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Chicago Draft Room: How Bears Free Agency Could Change Their Draft Approach · 2nd City Gridiron

0:03
[SPEAKER_01]: And we are back with Jacob and Fonte.
0:05
[SPEAKER_01]: I am Ari Tepkin.
0:06
[SPEAKER_01]: Welcome into Chicago draft room.
0:08
[SPEAKER_01]: 2026 right here on second city, great iron.
0:12
[SPEAKER_01]: And of course, in conjunction with the Wendy city, great iron great to have you with us here live on YouTube.
0:18
[SPEAKER_01]: And of course, here on our Chicago draft room, podcast.
0:21
[SPEAKER_01]: What's up, Jacob, how are you?
0:23
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm doing all right.
0:24
[SPEAKER_00]: It's been a busy week, a lot of exciting things going on.
0:28
[SPEAKER_00]: So I'm just excited to be here, excited to break it all down.
0:32
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I mean, really active start to free agency for the bears and I think, you know, as we look to the draft, you know, now knowing what positions have been solidified quote unquote through free agency helps give us a better picture of the draft and the potential on the draft.
0:49
[SPEAKER_01]: Um, you know, on the show today, uh, I think we get into free agency.
0:53
[SPEAKER_01]: What, you know, one of the big questions I have is did, did any of the moves in free agency take the bears off the board for certain positions?
0:59
[SPEAKER_01]: Did it solidify some of these positions enough to, to where you feel good about not drafting players those position plus we'll get into Max Crosby and, and.
1:07
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, as it looks like Crosby's staying still with the Raiders is there a move that would make sense for the bears.
1:14
[SPEAKER_01]: Is there a move that you would make an acquisition.
1:18
[SPEAKER_01]: What would you offer the Raiders in order to get back to Crosby all that on the show today, but let's start with I would say the biggest signing to date so far for the bears, which is Kobe Bryant.
1:29
[SPEAKER_01]: Bryant.
1:30
[SPEAKER_01]: He signs he's a very versatile defensive player obviously is played you know is it was a Thorpe award winner at college at corner then came to the NFL and played more safety where he's been successful kind of used as a box safety he's been used as free safety he's used as a nickel corner.
1:48
[SPEAKER_01]: What do you like about Kobe Bryant signing with the bears?
1:52
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah so I think that when you bring in a guy like him
1:57
[SPEAKER_00]: There's a lot to like from a coverage perspective.
2:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, obviously, like you mentioned, he had that quarterback experience from his time in Cincinnati, I think it very much shows in what you see with him and what he's been able to accomplish in coverage with the C-Hawks, a very efficient playmaker on the ball.
2:16
[SPEAKER_00]: I believe it's seven interceptions within the last two years.
2:18
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, he's got good instincts in coverage.
2:23
[SPEAKER_00]: aggressive as a tackler.
2:24
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I think if you compare him to like a Kevin Byrd, I think maybe he's a little bit more consistent.
2:33
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, he still has the playmaking ability.
2:35
[SPEAKER_00]: I wouldn't say, you know, obviously he has the same like interception production compared to what Byrd had this past year, but still, you know, a very high level playmaker, somebody who can, you know,
2:50
[SPEAKER_00]: sniff out cover you know sniff out route assignments and then be able to make a play on the ball.
2:56
[SPEAKER_00]: I think and he's someone who can move around a lot too.
2:59
[SPEAKER_00]: He's got that versatility.
3:01
[SPEAKER_00]: He's got that speed.
3:02
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he's a better athlete at this juncture than biored being a little bit later into his career.
3:07
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think that also plays into the you know the prioritization of speed that we keep hearing about from you know polls and Ben Johnson that you know they want to add to the defense you want to
3:19
[SPEAKER_00]: I think you're, you know, you're going younger at the safety position and you're going faster at the safety position and I think that that's going to be a pretty big ad.
3:28
[SPEAKER_00]: I like Brian a lot.
3:29
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he's someone where he's not like a household name necessarily, but he's a quality above average starter.
3:36
[SPEAKER_00]: And I feel pretty good about him being a big addition to Chicago's defense.
3:41
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, look, I mean, I think the one thing that probably says it all about Kobe Bryant is, you know, he won the Thorpe Award given to the best corner in college football in the same defensive backfield as Saus Gardner.
3:54
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
3:56
[SPEAKER_01]: So, I mean, not only is that a ridiculously good, you know, group of corners there with with sauce, it's Cincinnati, and a big reason why, you know, they broke through that year as a group of five team and made the college ball play out for the first time ever.
4:10
[SPEAKER_01]: Um, but I mean, just go to show you how good he is, you know, he's in the same defensive backfield with sauce gardener.
4:15
[SPEAKER_01]: He won the Thor Board, you know, sauce was a top 15 pick.
4:18
[SPEAKER_01]: He went, I think was at the fourth round third round.
4:21
[SPEAKER_01]: Um, but to me, he's this is a home run and, you know, look, the bare secondary is going to look awfully different, but that shouldn't surprise any of us.
4:29
[SPEAKER_01]: Um, you know, this week, we see Kobe Brian is added and meanwhile, um, Juquan Brisker, Kevin Byrd, all sign elsewhere, Nishon Wright sign elsewhere.
4:39
[SPEAKER_01]: Um, and look, with Brisker, I get it, like I, I think Brisker was a lot of fun.
4:43
[SPEAKER_01]: He's a heat-saking missile.
4:44
[SPEAKER_01]: Like he is a true one-trick pony strong safety.
4:49
[SPEAKER_01]: you know, I think he was taking advantage of in coverage and the fact that he's got this concussion history, including a, you know, neurological rehabilitation in 2024 after a really bad concussion, like that's just too big of risk to take.
5:00
[SPEAKER_01]: So sticking to the safety position in particular, or the secondary, let's go to the theme of the show, which is, all right.
5:10
[SPEAKER_01]: So what they've done a free agency so far, what does that do for their draft approach?
5:13
[SPEAKER_01]: Do you think that the
5:20
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I mean, I think they're still going to be pretty aggressive in prioritizing safety in the draft.
5:26
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that, you know, you look at it now, like you mentioned, I mean, Briskers gone now, buyers gone, CJ Gardner, Johnson's gone, you know, looking at that safety room, you bring it, you know, you retain Elijah Hicks, but, you know, at this stage, he's a bit more, he's just depth essentially,
5:48
[SPEAKER_00]: from Buffalo.
5:49
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, that's, you know, that's a more of a depth signing.
5:51
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, those are guys necessarily you know, we prefer not to start.
5:55
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think there's still going to look for a safety.
5:58
[SPEAKER_00]: I think maybe having a guy like Brian in, uh, it was a little bit more of a coverage safety than a, you know, like a downhill tackler type.
6:07
[SPEAKER_00]: I think maybe you start to look to if there's someone who's a little bit
6:12
[SPEAKER_00]: physical you look to someone who's a little bit better of a tackler who fits kind of that traditional strong safety sort of mold and I mean obviously you're going to look for someone who could you know make plays on the ball someone who's going to be fast but I do think that
6:27
[SPEAKER_00]: You're looking more into that strong safety sort of mold.
6:30
[SPEAKER_00]: So like I look like like an AJ Hall see or someone from LSU, someone is you know, a really thick build, you can really, you know, lower the boom as a downhill defender is a key wheat lead out of Penn States another guy I think would fit that mold.
6:45
[SPEAKER_00]: And both those guys I think are like round two sort of prospects late round two early round three so to be able to, you know,
6:53
[SPEAKER_00]: have two picks in that range, I think would be, I mean, it's beneficial for Chicago in this case.
6:58
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh, I mean, in who knows, maybe Dylan Theteman out of Oregon, if he's available at 25, maybe that becomes a stronger possibility.
7:08
[SPEAKER_00]: Or a manual, make Neil Warren out of Toledo.
7:11
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe that becomes a stronger possibility as well, because both those guys, I think, would fit that mold.
7:15
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I wanted to reference the tweet you had from last night, basically saying like you think there's a strong possibility of thinnomeness available at 25 of the bears pull the trigger.
