Will the Bears trade up from the No. 25 overall pick?
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The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show dives into the Bears' potential draft strategy with the No. 25 overall pick, weighing whether they’ll trade up for a high-impact player or stay put. The hosts debate the likelihood of a trade-up, focusing on the scarcity of elite safeties in the first round versus a deeper class of defensive linemen and edge rushers. While Marshall Harris argues the Bears might trade up for a difference-making edge rusher like Arnell Reese or Ruben Bain Jr., Mark Grody cautions against sacrificing too much draft capital—especially if it means giving up multiple future picks. The conversation highlights the tension between ambition and realism, with concerns that trading up could leave the Bears without enough picks to address other roster needs. The hosts also reflect on past Bears draft decisions, including the Ashton Gentry saga, to contextualize their skepticism about aggressive moves. The episode ends with a preview of the live draft coverage, including a special Cubs-Phillies postgame show and a live broadcast from the Score Hyundai studios.
The Bears may trade up from No. 25 if they believe a top-tier edge rusher or safety is available, but the cost could be too high.
There are fewer NFL-ready starting safeties in this draft than defensive linemen, making a trade-up for a safety more plausible.
Trading up for a top edge rusher would likely require giving up multiple future picks, including the 2027 first-rounder.
The Bears’ defense lacks a true pass rusher, but the depth at defensive line may make a trade-up less urgent.
The team’s ability to address multiple positions in the draft depends on preserving draft capital.
Draft Day Kickoff and Bears' Draft Position
The hosts welcome listeners to draft day, setting the stage with excitement and introducing the central question: will the Bears trade up from No. 25?
The Safety Dilemma: Why Trade Up?
The discussion centers on whether the Bears need to trade up to secure a starting-caliber safety, given the limited number of elite safeties in the draft.
The Edge Rusher Debate: Risk vs. Reward
The hosts debate the value of trading up for edge rushers like Arnell Reese or Ruben Bain Jr., weighing the cost of future picks against the need for a pass rush.
Draft Capital Sacrifice: Is It Worth It?
The conversation explores the financial and strategic cost of trading up—potentially giving up multiple future picks—and whether the Bears should risk it.
Live Draft Coverage and Stadium News
The episode wraps with a preview of the live draft special, including coverage from the Cubs-Phillies game and an update on the Bears stadium pilot bill.
“If I hear the Bears are trading up tonight, I want it to be for a big-time player. I want it to be for Arnell Reese, the edge rusher out of Ohio State.”
“If someone's trading for that high, they're going to want another number one. Another number one. So next year's number one from the Bears.”
“You're giving up what I think is a place where you can get guys who can be plus guys in the starting lineup... You're basically at that point kind of punting on the idea of Dio Dengbo and others being as big of contributors as you had hoped.”
Hosts
Guest
Chicago Bears
other
Mark Grody
person
Leila Rahimi
person
Marshall Harris
person
NFL Draft
other
The Score
other
Ruben Bain Jr.
person
Arnell Reese
person
Cam Lewis
person
Emmanuel McNeil Warren
person
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