Best of the Bears: Best strategy for using 25th overall pick in NFL Draft

Mully & Haugh Show41mApril 18, 2026

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Best of the Bears: Best strategy for using 25th overall pick in NFL Draft” inside PodZeus.

AI-Generated Summary

The Mully & Haugh Show dives into the Chicago Bears' strategic approach to the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, analyzing whether they should stay put or trade up. Hosts Marshall Harris and Gabe Ramirez explore the Bears' pressing needs—particularly on defense, with a strong emphasis on edge rushers and safeties—while weighing the risks of drafting a high-upside player versus a safer, more consistent one. The discussion centers on Keldrick Falk, a high-potential edge rusher from Auburn with elite athletic traits but limited production, as a top target. They also examine Braxton Jones’ potential to reclaim the starting left tackle role after a major ankle injury, highlighting his resilience and the team’s internal development philosophy under Ben Johnson and Dan Rochard. The hosts debate whether the Bears should prioritize immediate impact at a need position or use their pick to develop talent in-house, ultimately leaning toward a best-available strategy that balances risk and long-term growth. The episode concludes with a lively back-and-forth on mock drafts, trade scenarios, and the importance of player fit over positional need.

Key Takeaways
1

The Bears should consider trading up to 16 to target a top edge rusher like Keldrick Falk, especially if the Lions pass on him.

2

Braxton Jones has a real shot at starting at left tackle in 2026 if he stays healthy and proves consistent during training camp.

3

The safety position is a strong value target at 25, with Dylan Thienemann emerging as a top candidate.

4

Ben Johnson’s 'best player available' philosophy allows for risk-taking on high-upside players, even if they don’t fit traditional need profiles.

5

The Bears may avoid drafting a left tackle in the first round, trusting internal development over high draft capital.

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Ben Johnson's Vision and the Bears' Draft Position

The episode opens with a discussion of Ben Johnson’s offensive vision and how it shapes the Bears’ roster construction. The team’s improved performance has landed them a lower draft pick, giving them more flexibility. The hosts reflect on the excitement and pressure surrounding the 25th overall pick.

10:00
10 min

Positional Needs and the Edge Rusher Dilemma

If you're at a position of need, do you take risk inside of the position of need? Do you take the steadiest guy or do you take the guy with upside?

Highlight
20:00
10 min

The Case for Keldrick Falk and the Safety Position

He's got to be in the mix, I would think, unless there's something about him that they're completely turned off by, was playing top-level competition in the SEC.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Braxton Jones: The Comeback Story and Left Tackle Outlook

I'm not sure. I don't want to call him a starter yet. I'm here with... I'm here. You convinced me. Listen. I'm out. I want him to be... Theo Benedict. I want him to be the best player available.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Trade Up vs. Stay Put: Strategic Considerations

The hosts debate whether the Bears should trade up to secure a top-tier player or stay at 25 to preserve their second-round picks. They reference Bill Barnwell’s analysis suggesting a trade up to 16 could allow them to beat the Lions to a key edge rusher.

High-Impact Quotes
He's got to be in the mix, I would think, unless there's something about him that they're completely turned off by, was playing top-level competition in the SEC.
Gabe Ramirez15:26
Viral: 80.0
If you're at a position of need, do you take risk inside of the position of need? Do you take the steadiest guy or do you take the guy with upside?
Marshall Harris8:31
Viral: 75.0
The Bears should trade up to 16 to target a top edge rusher like Keldrick Falk, especially if the Lions pass on him.
Gabe Ramirez22:11
Viral: 72.0
Speakers

Hosts

Marshall HarrisGabe Ramirez
Topics Discussed
NFL Draft Strategy90%Braxton Jones Comeback88%Bears Defensive Line Needs85%Best Player Available82%Edge Rusher Evaluation80%Trade Up or Stay Put78%Safety Position Value75%Offensive Line Development70%
People & Brands

Braxton Jones

person

15xPositive

Ben Johnson

person

12xPositive

Ryan Poles

person

10xPositive

Keldrick Falk

person

8xPositive

Dan Rochard

person

7xPositive

Dylan Thienemann

person

6xPositive

Mark Grody

person

6xPositive

Dennis Allen

person

5xPositive

Theo Benedett

person

5xNeutral

Caden Proctor

person

4xNeutral

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Best of the Bears: Best strategy for using 25th overall pick in NFL Draft” inside PodZeus.

Start discovering podcast insights today

Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.

No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime