Transcript

Grainger Announcer (0:00)

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Dan Bernstein (0:41)

I sure am, Tammy. And I don't even know why I drove out here. Because as you know, you got customized renters insurance through Geico, so your stuff is covered.

Grainger Announcer (0:49)

Oh, well, that's great. Any sign of crime there, Art?

Dan Bernstein (0:52)

Just some light littering, Tammy. But like they say, a little litter can lead to a lot.

Grainger Announcer (0:56)

Wise words. It feels good to worry less. It feels good to Geico.

Dan Bernstein (1:00)

Everybody talked about it since I first moved to Oregon. The big one. The earthquake that trashed the whole West Coast. Total destruction. Officially calling it the largest natural disaster in American history. I just didn't know what would help me next.

Matt Abeticola (1:15)

So I took it all.

Dan Bernstein (1:16)

Even the gun. It was time. Cello see why American Afterlife is the number one fiction and drama podcast in America. Presented by pair of thieves. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite shows available now. I mean, if you're a Bears fan, you're thinking forward progress. Come on.

Matt Abeticola (1:45)

Has had forward progress. A Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and matabeticola on 31 2, sports.

Dan Bernstein (1:59)

You've got forward progress on 312 sports. As we talk bears and NFL. And I decided this might be a good time and you tell me if it's not. I just want to see now that we are through free agency and the draft, the essential state of the Chicago Bears depth chart of who's where. That fair.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Chicago Bears Depth Chart: What Did We Learn?
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola (312 Sports)
Date: May 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the recently updated Chicago Bears depth chart in the wake of the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency period. Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola provide granular analysis, mixing detailed roster insights with signature banter and humor. The conversation ranges from roster breakdowns and NFL nostalgia to recent league news and some colorful detours into food and weekend plans.

Detailed Breakdown

1. Reviewing the Bears Depth Chart

Timestamps: 01:59–07:22

Source & Approach: Dan prefers the "Our Lads" depth chart as a non-biased reference for lineup analysis.
- "I generally default to Our Lads... The objective one... I think it provides the color-coded information." (02:36, Dan)

Offensive Breakdown

WR Room:
- Slot receiver is Khalif Raymond, flanked by Rome Odunze and Luther Burden.
- Noteworthy: Xavion Thomas (recent draft pick) immediately behind Burden; Jade Walker behind Odunze.
Left Tackle: Ozzy Trapillo listed but marked as injured; backups are Theo Benedict & Jedrick Wills Jr.
Right Tackle: Braxton Jones currently backup; Kiran Amaga-Dje is third string.
Tight End: Sam Roush (3rd rd pick) already listed as TE3.
Center: Garrett Bradbury starting, Logan Jones backing up.
Quarterbacks: Caleb Williams, then Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum, Miller Moss.
- "So they still have Caleb ahead of Bajent." (04:54, Matt)
- "They do. Amazingly. I know that shocks you." (04:57, Dan)

Defensive Breakdown

New Starters:
- Devin Bush (MLB), Kobe Bryant (FS), Dylan Thienaman (SS).
DL Depth:
- Neville Gallimore & Kentavius Street as DT reserves; James Lynch, Jordan Van der Vandenberg on 3rd string.
CBs: 4th-rounder Malik Muhammad is Tyrique Stevenson’s backup.
DEs: Montez Sweat and Dio Odengbo are starters; Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy as backups.
Special Teams:
- Long snapper: Luke Elkin
- Xavion Thomas now both #1 for punt and kick returns, with Khalif Raymond as backup, shifting from prior listings.
  - "Okay, well then that's changed because Khalif Raymond was listed as the punt returner..." (06:41, Matt)

Key Takeaways

Dan is concerned about the defense with Devin Bush replacing Tremaine Edmunds:
- "I keep looking at that one, I'm like, I think Tremaine Edmunds did more than you think he did. I really do. I continue to have some concerns about the quality of this defense..." (07:23, Dan)

2. NFL Nostalgia: Calais Campbell and Draft Classes

Timestamps: 08:01–12:42

Reverie on Calais Campbell’s longevity and the surprising persistence of players from the 2008 draft.
- Fun names: Matt Forte (“how long has he been retired?”), Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson (still active).
Reflection on the 2008 Bears draft—few memorable names besides Matt Forte.
- "Man, we were, God, we were right in our prime there." (13:01, Matt)
- "I don't remember any of those names." (13:06, Dan)

Memorable Moment

Funny story about boosting player interview turnout during training camp with the help of a blonde friend and a golf cart.
- "That's like switching from plastics to live shiners... you bring the live bait with you and one guest after another..." (14:45, Dan)

3. Early 2027 Mock Draft and NFL Draft Ratings

Timestamps: 16:47–21:32

2027 Mock Draft

Jordan Reid’s first ESPN mock draft: Bears projected to pick Ahmad Moten, DT (Miami), 16th overall.
- "That's not the issue. Why 16? They're gonna finish... in the middle of the league. Yeah, the hell? I don't like this." (17:36, Dan)
- Matt and Dan joke about knowing nothing about the prospect.