7:24
[SPEAKER_00]: yeah i mean i think that there's a lot to like with him and my only question now is is he going to be there at twenty five because you have someone who's you know has three strong years of collegiate production you know at power four schools uh you know it playing in the big ten two years of Purdue and then one year at Oregon you know playing at a very high level
7:47
[SPEAKER_00]: someone who's as versatile, someone who's as intelligent as he is to have the ball skills to, you know, be as aggressive as a tackler.
7:57
[SPEAKER_00]: And then for him to go out at the combine and run in the four threes, I think that, you know, it adds validation to what you see on tape.
8:06
[SPEAKER_00]: So he's got the testing numbers.
8:08
[SPEAKER_00]: He's got the tape.
8:09
[SPEAKER_00]: He's got the production.
8:10
[SPEAKER_00]: He has the experience.
8:13
[SPEAKER_00]: Again, he's another guy you can move him in the slot.
8:16
[SPEAKER_00]: You can have him as a, you know, deep center field safety.
8:19
[SPEAKER_00]: You can have him too high in the box.
8:21
[SPEAKER_00]: You can move him all over the place really.
8:23
[SPEAKER_00]: And I think that,
8:24
[SPEAKER_00]: that would be a lot of fun to have like a player that versatility and then to add that to Brian to add that to I mean you know Cam Lewis who's essentially fitting into this CJ Gardner Johnson sort of you know backup jack-up all trade sort of role.
8:42
[SPEAKER_00]: You can really disguise a lot of coverages a lot of different looks with guys like that so if Thineman's there at 25 I I
8:51
[SPEAKER_00]: be, I'd be a fan of that move for sure.
8:54
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
8:54
[SPEAKER_00]: The only question is if he's going to be there, and I have a couple other people, you know, you mentioned that the tweet that I posted, I had a couple people, you know, like outside of my bears bubble, be like, hey, like I have a mock to the Cowboys at 12.
9:09
[SPEAKER_00]: And I'm like, okay, you know, I think that's a little high for them, but, you know, I could see it happening.
9:15
[SPEAKER_00]: I
9:16
[SPEAKER_00]: So you never know.
9:17
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, we'll see if he ends up falling there.
9:19
[SPEAKER_00]: But I think that if he is there at 25, he'd be a strong possibility.
9:23
[SPEAKER_01]: Well, look, I mean, we know the multi-faceted versatility of Kobe Bryant, you know, it's been well documented since the bearers made the signing about his abilities.
9:32
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, Kyler Gordon has that ability, but I'll believe that his availability will be consistent for the bearers when I see it.
9:39
[SPEAKER_01]: So I'm not counting, you know, I'm not going to count him.
9:42
[SPEAKER_01]: in terms of that, but he's the same mold.
9:44
[SPEAKER_01]: And then if you add theme and two, like you think about a secondary, we're like, you could really disguise what you're doing with those two guys, because all three of them, I mean, they're very, they fit the mold of Dennis Allen in terms of that versatility and, you know, not showing too much in terms of your run versus your past coverages.
10:01
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, no 100%, so I think that, I mean, if he's there at 25, that would be a, that'd be a good addition for sure, I guess we'll just have to wait and see, but if they don't bring him in in the round one, I think, you know, round two, round three, you're still going to be able to find some solid talent there at safety.
10:18
[SPEAKER_01]: All right, so some of the other moves they've made, you know, they traded for Garrett Bradbury, who, you know, maybe doesn't test individually in terms of the profile focus numbers that highly, but for me, I love the fact that he's a college teammate of Joe Tunis.
10:33
[SPEAKER_01]: So I, you know, I start there, but, but Devon Bush added a lineback coming off a career year for the Browns.
10:47
[SPEAKER_01]: amongst these moves and by the way, my second favorite move beyond Kobe Bryant was the signing of the receiver kicker term, a cleaf Raymond, something because like their turn game was atrocious last year.
11:04
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, Devin Duverne, their pot return units, like they just did nothing in terms of helping with the opposition.
11:10
[SPEAKER_01]: I think that's going to be a
11:14
[SPEAKER_01]: But ultimately based on all of these additions, Jacob, I mean, do you think that this helps to solidify needs heading into this draft or those needs still needs?
11:24
[SPEAKER_00]: I think a lot of the needs are still needs.
11:27
[SPEAKER_00]: I think out of the ones you mentioned though, I didn't anticipate that they don't draft an offensive tackle as highly, because I think that the moves they made
11:39
[SPEAKER_00]: very much indicate that they have belief in Aussie Trapillo in the long term, like once he comes back, and this is more just, hey, we're looking for a stopgap guy and then if Trapillo comes back this season, then we're looking for depth.
11:54
[SPEAKER_00]: So you bring in, Jedrick Willes, you extend Braxton Jones for another year, that's going to be your competition at left tackle, and then you mean Theo Benedict and there as well, but
12:06
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he's more suited as, you know, a guard in the NFL, just because of his lack of, you know, arm length and there's some instances when he played that lack of range as a blocker can come back to hurt him at times.
12:22
[SPEAKER_00]: But, you know, you have been at it in the mix there.
12:25
[SPEAKER_00]: You have, you know, Braxton Jones, you have Jesuit Willes.
12:28
[SPEAKER_00]: I think they're going to be fine as far as
12:36
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh, so I don't anticipate they're going to draft the tackle incredibly early.
12:41
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think that that's probably the one position where I feel pretty good where it's like, all right, you made the moves there to compete for a starting spot in the short term.
12:54
[SPEAKER_00]: And then the long term, you kind of tip your cap.
12:56
[SPEAKER_00]: You're like, all right, we still think Aussie can be that guy.
12:59
[SPEAKER_00]: So I don't anticipate this year tackles going to be a need.
13:03
[UNKNOWN]: Uh,
13:03
[SPEAKER_00]: We'll see about 2027.
13:04
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, maybe if Ozzie comes back and doesn't play very well, then it's like, all right, now we need start to think about something.
13:10
[SPEAKER_00]: But 2026, I don't anticipate any big moves in that regard.
13:14
[SPEAKER_00]: Brain and Garrett Bradbury, like you mentioned too, I think that, you know, obviously that helps.
13:23
[SPEAKER_00]: And, you know, the whole Drew Dalman situation kind of threw everybody for a loop and it's like, all right, now we need to adjust and make a quick adjustment here to our off-season plan.
13:35
[SPEAKER_00]: But I think there's still a solid chance that they end up drafting a center.
13:40
[SPEAKER_00]: I really like that round three range for them.
13:43
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that's where a lot of good values get aligned up at the center position.
13:49
[SPEAKER_00]: Just off of my own evaluations, like I think that you could look at like a Logan Jones out of Iowa, Brian Parker out of Duke Jake slaughter out of Florida.
14:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, Sam Hacked at a Kansas State feels like someone who, you know, his stock seems to be rising.
14:07
[SPEAKER_00]: I know the bears that representation at Kansas State's Pro Day.
14:12
[SPEAKER_00]: So I mean, he's clearly on the radar with, you know, that being Kansas State's top prospect.
14:18
[SPEAKER_00]: But if they don't take hacks where, you know, he's training towards he might be a second round pick.
14:24
[SPEAKER_00]: They have a lot of options, or at least they project to have a lot of options in that round three sort of range at that center.
14:31
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think that that could be a good move for them to have Brad Barry starting in the short term and then have one of these rookies to develop right here and then eventually start them and slot them into the start line
14:46
[SPEAKER_00]: There's not like a blue chip level center prospect like a Tyler Lindervom or a Creed home free or something like that, but I do think that they're a good handful of guys where it's like, all right, you know, in the right situation, which I think playing on the bears in a Ben Johnson offense alongside Joe Tune in Jonah Jackson, I think that would be the right situation for one of these rookie centers to come in and succeed.
15:12
[SPEAKER_00]: And I think they can make some noise.
15:15
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, look, I agree with you completely.
15:17
[SPEAKER_01]: I think left tackles off the board based on what they've done with Braxton, Jones, and Wills.
15:24
[SPEAKER_01]: Look, I mean, I think they think
15:27
[SPEAKER_01]: Jones is going to be the starter, but they like the lotto ticket that is wills, right?
