Bears Draft Preview: Strategy, Targets & Big Questions

About this episode

The episode discusses the Chicago Bears' draft strategy, key targets, and positional needs ahead of the NFL Draft.

Clay Harbor teams up with CHSN host Gabe Ramirez, stepping in for Ruthie Polinsky, to map out the Chicago Bears’ approach ahead of the draft. The guys react to assistant GM Jeff King’s media availability and use it as a springboard to break down the team’s overall strategy, including how Ben Johnson’s vision could shape their first-round direction and the type of player who best fits his scheme. As the conversation builds, they revisit Colston Loveland’s outlook following his media session and the scrutiny surrounding his 2025 draft class, while also checking in on Garrett Bradbury’s early efforts to establish himself within the Bears’ culture. From there, the focus shifts to the bigger picture, identifying key positional needs, evaluating potential options at pick No. 25 (and who to avoid), and weighing the value of older prospects. Clay highlights defensive end Austin Booker as a name to watch, and Gabe closes by laying out why he expects the Bears to stay active and potentially make moves when draft night arrives.

People in this episode

Hosts: Gabe Ramirez, Ruthie Polinsky

Guest: Clay Harbor

Topics covered

• Chicago Bears
• NFL Draft
• Player Strategy
• Positional Needs
• Draft Targets
• Team Culture

Keywords

• Chicago Bears
• NFL Draft
• Ben Johnson
• Colston Loveland
• Austin Booker
• Garrett Bradbury
• draft strategy
• positional needs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chicago Bears

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• Way-Too-Early Bears Record Prediction · May 20, 2026 · 48 min
• REACTION to Bears' 2026 Schedule · May 15, 2026 · 31 min
• Ranking Ryan Poles' Draft Classes · May 6, 2026 · 47 min
• Bears Draft Recap · April 28, 2026 · 46 min