NFL Draft Ratings

Noted decline (12% down YOY) in NFL Draft viewing despite being third-highest ever.
Both hosts skeptical that Shadour Sanders' draft slide meaningfully impacted viewership.
- "Do you really think that Shador Sanders drama made that big difference?" (20:34, Dan)
- "No, absolutely not." (20:34, Matt)

4. Cleveland Browns QB Drama and the Mary Kay Cabot Controversy

Timestamps: 21:32–28:10

Browns depth chart: early camp suggests Deshaun Watson ahead of Shadour Sanders, Dylan Gabriel, Taylen Green.
Mary Kay Cabot (legendary Browns beat reporter) advocates for naming Watson the starter—elicits “go make a sandwich” from Shiloh Sanders, sparking a strong rebuke from Dan and Matt.

Notable Quotes

"Mary Kay Cabot is not to be messed with... when it comes to a beat reporter in the NFL—not just in a rabid football city, but in the entire league." (24:51, Dan)
"To tell her to go make a sandwich because she's a woman... that's just stupid." (27:00, Dan)
Both are unified in their praise and defense of Cabot’s professionalism.

5. NFL Roster/Option News & Family Connections

Timestamps: 28:21–30:11

Fifth-year options declined for several recent picks (Broderick Jones, Tyree Wilson, Miles Murphy).
Bengals’ personnel moves overseen by Duke Tobin, son of long-time Bears executive Bill Tobin.
- Brief family tree review for NFL front office nerds.

6. The 312 Sports Rewards, Food Talk, and Weekend Plans

Timestamps: 30:11–38:39

Reward Announcement

New rewards on the 312 Sports app, including dinners and Weezer concert tickets (promo code: MATT for entries).

Food Discussion

Giordano’s pizza for Jackson’s birthday.
Extended banter about favorite toppings.
Classic food cravings triggered by recording schedule.

Weekend Chores and Annoyances

Amusing exchange about folding laundry:
- "You wash laundry and then just let it sit... that's pathological that you're lazy." (39:14, Matt)
- "It has to age." (39:29, Dan)
Brief argument over proper string cheese etiquette—unanimous on 'pull it into strings,' not bite.

7. NFL Comebacks & Player Reputations

Timestamps: 35:09–37:16

Former Bear Chase Claypool gets a Packers rookie minicamp tryout.
Immediate comedic riff:
- "That would be trading a high second round pick for Chase Claypool..." (35:43, Dan)
- "He should go to the Mickey Rooney camp instead of rookie mini camp." (36:02, Matt)
- Advice for Claypool: "Try. Actually physically try and put some effort into what you do." (36:36, Dan)

8. Final Food Tangent: Lupini Beans, Cheeses, and Charcuterie

Timestamps: 41:16–45:46

Both hosts wax poetic on Italian deli treats, string cheese rituals, and how to enhance a charcuterie board with lupini beans and marcona almonds.
"The tactile nature of it is part of the fun of having a string cheese." (42:25, Dan)
"You also eat it slower, and that allows your body to... you're not as hungry when you eat it slower." (43:23, Dan)

Notable Quotes

On Using Depth Charts:
"I go with Our Lads... that's sort of the objective one... it's the easiest for me to click around on." (02:36, Dan)
On Trevor Edmunds’ Departure:
"I think Tremaine Edmunds did more than you think he did..." (07:23, Dan)
On QBs:
"So they still have Caleb ahead of Bajent." (04:54, Matt)
On Player Motivation:
"Try. Actually physically try and put some effort into what you do. That probably would go a long way." (36:36, Dan on Claypool)
On Mary Kay Cabot:
"Mary Kay Cabot is not to be messed with... one of the all-time most trusted football voices." (24:51, Dan)

Important Timestamps

Bears Depth Chart Analysis: 01:59–07:22
Calais Campbell Draft Class Reminiscence: 08:01–12:42
Mock Draft & Ratings: 16:47–21:32
Mary Kay Cabot/Deshaun Watson Discussion: 21:32–28:10
Roster Option News: 28:21–30:11
Rewards & Food Segment: 30:11–38:39
Chase Claypool Comeback: 35:09–37:16
Charcuterie, Cheese & Lupini Beans: 41:16–45:46

Tone & Style

Balanced, Knowledgeable, Witty: The hosts seamlessly blend in-depth football analysis with humor, personal anecdotes, and the feeling of an ongoing conversation with the Chicago fan base.
Casual but Passionate: Passion for the Bears remains at the core, with periodic asides into real-life topics and nostalgia.

For Listeners

If you missed this episode, you’ll get the latest on who’s on top of the Bears depth chart as camp opens, an honest read of rising and falling prospects, and a window into how Chicago sports media veterans weave fun and flavor into football talk. Come for the roster notes, stay for the wit and the snack tips.