15:32
[SPEAKER_01]: I may have four more top cent pick who's got all kinds of talent who if he's healthy and can continue to develop as a guy that, you know, could potentially be a long term answer there even though if they're not looking for it.
15:40
[SPEAKER_01]: So it's a very low risk potential for high reward type where you're not going to lose anything if he doesn't.
15:45
[SPEAKER_01]: end up with that potential with Bradbury, you know, one of the things I've learned in covering the NFL is like it's so much from an offensive line perspective about cohesion.
15:58
[SPEAKER_01]: And if you've got a guy that started on the same offensive line, I mean, theory, especially at NC State with Joe Tony.
16:04
[SPEAKER_01]: So the guy that's next to him, right?
16:06
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, that's huge.
16:08
[SPEAKER_01]: So I remember covering Zach Martin and Travis Frederick for the Cowboys.
16:13
[SPEAKER_01]: And it's like those guys had such great chemistry together.
16:15
[SPEAKER_01]: And that matters a ton.
16:16
[SPEAKER_01]: I was Zach Martin individually, he's one of the great interior offensive line, what we see in the NFL and last decade.
16:21
[SPEAKER_01]: But just together with he and Frederick, I just thought there was a cohesion, a chemistry, that you just can't, like, it's hard to duplicate.
16:32
[SPEAKER_01]: And that's why, like, for me, that's what stood out.
16:34
[SPEAKER_01]: It's like, these guys know each other, they go back.
16:35
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, I think we can look at the individual talent of Brad Berry and the questions that are there, which are very much there.
16:40
[SPEAKER_01]: But he's going to be next to a guy that he's very comfortable with.
16:43
[SPEAKER_01]: And so if they're like on a string
16:48
[SPEAKER_01]: I also agree it probably shouldn't take them out of drafting a center and there's a ton of available, you know, I think there's been a ton of noise about Sam Hacked and I just look at it two programs you mentioned in reference there, Iowa and Kansas State.
17:00
[SPEAKER_01]: Those are programs that routinely turn out and at high level NFL interior offensive linemen.
17:06
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, think about the Bears.
17:07
[SPEAKER_01]: James Daniels from Iowa, Cody White here from K-State, but there's plenty of other examples that aren't exclusive to the Bears.
17:13
[SPEAKER_01]: So, I think sometimes when you look at individual players at the offensive line, you almost have to look at the programs and say, like, how are they?
17:20
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, what's the track record there?
17:21
[SPEAKER_01]: And like, with Iowa and Kansas State, those are two programs that again routinely develop and turn out high quality interior offensive line.
17:30
[SPEAKER_01]: And so I think you do a lot worse.
17:31
[SPEAKER_01]: you know, third round with the with the center.
17:34
[SPEAKER_01]: What about lineback?
17:35
[SPEAKER_01]: They had Devon Bush.
17:37
[SPEAKER_01]: I really liked the addition there, but do you think that takes them out of drafting?
17:41
[SPEAKER_01]: We've talked a little bit about Jacob Rodriguez.
17:43
[SPEAKER_01]: And then how much do you think that Bush had such a good year based upon the Browns having such a great defensive line?
17:50
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, it feels like a linebacker's best friend is a quality defensive line.
17:54
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, so I think that
17:56
[SPEAKER_00]: It probably takes the bears out of taking a linebacker.
18:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that between signing Devin Bush and keeping Demarco Jackson around for another year, I think that those two and TJ Edwards, I think you'll be fine with your three primary linebackers.
18:17
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, there'll be two linebackers that's primarily for majority of the time,
18:26
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm curious to see if maybe Demarco Jackson pushes TJ Edwards for a starting spot.
18:35
[SPEAKER_00]: So I'd be curious too because they keep talking about wanting to add speed.
18:39
[SPEAKER_00]: Edwards is good against the run.
18:42
[SPEAKER_00]: He's not very good in coverage and that's something where Demarco Jackson hasn't beat at.
18:46
[SPEAKER_00]: So is that something they want to prioritize where they want to be more explosive at the second level?
18:51
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe I don't know.
18:52
[SPEAKER_00]: But I do think that between those three, you're pretty set as far as you're, you know, starting level line backers go if you want to run a base for three, then you have the talent to do that if you want to run in the nickel, you have two line backers who can do that.
19:08
[SPEAKER_00]: And then you have like no a civil route, Rubin Hippelite is depth, I think you're fine at linebacker for this year.
19:14
[SPEAKER_00]: So I mean, maybe if I think that they bring into Marco Jackson, at least at the price, they brought them in and makes it think, okay, he's not a long term starting option, but he's someone who could push for playing time.
19:28
[SPEAKER_00]: So maybe.
19:30
[SPEAKER_00]: they have concerns about TJ Edwards and I think that'd be the only reason where they draft a linebacker super early, but I think that with the way the roster's organized right now, I think you have much bigger needs and you bring up the defensive line to like Devon Bush obviously had some, you know,
19:48
[SPEAKER_00]: playing behind Miles Garrett, and you know, there's a solid, a solid defensive line around that at Cleveland, but obviously, you know, Miles Garrett, we're going to reckon have it up front.
19:57
[SPEAKER_00]: Definitely helps if you're a linebacker, and he's not going to have that same level of talent along the defensive line here in Chicago, at least the way things stand right now.
20:07
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think defensive line obviously is still a massive need for Chicago here.
20:13
[SPEAKER_00]: I think they're in a good position to where they can address it pretty heavily in the draft.
20:19
[SPEAKER_00]: way, you know, round one round two, maybe they bring in a guy around for whatever it might end up being.
20:24
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that the DJ more trade definitely helps having that extra second round pick and get a potential starting caliber prospects.
20:35
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
20:35
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it makes a world of difference for a defense that still has a handful of needs like this.
20:39
[SPEAKER_00]: So you can still get your safety, you can still get your center and then that all, you know, that also leaves you a first round pick in a second round pick, probably to get two defensive linemen.
20:49
[SPEAKER_00]: So that's my hope at least is because I'm looking at this defensive line.
20:56
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm like, I still have a lot of concerns.
20:58
[SPEAKER_01]: They're not.
20:58
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
20:59
[SPEAKER_01]: And that that was going to be my next point is
21:05
[SPEAKER_01]: The bears were not a very good team at creating pressures, generating pressure.
21:10
[SPEAKER_01]: At this point, it's just Montes wet and nobody else feels like, should they have been more aggressive and edge rusher and does this stop put a premium on?
21:22
[SPEAKER_01]: If you're going to take it into your alignment, he better be able to rush the pastor.
21:25
[SPEAKER_01]: Does this take McDonald off the board now in your mind?
21:32
[SPEAKER_00]: That's a good point.
21:34
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that you're definitely going to want to have a defensive tackle who can rush the passer now in this case because you didn't really add too much in free agency.
21:43
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm a gallamor's there, but that's I mean, and I remember you know, Neville Gallamor's a guy that played in the big 12 and Oklahoma was in the big 12 and he was like, well, they go to interior, you know, interior Russia, but like,
21:55
[SPEAKER_01]: That's not a guy that's going to start and get you a double digit sacks from the right like he got his point.
22:00
[SPEAKER_01]: Like I think three and a half sacks on a season is probably his ceiling and a guy that's probably part of a rotation.
22:06
[SPEAKER_01]: But like that for that to be the only move you make in free agency.
22:09
[SPEAKER_01]: He was kind of a tweeter galamore, you know, where he was responsible for this one in college, but like just wasn't big enough, you know, and and probably not fast enough to be like a consistent guy that can can can be a double digit
22:22
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, no I'm with you for sure.
22:24
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that Gallo he'll factor into the rotation for sure and like he'll get a decent amount of playing time and he's, you know, got some burst up the middle, but it is not a three young starter necessarily.
22:34
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that the way things stand right now, I'd like the bears to make some sort of move off the edge because I think that they're still.
22:43
[SPEAKER_00]: some solid options available in free agency not to say like oh this guy's gonna be a long-term starter but if you bring someone in as like a one-year past rushing mercenary like I'm going through the the the PFSN NFL free agency tracker you know quick plug you know
23:18
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, you know, you have a handful of decent starting caliber options.
23:23
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, clowny, especially was really good Russian, the passer for Dallas and Joey Bosa, either one of those two guys I really like, even if it's, you know, just a one-year deal, like neither at their age, that's not going to be your long-term answer at the position.
23:39
[SPEAKER_00]: You're not going to find like consistent, you know, long-term past rush there.
23:43
[SPEAKER_00]: But,
23:44
[SPEAKER_00]: say if you bring in one of those guys with sweat, dio, Austin Booker, and then you draft a defensive tackle early.
23:53
[SPEAKER_00]: You can make something work with that.
23:55
[SPEAKER_00]: It's not, you know, I wouldn't say that it's a finished product by any means, but I think that it definitely stops the bleeding a little bit, you know, because I'm with you.
24:06
[SPEAKER_00]: I still have major concerns about those defensive lines.
24:09
[SPEAKER_00]: So I feel a lot better if they make at least some sort of decent move and free agency here, because that was one thing I was expecting a little bit more out of them on us.
24:19
[SPEAKER_01]: And look, I mean, I also get it, like, it's hard to get value at the defensive end position.
24:25
[SPEAKER_01]: And, you know, am I going to pay Jalen Phillips, $30 million a year, you know, like, so I get it, I totally get it.
24:34
[SPEAKER_01]: But I think it begs the obvious question here, which is, okay, so the max cross betrayed reopens, which by the way, what a ridiculously insane thing to happen.
24:43
[SPEAKER_01]: And, oh, my Lord.
24:44
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
24:45
[SPEAKER_01]: you know, the deeper you get into this, the more you realize this has happened before, like I saw that you know, the Ravens had agreed to sign Roberto Garza, then he did, they didn't pass him, obviously worked out well for the Bears in that situation, because Garza came in and became an all-pro for some really good offensive lines of the Bears had, but there's a history of what the Ravens doing and it's bush league, and I mean, there should be a penalty for, you know, for what they're doing, but let's see if it works out for the Bears.
25:10
[SPEAKER_01]: Now, you know, the immediate thought here is, oh, this is going to decrease his value because he doesn't, you know, he's come back from a minute.
25:16
[SPEAKER_01]: Manusca surgery, so what are you offering now?
25:19
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm assuming now the raiders are trying to hang on to him because they don't see they're getting the value that they feel like they should get for him.
25:25
[SPEAKER_01]: What would you give up?
25:26
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, we've said before, like a first in a second, are you still there?
25:29
[SPEAKER_01]: Would you offer the 25th overall pick?
25:32
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, what would you do now with Crosby?
25:34
[SPEAKER_01]: And, you know, obviously, no,
25:36
[SPEAKER_01]: out there saying like the bears are broken don't have any money, but you all know they can restructure deals they have a done yet borrow from tomorrow which is which is fine because the seller cap is going to continue to increase and make enough room to sign max frosty.
25:49
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, so I think you know you have a little bit more flexibility than I mean obviously I know Shepter said he needs well-connected that they don't have a ton of money.
25:58
[SPEAKER_00]: You definitely have to be aggressive in trying to make some moves and moves some money around
26:05
[SPEAKER_00]: You do bring in crossby, you restructure him right away, you restructure, you know, a couple of other players, you know, to lessen the cap pit for this year.
26:13
[SPEAKER_00]: You can make it work.
26:16
[SPEAKER_00]: I've been on the record saying, yeah, first and second is what I'd give up for him.
26:20
[SPEAKER_00]: I'd be willing to give up the 25th pick for him.
26:25
[SPEAKER_00]: Obviously, you know, the Raiders wanted to get two first round picks out of that and getting the number 14 pick out of that obviously was a big win for them, at least or so they thought, but
26:38
[SPEAKER_00]: It's going to be tough for them, at least I think to match that level of return if they do trade Crosby again, especially now knowing okay, like he failed this physical and you know the physicals are all that's all dependent on team so he might fail one team's physical and passing others.
26:56
[SPEAKER_00]: So who knows, but I think there is an element of risk attached to that now where it could very slightly decrease his value.
27:05
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean,
27:06
[SPEAKER_00]: Say, if the bears were to go after Crosby and they give up two first round picks for them, I'd be okay with it, you know, like I think it's a little steep, but at the same time, it's an all-proad rusher, like, you know, you got to do what you got to do to, you know, make an upgrade like that.
27:23
[SPEAKER_00]: But I've remained pretty adamant, it's still a first and second round pick is what I prefer to give up.
27:31
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, like a first round or this year, second round or next year, do whatever.
27:35
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that'd be the best course of action.
27:39
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's.
27:42
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know.
27:42
[SPEAKER_00]: It, like you said, it is looking like, you know, probably he'll stay with the Raiders.
27:47
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, who knows?
27:49
[SPEAKER_00]: Obviously anything can change as they, you know, the Raiders try and see if they can replicate that level of value that they got from the Ravens deal and, you know, move that into a different deal.
27:59
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm sure they consider, but if I'm the bears, at least that's what I'm offering.
28:05
[SPEAKER_01]: And look, I mean, I think this is where there's a level of disappointment in some of the bears decision making this off season from like the I get your trying guard for like long term success.
28:15
[SPEAKER_01]: The reality is like now is the time to really over and flate your cap with these kinds of players because like big money is coming for Caleb and very quickly and so you've got a strike when you have an opportunity or window here when you don't have when you have a quarterback and a rookie contract.
28:34
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, I mean, he's, I would assume extension talks will begin, you know, at during next season is 50 or optional kick in next year or so.
28:43
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, we're right at the point of the time when which the bears and Caleb Williams are going to have agreed to a long-term extension, and now we're talking about 50 plus million a year guaranteed.
28:53
[SPEAKER_01]: You're not going to have the money to make a splash play like a Mac to Rosbee.
28:57
[SPEAKER_01]: And that's really, again, like I get trying to protect and guard for the future, but at the same time, like, strike now because you have to take these kinds of risks right now when you have a quarter back in a rookie contract.
29:10
[SPEAKER_00]: No one hundred percent.
29:12
[SPEAKER_00]: And I think that
29:14
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, there's a reason that a lot of people look at, oh, this is the rookie quarterback window as this is our time to compete.
29:22
[SPEAKER_00]: And I mean, you're looking at the Patriots now.
29:24
[SPEAKER_00]: They made it to the Super Bowl.
29:25
[SPEAKER_00]: They didn't win, but they still have so much cap flexibility.
29:28
[SPEAKER_00]: There's writing a lot of money.
29:30
[SPEAKER_00]: Right.
29:30
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, this offseason deal to need to get better.
29:32
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
29:33
[SPEAKER_00]: And, you know, the big reason is you're not paying Drake may tone a money and eventually you're going to be paying Drake may tone a money just like eventually the bears are going to be paying Caleb Williams a ton of money so.
29:47
[SPEAKER_00]: that's it definitely shows like you can you can obviously compete outside of that rookie contract but it's a lot easier to compete within that rookie contract and when you have a quarterback playing in a very high level for you know relatively cheap compared to what else you know the positions making so I think if there is a time to go all and that's right now
30:09
[SPEAKER_01]: Do you buy some of the reports that the bears offered two first drop picks that the raiders just took the ravens offer because it was better it was a better pick?
30:20
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I can see it.
30:21
[SPEAKER_00]: I can definitely see it.
30:22
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that that also might play into why they were a little bit conservative along the defense.
30:31
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe they put their eggs
30:33
[SPEAKER_00]: to the heavily into that Crosby basket.
30:35
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know for sure, I could see it though.
30:39
[SPEAKER_00]: I could see it.
30:40
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that, obviously, I'm sure polls knows to that there's a competitive window, to an extent, and like you're saying, it's easier to compete on a quarterbacks rookie deal.
30:55
[SPEAKER_00]: So it makes sense to pound on a move like Crosby right now.
31:01
[SPEAKER_00]: that wouldn't surprise me if that were the case that wouldn't surprise me.
31:05
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, I guess I agree, but I wonder like what's changed then?
31:08
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, do the medical piece change?
