Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Bears Draft Takes, NFL Power Rankings & UFL Changes

Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: March 17, 2026

Overview

This episode dives deep into Chicago Bears draft speculation, with particular focus on Brad Biggs’ latest mock and historic team drafting patterns. Dan and Matt also break down new NFL power rankings post-free agency and discuss recent organizational controversies. In the back half, they pivot to the evolving UFL, exploring the league's latest rules and team lineups with their trademark blend of dry wit and fan banter.

Chicago Bears Draft Debate

Mock Draft Reaction: Safety vs. D-Line

(03:23 - 10:12)

• Brad Biggs’ Mock:

  • Biggs has the Bears selecting safety Dylan Thieneman at #25.
  • Pronunciation confusion around “Thieneman” sparks running gag.
  • Matt questions the logic:

    "I'm not taking him at 25... you don't take a safety with a first-round pick now." (03:23 - 03:33, Matt)

  • Both agree edge rusher/defensive line is a far more pressing need.

• Historical Concerns:

  • Dan launches into obscure Bears trivia:
    • Bears’ history with first-round safeties is almost non-existent.
    • “They've never selected a safety, period, in the first round.” (05:49, Dan)
    • Bears have never drafted a “white safety” in the first round, referencing Gary Fencik and Doug Plank but noting the team “has never used a first round pick on a white safety.” (05:23 - 05:36, Dan)
    • The list of drafted white safeties includes Chris Conte, Craig Steltz, Todd Johnson, John Mangum, and Doug Plank, generating some playful grumbling and bad memories.
      • “I still got these Chris Conte memories that are just not good for me.” (06:59, Dan)

• Draft Strategy Preferences:

  • They dissect Bears’ recent picks (Brisker, Eddie Jackson, Amos) and express strong opposition to a first-round safety in 2026.

    “If they can stand in front of me and tell me that Thieneman is an immediate difference-maker... he would have to be somebody that affects the way an offense thinks about the game.” (10:25 - 10:44, Dan)

  • Both pivot back to prioritizing the defensive line.

    “You've got to address the defensive line.” (10:12, Matt)

• Potential Draft Moves:

  • Discuss Poles’ likely draft maneuvers.
    • Bears have picks at 57, 60, and 89.
    • “I don’t think they’re selecting 57 and 60. I think he’ll move.” (08:56, Matt)

Bears’ Comp Pick Controversy with Falcons

(10:52 - 13:23)

• The Dispute:
  • Dan vents frustration over the Bears missing out on compensatory draft picks after Ian Cunningham left for Atlanta.
  • “Every single person I’ve read or heard... has said the Bears have been screwed by not getting these picks.” (12:12, Matt)
  • Dan vows to stop letting it make him mad:

    “I am in charge of how I feel about certain things... I’m not going to get angry.” (12:48 - 13:03, Dan)

NFL Power Rankings Roundup

(16:03 - 22:46)

At-a-Glance: Post-Free Agency Movements

• Seahawks #1; Rams #2; Broncos move up to #3; Bills up to #4.
• Bears drop two spots but reside at #9 — highest in NFC North.
• Ravens make a massive jump after coaching changes.
• Chiefs rise after Justin Fields’ signing.

Bear-related Commentary:

• “That’s about as high as I’ve seen the Bears.” (19:30, Dan)
• “He’s got the most recognition for the Bears so far.” (19:33, Matt)

Justin Fields’ New Landscape

• Now with the Chiefs; Mahomes expected to start.
• Dan: “I think [Fields is] settling into a career as a backup. However, with every year that goes by for Mahomes, there could be a two game period…” (20:19, Dan)
• They speculate about Fields’ long-term trajectory and role evolution.

Notable Quotes

• On Vikings’ offseason:
  • “The Vikings have had an odd and uncomfortable march so far, getting noticeably weaker up the middle.” (22:04, Matt, quoting Eric at home’s power rankings)
  • Despite signing Kyler Murray, Vikings drop four spots, leading to questions about roster coherence and leadership.

