Herb Howard talks Bears, previews NFL Draft (Hour 4)

In this hour-long episode of the Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show, Bears beat reporter Herb Howard joins the hosts to break down the upcoming NFL Draft and the Bears' offseason priorities. The conversation centers on the team's defensive backfield, with Howard and the hosts debating whether the Bears should take a cornerback with their top pick at 25 overall, given the depth issues at the position. They weigh the potential of developing in-house talent like Tyreek Stevenson and Zay Frazier against the value of drafting a high-upside safety like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren or Theoneman. Howard emphasizes the Bears’ philosophy of coaching-driven development, citing the breakout of Nashawn Wright as proof of concept, but expresses skepticism about the long-term ceiling of recently drafted edge rushers like Dio Dangbo and Shamar Turner. The discussion then shifts to the quarterback room, where Howard praises Caleb Williams’ potential, especially under Ben Johnson’s structured system, and contrasts the current stability with the chaos of past Bears QB situations. The hosts also assess the offensive line, particularly Braxton Jones at left tackle, concluding that while he’s not elite, he may be serviceable with proper development. Finally, the episode closes with a humorous anecdote about Gabe Ramirez being mistaken for Clay Harbor at a sports bar, underscoring the show’s lighthearted tone. Key takeaways include: 1) The Bears may prioritize drafting a safety over a cornerback in the first round due to better value and depth; 2) The team’s faith in coaching to develop players like Shamar Turner and Dio Dangbo is central to their draft strategy; 3) Braxton Jones is likely to start at left tackle unless outperformed by Jed Wills or others; 4) Caleb Williams’ success hinges on the continuity of Ben Johnson’s system; 5) The Bears’ offensive philosophy favors balanced ball distribution over relying on a single star receiver; 6) The team’s depth at wide receiver and tight end reduces the urgency to replace DJ Moore; 7) The draft strategy may involve trading back to accumulate more picks; 8) The Bears’ culture of development, while risky, is a core tenet of their front office approach.