31:11
[SPEAKER_01]: Like so, if they offered two firsts and they said no, we'll take the ravens deal, the ravens rescinded, then why would the bears then have said, we're not going to do that anymore based on the medical piece?
31:21
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, look, I quite frankly would have been very disappointed
31:28
[SPEAKER_01]: But a one and a second, I wouldn't, the 25th overall pick.
31:32
[SPEAKER_01]: So for me, it comes down to the bears basically take back their offer if that was the case.
31:38
[SPEAKER_01]: and how close can they get now to getting him because again, like, I, the addition of Max Crosby solves a lot of problems.
31:46
[SPEAKER_01]: And there's nobody can get a 25 that will be as helpful as Max Crosby today would be.
31:51
[SPEAKER_01]: So trading 25 for me makes a ton of sense.
31:53
[SPEAKER_01]: And actually, especially based on what we just talked about.
31:55
[SPEAKER_01]: I guess I'm just confused as to where, like, where the bear is really stood in terms of the negotiations with the raiders.
32:03
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I mean, and I'm curious too, like I think that this whole Raven situation, it throws a lot of questions into the mix from, you know, like an outside observer perspective.
32:12
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like, okay, did the bears have the same opinion on cross with medicals as Baltimore did where they end, they're still willing to pay for frown pigs like what what's their mentality going into all that it's it's kind of tough to tell right now, but I think that.
32:29
[SPEAKER_00]: Like you said, it makes sense to offer up the 25th pick, because like you said, nobody that they draft is gonna make as a media of an impact as Crosby would if they traded for him.
32:41
[SPEAKER_00]: So, I mean, we'll see.
32:44
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, I've set myself up mentally for the thought that he's gonna stay with the Raiders.
32:50
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm not getting my hopes up, unfortunately.
32:53
[SPEAKER_00]: But at the very least, it's worth,
32:58
[SPEAKER_00]: you know, reconsidering and, you know, throwing some interest back out there and be like, hey, all right, now that things have changed, where do we stand on this, uh, battle deal.
33:11
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
33:11
[SPEAKER_01]: Well, I mean, you know, to me, like after a week of free agency, two weeks, whatever it is, no, a week, um, like I am extremely concerned about the defensive line.
33:24
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, it was like I would say going in the last off season, the bears had major fix needs for fixes at offense of a defensive line.
33:34
[SPEAKER_01]: Obviously, they did the last year and to a degree, they've got to do it again this year, but their defensive line going last year was going to be bad.
33:41
[SPEAKER_01]: It was bad.
33:42
[SPEAKER_01]: It remains bad.
33:44
[SPEAKER_01]: It's like what point, I mean, and maybe it's just like the entire draft philosophy, but like.
33:53
[SPEAKER_01]: In a world in which we just watched two Super Bowl teams, absolutely, mall teams up front on defense.
33:59
[SPEAKER_01]: It's just crazy to me.
34:00
[SPEAKER_01]: The bears have not zeroed in on trying to fix their most glaring weakness.
34:05
[SPEAKER_01]: And like, maybe, you know, the feeling is, well, dayo will be back this year, healthy.
34:10
[SPEAKER_01]: And like, that is just not an assurance to me.
34:13
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
34:15
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I mean, and, you know, you bring that up too, like looking at both the teams that made you the Super Bowl, I mean, obviously they drafted defensive linemen, but they also signed defensive linemen, too, where, I mean, especially the Patriots, like they brought in Milton Williams, they brought in Harold Landry, they, you know, they, well, they drafted but extended Christian Barmore, they signed Caleb on Chase on, and the Seahawks, too, they drafted a lot of their guys, but they also traded for Leonard Williams, they signed
34:44
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's it's investment in both ends too.
34:48
[SPEAKER_00]: So yes, you know, obviously you want to draft in the trenches and build up that defensive line.
34:53
[SPEAKER_00]: And I think that's what the bears are aiming for right now, but I'll admit I am a little surprised maybe disappointed that and I thought they do a little bit more to their defensive line and for agency thus far.
35:05
[SPEAKER_00]: I know that you have a lot of different, you know,
35:08
[SPEAKER_00]: openings to fill obviously they had it you know the decent amount of their secondary leave and you know you got to make sure you have enough money for that but
35:17
[SPEAKER_00]: still, like I still wish that they were maybe a little bit more aggressive along the defensive line.
35:24
[SPEAKER_01]: So okay, so I think we've been through 25, right?
35:26
[SPEAKER_01]: Like if there's a chance on Thineman, you know, you and I both agree like Peter Woods, if he's there, he'd be great.
35:34
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, it feels like Ed Rush in that spot, you're kind of in No Man's Land where like the better value will probably be in round two for the guys that are not at the top of the Ed Rushing
35:46
[SPEAKER_01]: Who are some names of guys that maybe you think could be available to the bearers from an edged rupture perspective in rounds two, at rounds two and three?
35:53
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, so looking at the in those two second round picks they have like near the end around too.
35:58
[SPEAKER_00]: I think there's a decent chance you can get some solid value.
36:01
[SPEAKER_00]: Derek Moore out in Michigan somebody that I look at where he's got the size the speed and the you know the power I came away.
36:09
[SPEAKER_00]: I keep saying like I watched him in 2024 I'm like, okay, this guy's fast, but I think he really turned it on in terms of his.
36:18
[SPEAKER_00]: the play strength like maybe he had the raw power to begin with, but I think that he really did a better job of converting speed to power and playing with better play strength in 2025 for Michigan.
36:29
[SPEAKER_00]: Malikai Lawrence at UCF is somebody's got tools for days, long arms, explosive, prototypical size for the edge of your position, high motor type
36:44
[SPEAKER_00]: uh... did i didn't a certain at a pen state is someone where he's got size and power and he's a pretty good athlete as well uh... he's someone who'd fit into the kind of the dentist allen mold of defensive linemen were you know like an oversized type of guy uh... and then gave yaccus to somebody out of illinois where i've had a lot of people uh... you know talking about him i mean obviously because you know he plays in illinois but
37:08
[SPEAKER_00]: He's someone to wear.
37:09
[SPEAKER_00]: I think maybe he doesn't have like the athletic upside is some of the other guys that I've mentioned, but I think he's a little bit more refined like he's got a deeper past rushing arsenal better spatial awareness against the run and he's got really good power to and I hear a lot from Like these analysts and you know coaches and scouts that I've respect where it's like
37:34
[SPEAKER_00]: you want to have a defensive line when you can win with power above all else.
37:38
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, it's nice to have a speed rusher, but you know, you can, you're more likely to get a starter out of a power rusher.
37:45
[SPEAKER_00]: And the good thing for the bears, I think they could get a lot of solid, strong defensive ends.
37:52
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, all those guys are, I want to say 250 and above, and you know, you can see it in the way that they play.
38:02
[SPEAKER_00]: And I mean, if you want to go more for, you know, athleticism, you have a handful of guys.
38:06
[SPEAKER_00]: You can go in that regard if you want to go for, you know, more like polished, you know, deeper arsenal.
38:12
[SPEAKER_00]: You could go with the acquiesce or something like that.
38:14
[SPEAKER_00]: Or hope that maybe a Zion young out of Missouri falls.
38:18
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, yeah.
38:19
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I don't think he'd fall that late in around two, but say maybe you trade down from 25.
38:24
[SPEAKER_01]: and you take someone like that then you know who knows yeah that's a great call or maybe you can you can move up in the second round by packaging both picks you know yeah like that which I wouldn't be opposed to
38:35
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, if you're watching this right now on YouTube, I've got this headline scrolling across the bottom, can the bears improve their defensive line enough of the draft alone?
38:44
[SPEAKER_01]: And I think that's kind of the crux of what we're talking about here, like, look at Seattle, look at what the Patriots did, and I think it's foolish for the bears to think that they can improve their defensive line enough.
38:58
[SPEAKER_01]: through the draft alone.
39:00
[SPEAKER_01]: There's obviously a lot of, like it takes guys sometimes a year or two to develop and do a past Russia.
39:07
[SPEAKER_01]: The bears have to dramatically improve their defensive line.
39:10
[SPEAKER_01]: Like I know that they're really good on offense, but and they took the flip all away.
