What will the Bears do with the No. 25 overall pick in the NFL Draft?
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The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show dives into the Chicago Bears' upcoming No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, analyzing their draft philosophy, historical struggles with defensive talent, and potential directions. Hosts debate whether the Bears should stick to 'best player available' or trade back for additional picks, especially given Ryan Poles' underwhelming track record drafting edge rushers and defensive linemen since 2017. They highlight a pattern of low-impact first-round picks in that range, citing players like James Pierce, Darius Robinson, and Miles Murphy, and argue that the defensive line is a 'crapshoot' in the 20s. While safety is seen as a logical, if unsexy, need—especially with Dennis Allen’s coaching style and the recent signing of Kobe Bryant—the hosts ultimately advocate for trading back to accumulate more second-round picks, emphasizing the value of 'lottery tickets' and avoiding the risk of selecting a high-profile dud. The conversation underscores skepticism about the front office’s ability to identify defensive talent, contrasting it with more confidence in offensive decisions under Ben Johnson.
The Bears should consider trading back from No. 25 to accumulate more second-round picks, given the low historical success rate of first-round defensive players in the 20-30 range.
Ryan Poles has struggled to develop impactful edge rushers and defensive linemen since 2017, with most first-round picks in that range failing to deliver consistent production.
Safety is a viable and underappreciated need, with Dylan Thienemann and Emmanuel McNeil Warren as strong fits for the Bears’ defensive scheme.
The 'best player available' philosophy remains valid, but only if a truly elite talent falls to 25—otherwise, trading back is the smarter move.
The Bears’ long-standing inability to generate consistent pass rush pressure from both edge and interior positions makes defensive line a high-risk, high-reward pick at 25.
Draft Philosophy and the 'Best Player Available' Debate
The hosts open with a discussion on the Bears' commitment to the 'best player available' philosophy, especially in early rounds, despite criticism and perceived positional needs.
Historical Struggles with Defensive Line and Edge Rushers
“It's a crapshoot, man. It is a crapshoot.”
Why Safety Might Be the Smartest Pick at 25
Despite the position being labeled 'non-premium,' the hosts argue that safety is a logical and underappreciated need, with strong fits like Dylan Thienemann and Emmanuel McNeil Warren.
The Case for Trading Back
“You better pick the right one because the last thing you want us and the city of Chicago, fan base at large, saying is, ah, the Bears picked the wrong guy.”
Skepticism Toward Poles’ Draft Decisions and Future Outlook
The hosts express growing skepticism about Ryan Poles’ ability to identify defensive talent, contrasting it with confidence in offensive personnel decisions under Ben Johnson.
“It's a crapshoot, man. It is a crapshoot.”
“You better pick the right one because the last thing you want us and the city of Chicago, fan base at large, saying is, ah, the Bears picked the wrong guy.”
“The way you're talking about this makes me think that you're not nearly as confident... in this Bears front office... making the right selections.”
Hosts
Guest
Chicago Bears
other
Ryan Poles
person
Montez Sweat
person
Shamar Turner
person
Dennis Allen
person
Grady Jarrett
person
Emmanuel McNeil Warren
person
Dylan Thienemann
person
Kobe Bryant
person
Austin Booker
person
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