
The hosts detail the Bears' full draft capital—25th in round one, two second-round picks (57, 60), a third-round pick (89), a fourth-round pick (129), and two seventh-round picks (239, 241). They reflect on past draft picks and the significance of the 25th selection.
Draft Timing & Predictions
“I think they're going to be picking a couple minutes before or a couple minutes after 10 o'clock on Thursday night”
Top Prospects They Can't Draft
“I would go if I had to take one out of that crew... Ruben Bain Jr. I just think he's an absolute bad-ass who can get to the quarterback”
“I would go if I had to take one out of that crew... Ruben Bain Jr. I just think he's an absolute bad-ass who can get to the quarterback”
“If that's what helps your football team get better, it's there”
“We're going to bonanza the hell out of you that's what we're gonna do”
Hosts
Chicago Bears
other
Mark Grody
person
Dan Wieterer
person
Ben Johnson
person
Ryan Poles
person
Akeem Mesidor
person
The Athletic
organization
Caden McDonald
person
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
person
Darnell Wright
person
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Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 15m • 3/31/2026
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Examining the Bears’ receiver void
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
5 On It: How confident are you in what Edward Cabrera can bring to the Cubs?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
Will White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami hit 40 home runs this season?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 12m • 3/31/2026
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