39:15
[SPEAKER_01]: Chances are they're not gonna be that explosive in creating turnovers next year.
39:19
[SPEAKER_01]: That's just like one of those stats, and I know you know this Jacob, like that tends to even out year over year.
39:24
[SPEAKER_01]: Now maybe they just, they pick the right guys that are ballhocking corners and whatnot, but it just feels like a more sustainable path towards being more consistent on defense is a pass rush.
39:36
[SPEAKER_01]: Bears are just I mean, they just were not good enough last year there and again like going to last year I thought that last off season off at the blind defense apply like they need to improve a dramatically they didn't off its blind and now here we are a year and a half later and it's like you have you don't enough on defense and I don't think you can do it through the draft alone now granted again, I'm not I'm not signing jail and Philips 40 signed for I'm not signing
39:57
[SPEAKER_01]: you know, somebody's other guys for what they sign for relative to their production.
40:00
[SPEAKER_01]: So maybe they're they're waiting for the second wave of defense events and witness who at the market looks like for clowning and and and and Bosa and Jason or whoever else, but I'd love to see the bear sign a couple of adrochers and free agency in addition to you know, really making a strategy of theirs to be heavy and to draft a defensive line in this draft.
40:22
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, and I think that's a really good point you bring up to with you know, you're looking at defensive sustainability, where defensive line is typically much more sustainable than, you know, relying on turnovers because you could, you know,
40:51
[SPEAKER_00]: So in that something you can't rely on as heavily, like maybe you're going to have guys now who can make plays on the ball and you can still rank relatively high in terms of creating turnovers, but I think that.
41:06
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, for the secondary, I think, you know, completion percentage and pass rating allowed might be a, it's, it's more reliable than just purely looking at the interceptions.
41:17
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, Nation, right at a ton of interceptions, but he also allowed a ton of big plays.
41:21
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
41:22
[SPEAKER_01]: So basically, they're gave up a touchdown or intercepted a pass.
41:25
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, literally, yeah, every drive, and either with a touchdown, fielgal or interception.
41:32
[SPEAKER_00]: Absolutely.
41:32
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, it's incredibly boomer bust.
41:36
[SPEAKER_00]: So, I mean, and that's why, to an extent, I'm not surprised that there's such a massive secondary overall.
41:42
[SPEAKER_00]: I was expecting maybe they'd bring back, you know, at least one of the guys you departed, but you know, it is what it is.
41:48
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, I get why they did what they did, at least on that end.
41:52
[SPEAKER_00]: But the defense of line, I agree.
41:54
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that that's going to see, like that's where you'll see your consistent sustained high level of play.
42:02
[SPEAKER_00]: And right now, it's basically the exact same.
42:06
[SPEAKER_00]: Like I think Neville Gallamore is an upgrade over Andrew Billings, but yeah, what else?
42:11
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, you brought in Contavia Street to, you know, compete for a roster spot.
42:15
[SPEAKER_00]: Like that's that's it.
42:16
[SPEAKER_00]: That's all you've done.
42:19
[SPEAKER_00]: still have the same weaknesses along the defensive line.
42:23
[SPEAKER_00]: You don't have like a true 3 down impact player at defensive tackle.
42:29
[SPEAKER_00]: You don't have like that true reliable starter at edge alongside Montez wet right now.
42:34
[SPEAKER_00]: So
42:37
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I mean, I'm with you.
42:38
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm hoping that they make some sort of move for agency.
42:41
[SPEAKER_00]: And like this second wave here to add an ad russia, because I mean, I think we're both in agreement here.
42:49
[SPEAKER_00]: Like you can't build that defensive line solely through the draft.
42:52
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, all right.
42:53
[SPEAKER_01]: So hierarchy of positions in the draft, like it's pretty obvious, you and I agree, like defensive end defensive line, like DTD, right?
43:00
[SPEAKER_01]: That's line one and maybe even priority number two.
43:04
[SPEAKER_01]: where else like what are the positions now do you think are part of that hierarchy if we're looking at the most important positions to address in this draft.
43:11
[SPEAKER_01]: We know they're going to take best player available, but let's say in a world in which they've got a zero and on specific position groups like beyond defensive line, which is priority number one, how else would you hierarchy positions right now?
43:26
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, so I mean defense or tackle a defense event like that's clearly like the tier one of needs those are pretty big right now I put safety in his number three I think that I mean obviously you have Kobe Bryant now that's a big money signing but you need another guy alongside him so I'm anticipating that one of those one of their first three picks I think is going to end up being a safety.
43:51
[SPEAKER_00]: In an ideal world, it's D-line D-line safety or D-line safety D-line, whatever that ends up looking like.
43:58
[SPEAKER_01]: And do you think Jacob that needs to be like a true strong safety?
44:02
[SPEAKER_01]: Do you think they can, you know, do they need something that's good and covered?
44:05
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, where do you see that?
44:06
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm going with with safety beyond, you know, Kobe.
44:11
[SPEAKER_00]: yeah so i mean i look at at least with last year you had a true like you know center field or type of range of traditional free safety and buyer and then you had someone like brisker who yeah i mean yeah he can make plays in coverage but you know his value comes in his versatility and his physicality yeah
44:29
[SPEAKER_00]: So, I mean, maybe this go around maybe you do want to have someone who can make a little bit more of a splash in making plays on the ball.
44:37
[SPEAKER_00]: But I think you also, you still need that, you know, that physical tone setter at strong safety.
44:43
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think you need somebody who's not going to be a liability as a tackler.
44:46
[SPEAKER_00]: So, I think you're probably more the traditional strong safety you're looking at there.
44:53
[SPEAKER_00]: But I mean, again, you can go for maybe someone who's like somewhere in the middle to where they, you know, they're, they can make plays on the ball, but they're not a total liability, you know, as a tackler.
45:04
[SPEAKER_00]: So that's where I think like a theme and would come in like a camarie Ramsey at a USC and round two, where it's like, you know, they're not like traditional just said and still like strong safety stereotypes.
45:19
[SPEAKER_00]: They can hit, they can hit, but they also bring them maybe a little bit more versatility as, you know, and coverage as well.
45:27
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay, so defensive line, defensive tackle, defensive end, safety, top three, any other groups, part of this hierarchy.
45:34
[SPEAKER_00]: I'd say that's a pretty clear top three for me.
45:37
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, agree.
45:38
[SPEAKER_00]: And then, you know, they're in that form.
45:42
[SPEAKER_00]: I think corner you start to get into like that, you know, that next year down.
45:47
[SPEAKER_00]: I think center stands out as number four to me.
45:50
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, you know, for the reasons we mentioned like I think Bradbury's a solid like one year type of guy, but you're going to want to draft someone I feel like and that's where.
46:01
[SPEAKER_00]: excuse me.
46:02
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, that's where maybe you want to bring in corner in one of some of those middle rounds.
46:07
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe you want to bring in another receiver.
46:09
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm with you that I like Khalifa Raymond.
46:13
[SPEAKER_00]: I think, you know, maybe they could use one more guy's depth underneath that, so where you have Roman Luther in the bears wide receiver room, and then you have Khalifa Raymond and John A Walker.
46:28
[SPEAKER_00]: I wouldn't be surprised, you know, I'm bringing like in just a mid round guy with like that, you know, like a fourth round pick or something like that I'd be cool with.
46:36
[SPEAKER_00]: So that next year down, I'm looking center corner and receiver.
46:43
[SPEAKER_00]: So I don't know where you are on that, but that's just the way that I evaluate it right now.
46:47
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, no, I think that's fair.
46:48
[SPEAKER_01]: I do wonder, I think if you're looking for a corner or the profile of a corner of the bear's mind draft, I mean, just look for the tall corners.
46:58
[SPEAKER_01]: There's a kid that played at Arizona, the transfer to Washington, that's the 64 trade-owned stokes who I like a lot.
47:04
[SPEAKER_01]: And that feels like that guy's perfectly made for Dennis Allen's defense.
47:09
[SPEAKER_01]: But there's certainly some physical corners at size in this draft.
47:14
[SPEAKER_01]: I don't know.
47:15
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, do you think that that losing who they've lost a corner?
