Will the Bears trade up from the No. 25 overall pick? (Hour 1)

The first hour of the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show dives into the Chicago Bears' potential draft strategy, particularly whether they will trade up from the No. 25 overall pick. The hosts debate the likelihood of a trade-up, weighing the need for a difference-making edge rusher like Arvell Reese or Ruben Bain Jr. against the steep cost of giving up multiple future draft picks, including potentially the 2027 first-round pick. They question whether the Bears are truly one player away from being a Super Bowl contender and highlight the irony of trading away future capital for a single high-upside player when the defensive line class is considered deep. The discussion also touches on the limited number of NFL-ready safeties in the draft, making a trade-up for a safety more plausible, though the hosts remain skeptical. The segment transitions into a major update on the Bears' stadium bill, where the pilot bill passed the Illinois House but faces hurdles in the Senate. The Bears have signaled that additional infrastructure funding is needed for the Arlington Heights site, and the hosts analyze the political dynamics, including opposition from the Illinois Federation of Teachers and Chicago Teachers Union, while noting the bill’s sunset clause and potential for companion legislation. The show closes with a strong performance from the Chicago Cubs, who extend their winning streak to eight games with a 7-2 victory over the Phillies, highlighted by clutch hits and strong bullpen work. Key takeaways include: 1) The Bears are unlikely to trade up for a high-end edge rusher due to the high cost in draft capital; 2) The lack of elite safeties in the draft may make a trade-up for a safety more plausible; 3) The Bears’ stadium bill is advancing but still faces significant political and legislative challenges; 4) The Cubs’ deep, balanced offense and improved bullpen are signs of a legitimate contender; 5) Rule changes in MLB, particularly the pitch clock and three-batter minimum, are enhancing game pace and competitiveness. The overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic about the Cubs’ resurgence and the Bears’ potential draft moves, though skeptical about the stadium bill’s final passage.