Trades & Salary Cap Maneuvers

(23:48 - 26:26)

• Broncos-Dolphins Blockbuster:
  • Jalen Waddle to Denver for three picks, including a first rounder.
• Bills’ Salary Restructuring with DJ Moore:
  • “They’ve gone to the Bank of DJ and kicked the can down the road… this is what going for it looks like.” (25:43, Dan)

2026 NFL Draft Order: Key Players

(26:11 - 27:30)

• Jets have 3 picks in the top 33, Dolphins have three in first 43, Browns at 6, 24, 39 — “You could do a lot…” (26:37, Matt)
• Both hosts express skepticism in these franchises’ ability to capitalize:

  “It’s too bad they’re gonna fuck it up.” (27:31, Matt)

UFL Rule Changes & League Overview

(27:41 - 32:38)

League Expansion & New Teams

• Matt jokes about being a lifelong St. Louis Battlehawks and Louisville Kings fan ( new teams for 2026).
• Head coaches include Ricky Proehl (Battlehawks), Chris Redman (Kings), Ted Ginn Jr. (Columbus), A.J. McCarron (Birmingham), and more.
  • “A.J. McCarron is coaching the Birmingham Stallions… I thought [he] quit football to run for lieutenant governor.” (35:14 - 35:16, Dan)

Major UFL 2026 Rule Changes

• Four-Point Field Goals:
  • Any FG 60+ yards = 4 pts.
  • “Well, I think I like the four point field goal.” (30:10, Dan)
  • “If you’re gonna make guys kick these long field goals… I think it’s…” (30:13 - 30:21, Matt)
• One Foot In-Bounds:
  • Aligns with college catch rules (easier completions).
• No Tush Push:
  • QB sneaks via “tush push” formation outlawed.
• No Punts Inside 50 Before 2-min Warning:
  • Must go for it on anything at or past opponent’s 49.
  • “If you’re at the 49 yard line… gotta go for it.” (29:41, Matt)

Rule Experimentation: Purpose & Philosophy

• Dan champions the minor leagues as innovation labs:

  “That is exactly where we should try all kinds of wild stuff in the UFL.” (31:22, Dan)

Potential Tactical Implications

• How late-game strategy shifts with four-point FGs.
• Matt: “You go up three, but what if their kicker can hit a 65-yarder?”
• Dan reflects on possible unintended consequences and future “gaming” of new rules.

UFL Fandom & Banter

(32:38 - End)

• Matt parodies super-fandom about minor league teams, teases Dan about buying St. Louis Battlehawks merch.
  • “This is my favorite shirt… just doesn’t have a hood.” (37:07, Matt)
  • “What is a Battle Hawk?” (36:55, Dan)
    “It’s like a bird with a sword.” (36:57, Matt)
• Discussion of merchandise, inside jokes about license plate laws, and Matt gifting Dan a Battlehawks license plate cover.
• Concludes on an anxious/funny note about UFL season kickoff countdown — “Not good for my anxiety… my anticipation is through the [roof].” (36:38, Dan)

Notable One-Liners & Memorable Moments

• On Draft Logic:

  “No first round white safeties. Is that the conclusion?” (39:14, Matt)
  “I’m going to leave it at that.” (39:15, Dan)

• On Minor League Rules:

  “Experiment, experiment, experiment. That’s what these crappy leagues are for.” (31:32, Dan)

• On Bears Pick Trade Controversy:

  “Every single person… has said the Bears have been screwed by not getting these picks.” (12:12, Matt)

Key Timestamps

• 03:23 – Dylan Thieneman mock draft debate and positional philosophy
• 05:08 – Deep Bears safety draft history
• 10:52 – Bears’ lost comp picks to Falcons, and emotional management
• 16:03 – NFL power rankings discussion
• 19:30 – Bears get rare power ranking respect
• 23:48 – Jalen Waddle trade and DJ Moore’s cap shuffle
• 27:41 – UFL rule changes explained
• 30:10 – Philosophizing on four-point field goal tactic
• 35:14 – Surprising (and humorous) UFL coaching rosters
• 36:38 – Battlehawks fandom and swag banter

Conclusion

This episode is a classic blend of razor-sharp draft analysis (with heavy Bears bias), NFL trend-watching, and irreverent fun about the beautify and absurdity of both major and minor league football. Dan and Matt’s rapport keeps the pace brisk and peppered with insight, sarcasm, and deep-fan references—even as they admit, “No first round white safeties. I’m going to leave it at that.” The episode is especially valuable for listeners tracking the Bears’ offseason moves, early 2026 NFL developments, and the evolving experiment of the UFL.