47:20
[SPEAKER_01]: What they bring back?
47:23
[SPEAKER_01]: That they're fine to not address corner in the draft?
47:26
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I don't think it'd be the end of the world if they didn't drive to corner.
47:29
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that
47:32
[SPEAKER_00]: Me, I mean, the way you're looking at it right now, it's going to be Jalen, Tyreech Stevens in color.
47:37
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, that's the same group you were looking at to start the season before everybody got hurt.
47:41
[SPEAKER_00]: Right.
47:42
[SPEAKER_00]: So I'm fine with that.
47:43
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, that's not a bad corner back group.
47:45
[SPEAKER_00]: I think eventually you're going to have to find a long-term replacement for Stevens in there.
47:51
[SPEAKER_00]: But in the short term, I'm fine with starting him at the end of the day, just because you can't fix everything.
47:58
[SPEAKER_00]: So, but if you do get to that point though, and like round three around four to where you see some of that value, like a trading stukes, to carry out Davis, being another one of those, you know, former Arizona guys, you know, and he went over to Washington though.
48:15
[SPEAKER_00]: I think, and
48:17
[SPEAKER_00]: will lead out of Texas A&M another one of those big body long corners like they're you know like you said that's kind of the archetype that Dennis Allen likes at the position so
48:28
[SPEAKER_00]: if you have the opportunity to get someone like that, I mean, it's worth considering.
48:33
[SPEAKER_00]: And I know, like you have Terrell Smith coming off the bench, you know, coming off of injury, you figure to have Zay Frazier come and back.
48:41
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, you know, he missed, you know, his rookie year, you know, with the personal reasons, you know, you can only speculate so much as to what that is, you know, can't really say one way or the other.
48:51
[SPEAKER_00]: And then Josh Blackwell, as like your, you know, backup nickel special teams extraordinary.
48:58
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh, I'm fine with that as depth.
49:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I think, uh, I mean, there are questions with Smith coming off the injury in Fraser, you know, what's his availability going to look like.
49:08
[SPEAKER_00]: So I could definitely see them drafting a corner, maybe like maybe getting ahead of what's expected to be a 20, 20, seven need.
49:16
[SPEAKER_00]: And then just, you know, like being aggressive and addressing it now, but if they don't go corner, I don't think it would, I don't think it would be the end of the world.
49:25
[SPEAKER_01]: So, defensive and defensive tackle, safety, center, wider seabird in your mind.
49:31
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
49:33
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, that's what I'd say.
49:34
[SPEAKER_01]: At least for right now, at least.
49:36
[SPEAKER_01]: And you're looking for like a, as a keyis replacement at wider seabird?
49:42
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I mean, I think that, you know, looking at the depth you had, at least I'm assuming Raymond is going to be the wider seabird three.
49:50
[SPEAKER_00]: So as far as the backups go, I mean, you're going to want someone who's going to be valuable on special teams, obviously, you have size and jot a walker.
49:59
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think it was the keyest replacement would probably be ideal, one of those like, you know, more of like a true speed threat.
50:07
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe a little bit undersized, but somebody who can, you know, make plays in the open field, someone who's got return value potentially, or at least can make plays in punk coverage and kick off coverage or something like that.
50:21
[SPEAKER_00]: So maybe it doesn't have to be someone as like this small is the key is or like a true slot like the key is, but at least someone who's got speed.
50:30
[SPEAKER_00]: who can, you know, come in as like a gadget player, every once in a while, and then also, you know, make plays down the field in, you know, in coverage on special teams.
50:39
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that'd be a good addition.
50:40
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, they have a decent amount of needs still, and I don't think they're gonna be able to address all of them, like super, you know.
50:53
[SPEAKER_00]: solid and properly.
50:54
[SPEAKER_00]: But at the same time, like I think that, you know, you're still looking at the an opportunity and like that, you know, kind of day three kind of range, you can be able to get some guys.
51:05
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe with one of the two seventh round picks you have, you know, even if it's someone who's not going to be making consistent plays on offense, just someone who can, you know, crack the 53 man roster and plan on specialty.
51:16
[SPEAKER_00]: I'd be fine with that.
51:17
[SPEAKER_00]: Who are
51:23
[SPEAKER_00]: I kind of like, in like that seventh round, there's a Cainan region out of Iowa, you know, almost primarily because of what he can do as a returner.
51:31
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, he's a special returner, several, you know, touchdowns.
51:36
[SPEAKER_00]: I know he won the Gen of War twice as the best kick, you know, best return specialist in college football during his time in Iowa, you know, someone, you know, impressive, agility,
51:52
[SPEAKER_00]: Combine wasn't out of this world.
51:54
[SPEAKER_00]: I trust the tape with him and his ability to look through these open running lanes and exploit them and accelerate through them as a returner as something special.
52:04
[SPEAKER_00]: Other guys late.
52:05
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I like Eli Hyden, right out of Navi.
52:09
[SPEAKER_00]: He worked out with the running backs at the combine.
52:12
[SPEAKER_00]: I actually see him as a bit more of like a slot receiver, but
52:16
[SPEAKER_00]: He's someone, Navy just lined him up everywhere.
52:18
[SPEAKER_00]: He was a running back fullback receiver, tied in, like he played the H back.
52:23
[SPEAKER_00]: He played everywhere, and that versatility really helps.
52:27
[SPEAKER_00]: And I think it speaks to his football IQ.
52:31
[SPEAKER_00]: Great hands.
52:32
[SPEAKER_00]: He's an intelligent, route runner, good speed.
52:36
[SPEAKER_00]: The question is, where are you going to play him?
52:40
[SPEAKER_00]: But he's someone, at least as a catcher piece,
52:46
[SPEAKER_00]: Another guy too, Kendrick Lawd of Kentucky, I think that's another guy who, you know, fits kind of that undersized bold, but he's really athletic, he's explosive twitches around runner, really good after the catch and not the most, you know, physical, he's not the guy who's going to win, you know, above the rim on those 50, 50 balls, but I think he's someone who can, you know, he can win underneath, he can win out in space.
53:09
[SPEAKER_00]: and that's we know worth a shot take it if he's there in round seven I think he's someone that I'd be interested in too.
53:15
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean there was a good 24 hours where I thought the bear was about to make a trade for Jordan Madison after Addison posted a picture of the Matt Fortagersy.
53:24
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah and it's like oh shoot what's what's Paul's cooking up now?
53:28
[SPEAKER_00]: Right.
53:30
[SPEAKER_01]: You know Caleb's former teammate guy that you know I mean he can patrol the slot he's pretty good
53:37
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I don't know what it would take and I'm not going to give up 25 for Jordan Madison, but my God, that would be very exciting.
53:42
[SPEAKER_01]: And I think for you, you zeroed it on it.
53:45
[SPEAKER_01]: Like the Bears return game was pretty atrocious last year.
53:48
[SPEAKER_01]: Like it was basically like Devin Deverene, his best ability is not fumbling, you know, like way to go, like you're not going to get a spill position, but you're not going to fumble.
53:57
[SPEAKER_01]: I'd love to see more upside, you know, in terms of the return game.
54:01
[SPEAKER_01]: So I'm with you, like if you could find a guy late that gives you
54:05
[SPEAKER_01]: Um, that to me means a ton, especially because like Raymond was added for that reason, I think and and but what about your kick return game.
54:13
[SPEAKER_01]: It feels like that's more part return for Raymond.
54:15
[SPEAKER_01]: So, um, yeah, they could, they could invest in somebody from a kick return standpoint that has more upside than Devon Dovernell.
54:21
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm cool with that.
54:21
[SPEAKER_01]: Like dovernell is great.
54:22
[SPEAKER_01]: It doesn't bubble awesome.
54:23
[SPEAKER_01]: But like in terms of advancing the football, it felt like the bears and dovernell specifically would, would take the ball out of the end zone and not get it to the 25 pretty routinely.
54:34
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, yeah, and I mean, and I think that that's where someone like, you know, like we get out of Iowa, I think would be, you know, a fun addition to where he's really unproven as a receiver.
54:47
[SPEAKER_00]: Iowa just didn't use him in that regard, but he's, you know, an incredible returns specialist.
