Hoge & Jahns: a show about the Chicago Bears

Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears general manager focused on roster construction and draft strategy. Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears head coach emphasizing QB development and offensive philosophy. They talk Caleb Williams’ leadership growth, daily QB meeting routines, defensive identity and pass rush plans, offseason self-scouting, and how coaching and scouting priorities are aligning ahead of the 2026 draft.

Eric Edholm, NFL.com writer and draft analyst, maps the top EDGE and interior pass-rush prospects. He ranks players like Zion Young, Keldric Faulk, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Gabe Ackis and previews interior three-tech fits. Short, sharp takes on who will be available at 25, traits Ryan Poles values, and when the Bears should pounce in the draft.

Peggy Kusinski, veteran Chicago sports reporter who covered the Bears, and Dionne Miller, ESPN 1000 radio analyst, discuss Ben Johnson’s early impact on the team. They compare his style to past coaches, detail roster shifts like OL investments and rookie playmakers, and zoom out to Chicago’s broader sports moment and the high-stakes stadium politics shaping the franchise’s future.

Zack Pearson, Bears reporter and draft analyst; Chris Emma, Chicago beat reporter and radio personality. They break down Jack Sanborn's reunion and fit in Dennis Allen's defense. They evaluate DL additions and cap/roster balance. They debate best offseason moves like Garrett Bradbury and Kobe Bryant. They discuss pass-rush and cornerback concerns and outline draft priorities, targets, and surprising pick possibilities.

They run a Mock Draft update focused on shoring up the defensive line and safety positions. Debate centers on choosing a top safety versus a pass rusher at pick 25. Later picks target pass rushers, cornerbacks, interior line help, and developmental depth pieces. The conversation ties prospects to scheme fit and how to keep building around Caleb Williams.

They break down Chicago’s roster needs after free agency, focusing on pass rusher, safety, defensive line, center, and cornerback. They debate priority between elite edge rushers and safety help. Trade strategies around pick 25 and a best-player-available mindset are discussed. Plus reactions to recent NFC North moves and how new signings like Cam Lewis and Contavious Street fit the defense.

Hosts react to recent Bears signings and judge which addition could move the needle most this season. They dissect Devin Bush’s fit in Dennis Allen’s scheme and why coaching stability helped his rebound. Conversation turns to Coby Bryant’s transition to safety and how his speed could spark turnovers. They also explain why center Garrett Bradbury might be crucial for protecting the offense.

Jesse Merrick, Raiders reporter for the Silver & Black Sports Network, offers insider perspective on the Maxx Crosby saga and Las Vegas' offseason moves. Conversation covers whether Chicago’s roster upgrades truly improve the team. They debate pass rush needs, left tackle concerns, draft-and-develop patience, and whether a trade for Crosby would move the needle.

Reaction to the Bears’ first wave of free agent signings, focusing on additions like a speedy safety, a fast linebacker and a stout interior tackle. Discussion of position fits, a corner-to-safety transition, and how speed and depth reshape the defense. Conversation about center market chaos, roster construction, cap implications, and how veteran QB movement impacts the quarterback room.

A rapid wrap-up of major roster moves, including a blockbuster trade and a veteran release that freed significant cap space. They debate center priorities after a retirement and whether to draft or sign linebackers. The conversation covers how past trades shaped current flexibility and previews an important negotiation window for a top safety.