The NFL Draft is in the books, and the crew shares their initial reactions on the Bleacher Nation Bears Podcast, presented by Obvious Shirts.

Hosts Patrick Flowers, Matt Rooney, and Luis Medina break down a draft class that may have looked a bit unconventional at first glance, but one they’ve quickly come around on — especially with Dillon Thieneman headlining the group. The guys discuss why they were comfortable with the Bears not forcing a pick at edge rusher, even with the need still lingering, and why reaching for need could have done more harm than good.

There’s also a bit of a pie-in-the-face moment, as the crew admits they were dismissive of the idea of drafting a tight end in the middle rounds — only for the Bears to select Sam Roush. With a closer look, though, the pick makes sense within Ben Johnson’s scheme and the value of having a reliable third option at the position.

Beyond the top pick, the guys highlight some of their favorite selections throughout the draft, while also noting that the class has been well-received across analysts. With that, they discuss how Ben Johnson’s first draft earned him a level of trust — even if there are still questions to answer.

The episode wraps with a look ahead, as the Bears still have work to do along the defensive line and could explore additional help through free agency or trades in the coming months.

You can listen to Episode 28 anywhere you get your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify, but we’ve also embedded the YouTube recording here for your convenience!

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