54:51
[SPEAKER_00]: He's someone who's shown promise on offense.
54:53
[SPEAKER_00]: He looked really good at the Shrine Bull mile accounts, too, as far as, you know, showing that separation in one on one drills.
55:01
[SPEAKER_00]: And I know if there's one thing bears fans love, it's localish schools, seeing their guys get drafted.
55:10
[SPEAKER_00]: I swear every year, if they draft someone from Illinois, or Iowa, Indiana, Notre Dame, it's all, you know, everyone's always losing their minds.
55:19
[SPEAKER_00]: Everyone's so excited about it.
55:22
[SPEAKER_00]: A lot of people were excited about the Tory Taylor, you know, like, I think like that Iowa fan base in particular, they're very passionate about their players.
55:31
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh, I'm a Missouri guy, would you figure it's not too far away, but I, I'm feel like I'm very much on an island where I'm pushing for these guys, you know, like I pushed for loot their burden, I loved him coming out.
55:43
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm talking about Kevin Coleman is like a, you know, early day three pick the receiver there now.
55:48
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't hear a ton, but Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Notre Dame.
55:53
[SPEAKER_00]: Those schools in particular, they go hard for their prospects.
55:57
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
55:58
[SPEAKER_00]: And at least at receiver this year, I think we would really fit that mold.
56:02
[SPEAKER_00]: And would really make a lot of Iowa fans out there really happy.
56:05
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I mean, I think the double of that would be Josh Cruetz.
56:10
[SPEAKER_01]: Oh, oh, yeah.
56:13
[UNKNOWN]: Yeah.
56:13
[SPEAKER_01]: the he's got to end up on the bears.
56:15
[SPEAKER_01]: It's the only the old in connection.
56:16
[SPEAKER_01]: It's like the and he absolutely.
56:18
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
56:20
[SPEAKER_00]: It makes too much sense.
56:23
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
56:23
[SPEAKER_00]: Is he a center?
56:25
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, yeah, so I'll admit I don't have a great on him.
56:28
[SPEAKER_00]: I feel like I kind of have to watch him now like out of like out of necessity.
56:33
[SPEAKER_00]: Because it's like, okay, you know, the bears, you know, it's all encroaches can't like the probably going to try and sign up, you know, as an undrafted free agent or something.
56:42
[SPEAKER_00]: So I don't have, I don't have notes on him or anything, but, you know, that's definitely something where out of necessity, because of, you know, the last name, I'm probably going to have to at some point, you know,
56:53
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
56:53
[SPEAKER_01]: All right.
56:54
[SPEAKER_01]: Last thing on the show today, and we appreciate everybody joining us here.
56:57
[SPEAKER_01]: Live on YouTube.
56:58
[SPEAKER_01]: Usually we're live Thursday nights.
57:00
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm traveling this week for the big 12 basketball tournament in Kansas City.
57:05
[SPEAKER_01]: So we did it on Friday.
57:07
[SPEAKER_01]: Friday morning this week.
57:09
[SPEAKER_01]: Next week.
57:09
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm traveling as well.
57:11
[SPEAKER_01]: But I'll be in Chicago next week.
57:12
[SPEAKER_01]: So maybe we can figure out what we're going to do it as well.
57:14
[SPEAKER_01]: But I
57:16
[SPEAKER_01]: Did this free agency week one change your market all or any other mock drafts that you've seen?
57:24
[SPEAKER_01]: Do you have it kind of an updated first-tron look based on free agency or is it still Peter Woods or Boston?
57:29
[SPEAKER_01]: Peter Woods or Dylan Theoneman and our Boston?
57:32
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I mean, so I'm not looking linebacker as early.
57:36
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I think I have to go back and check because, you know, so many mock drafts over the course of, you know, the year.
57:44
[SPEAKER_00]: But I think, you know, before they signed Dev and Bush, I was looking at linebacker maybe in round two around three something like that.
57:52
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, I was big on Kyle Lewis on a Fitzburg is, you know, one of those guys potentially with his coverage value.
58:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I think, you know, obviously like we taught we touched on defensive lines, it's still the priority early.
58:05
[SPEAKER_00]: If you get the chance to go get a safety, then you do that as well.
58:09
[SPEAKER_00]: I think, you know, you're taking out tackle probably because of bringing back Braxton and signing judger wheels, but centers now in the mix as well, safety still heavily in the mix.
58:21
[SPEAKER_00]: I think a lot of the mock drafts still going to be the same for the most part, especially
58:27
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm curious now, a defensive tackle when you look at like Caleb Banks where he took care of recently.
58:33
[SPEAKER_00]: So it came out recently.
58:35
[SPEAKER_00]: So he broke his foot again at the combine and it yeah it's such a shame because he's such a talented player, such a talented athlete, but now he's got a two broken foot, two broken feet.
58:47
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if it was, I think it might have probably been the same one.
58:50
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't remember, I don't, I don't, but
58:54
[SPEAKER_00]: Within the span of a year like that's brutal you can't take him in round one now like maybe still on the board of round two, but you can't rely on that in round one.
59:03
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think that impacts things a little bit as well.
59:09
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, Peter Woods is still my top guy.
59:11
[SPEAKER_00]: Dylan Thineman's in the mix there.
59:13
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe like a Kristen Miller, Kate and McDonald's still, but yeah, I still have a lead defensive one, though.
59:19
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, yeah.
59:20
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, I, and again, a kind of the theme of today's show is, did Freighted C. Change watch about the draft.
59:25
[SPEAKER_01]: I think you and I would agree, and you mentioned this linebacker, maybe the only position that now has,
59:31
[SPEAKER_01]: been de-prioritized, and especially given that defensive line has been heavily prioritized.
59:36
[SPEAKER_01]: And you'll look, I mean, look, there's Shemar Turner, right?
59:40
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, there's Daio.
59:41
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, there's guys we haven't talked about, but yet it feels like there's just a lot of like hope and prayers for some of these guys that they're going to come back and healthy and be good.
59:49
[SPEAKER_01]: And like that for me, the NFL off season is always funny because all the question marks in the off season turn to optimism, right?
59:55
[SPEAKER_01]: So it's like, you have to evaluate how a team has improved based on the facts and what we know.
1:00:00
[SPEAKER_01]: And there's a lot we don't know, but like not every question
1:00:04
[SPEAKER_01]: is answered affirmatively.
1:00:05
[SPEAKER_01]: You know like not every hole is filled affirmatively affirmatively.
1:00:09
[SPEAKER_01]: So I think like we have to recognize it like if you look at like what do we know about how they built the roster so far and what are like the potential like yeah like things could work out for Shemar Turner and you know and some of these other guys but like we don't know that and the chances of all of those things happening positively are very not gonna happen like they're very low it's actually happening.
1:00:32
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, no 100%.
1:00:33
[SPEAKER_00]: I love the way you put that, especially.
1:00:35
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like all the question marks turned to optimism of, oh, maybe, you know, booker will be a three-down guy, maybe that will bounce back or maybe he's motivated now, you know.
1:00:44
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's, it's an interesting time of year for sure.
1:00:49
[SPEAKER_00]: sometimes those question marks do come true and they end up, you know, that they end up, you know, sometimes they end up working out, but other times, you know, they, their question marks for a reason and they, you know, and it all falls flat.
1:01:01
[SPEAKER_00]: So who knows?
1:01:02
[SPEAKER_00]: I'd rather air on the side of caution though, so I'm hoping that they really make some moves in the draft on defensive line, especially.
1:01:08
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
1:01:09
[SPEAKER_01]: I make sure to follow Jacob on Twitter and check out his great work at Windy City Gridiron at Jacob in Font Day 24.
1:01:15
[SPEAKER_01]: You could follow
1:01:18
[SPEAKER_01]: Make sure to like and subscribe to the second city grid-iron podcast and of course the YouTube channel for all the great shows that you can catch as a part of second city grid-iron and of course make sure to like and comment on all of the live streams and the podcasts.
1:01:34
[SPEAKER_01]: If you missed this live make sure to check us out give us some comments over on our podcast page but for Jacob at fond day I'm already tempting we're back next week with the Chicago draft room but for now we're out peace