Forward Progress: Will the Chicago Bears Draft a Defensive Tackle?

Podcast: Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast

Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Date: March 19, 2026
Episode Focus: Examining whether the Chicago Bears will address defensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft, with broader discussion of the team's draft plans, current roster, and notable NFL storylines.

Episode Overview

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola use their trademark blend of analytical depth and fan passion to explore whether defensive tackle will be a Bears draft priority. They break down the current roster, debate key needs at multiple positions, and share inside perspectives about Chicago’s draft process. Along the way, they riff on Bears culture, reference NFL news, and sprinkle in memorable stories and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jack Sanborn’s Role on Defense and Special Teams

[01:25–04:40]

• Sanborn’s Return: Celebrated but with reservations. “He does not fit a Dennis Allen defense. If he fits a Richard Hightower special teams, that might be a little different.” (Dan Bernstein, 01:57)
• Player Evaluation: Sanborn is strong against the run but limited in space/coverage. "If you’re asking him on a wheel route to turn his hips and give chase, no, thank you." (Dan Bernstein, 02:55)
• Specialized Usage: “Very specialized usage. Then special teams, of course. And then on defense, I mean, can he line them up and go run after the running back with the football? Go chase the quarterback?” (Matt Abbatacola, 03:09)
• Sanborn's Nicknames & Physique: Discussion about his muscular neck, “the Neck,” with a comedic aside about neck muscles sounding like dinosaur names.

2. Defensive Tackle Depth and Draft Prospects

[05:07–08:10]

• Roster Review: The Bears currently have six defensive tackles: Javon Dexter, Grady Jarrett, Neville Gallimore, Kentavia Street, James Lynch, Shemar Turner.
• Should the Bears Draft a DT?
  • “I don’t think there’s anybody on here that should prevent them, if they want one, from drafting one. I’m not saying you reach for one, but there is not a name on this roster that should preclude a tackle being drafted.” (Dan Bernstein, 06:12)
  • Matt counters that with so many newly acquired DTs and second-round investment in Shemar Turner, they may wait.
  • “I think there’s other moves have to be made if they’re going to draft tackles.” (Matt Abbatacola, 10:48)
  • “They may rather staff this position… with veteran bodies.” (Dan Bernstein, 11:28)

3. Other Bears Draft Needs: Safety, Edge, OL, and Offense

[08:10–10:48]

• Edge Rusher a Priority: Both hosts agree defensive end/edge is a more pressing need than DT.
  • “I’m very confident that the Bears’ first pick… will be defense. Edge rusher.” (Matt Abbatacola, 05:24)
• Safety: With two starting safeties just signed, a rookie is unlikely to start this year, but development depth is expected.
• Offensive Additions:
  • “At least half of this draft will be offense.” (Both, 08:54–12:44)
  • Positional asks: third tight end (Day 3), wider receiver, and a versatile offensive lineman.
  • Flexibility to trade down—targeting the “sweet spot” of picks in the 40–75 range.
  • “If they could add two more in there… you might be talking, if that’s where the bubble is in this draft and you want to just sit in there.” (Dan Bernstein, 09:45)

4. Draft Process Behind the Scenes

[10:07–10:48]

• Scout Collaboration:
  • “You get the initial reports... all your scouts in the field: ‘I love this guy.’ ‘I love that guy.’ Narrow it down…” (Dan Bernstein, 10:08)
  • “Guys trade names and now go look at, grade your peers’ work here… we’re going to meet again.” (Dan Bernstein, 10:32)
  • Playful dig at “Steve and Larry” in the draft room.

5. Running Back: Wild Card Draft Possibility

[12:50–13:38]

• Unlikely, but possible:
  • “If one of these running backs is there... I think it’s unlikely.” (Dan Bernstein, 12:52)
  • “You can find running backs anywhere.” (Dan Bernstein, 13:08)
• Roschon Johnson’s Role Questioned:
  • “...if he’s better than Roschon Johnson, we can finally figure out why the Roschon Johnson thing has lasted as long as it has.” (Dan Bernstein, 13:29)

6. Bears’ Quarterback Room Situation

[12:01–12:44]

• QB Drafted? Only if major trade ensues: “Unless they make that trade with Cade Williams and move him out… like we’ve talked about, like advocating for that for years.” (Matt Abbatacola, 12:07)

7. NFL News Commentary: Media & Front Office Conflicts

[18:40–20:56]

• Troy Aikman Consulting for Dolphins:

  • “Troy Aikman has decided that because… the NFL didn’t really continue their... prevention of Tom Brady having multiple roles... Aikman… said, well, I guess I'm going to be a consultant for the Miami Dolphins.” (Dan Bernstein, 18:40)
  • Worries about conflicts of interest for broadcasters working with NFL teams.
  • League says, “would address this at the appropriate time.” (Dan Bernstein, 19:25)
  • “Something reasonable has to happen. I mean this is the guy that will be calling your next Super Bowl and he works for the Miami Dolphins.” (Matt Abbatacola, 20:38)

• League Governance Skepticism:

  • Fears that gambling interests may be the only real check on NFL transparency.
  • “It may be the larger force that keeps the league honest...” (Dan Bernstein, 23:19)

8. NFL Governance, Trade Rules, and Broadcasting Influence

[24:46–26:36]

• Proposed Rule Change: Expanding the window for trading draft picks from three years to five.
• Broadcast Impact: Modern TV broadcast teams sometimes directly influence NFL officiating decisions.
  • “Terry McAuley… mentioned... I think they ruled this thing wrong... he called the league office...” (Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola, 25:53–26:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Defensive Tackles:

  • "There is not a name on this roster that should preclude a tackle being drafted." (Dan Bernstein, 06:12)

• On Roster Churn & Defensive Depth:

  • “They may rather staff this position this year with veteran bodies.” (Dan Bernstein, 11:28)

• On Draft Sweet Spot:

  • “If they could add two more in there... talking if that’s where the bubble is in this draft.” (Dan Bernstein, 09:45)

• On Roschon Johnson:

  • “Because I have yet to see him really do anything.” (Dan Bernstein, 13:37)

• Humor – Player Nickname:

  • “He’s been the Sandman. They call him the Neck. He’s got those giant sternocleidomastoids...” (03:35–04:01)

• On NFL Media-Consultant Conflicts:

  • “This is the guy that will be calling your next Super Bowl and he works for the Miami Dolphins.” (Matt Abbatacola, 20:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|---------------| | 01:25–04:40 | Jack Sanborn's role and fit | | 05:07–08:10 | Defensive tackle depth and draft question | | 08:10–10:48 | Overall roster review & other draft needs | | 12:50–13:38 | Running back draft possibility/Johnson critique | | 18:40–20:56 | Troy Aikman and media/NFL conflicts of interest | | 24:46–26:36 | NFL rules proposals, broadcast influence on officiating |

Tone & Style

• Authentic, unfiltered Chicago flavor—mix of frank football analysis, relatable frustration, and fan humor.
• Focus on the front office’s logic over mere wish-listing.
• Always balancing broader NFL context with the Bears’ situation.

For Bears Fans & NFL Listeners

If you haven’t heard the episode:

• This conversation gives you a clear snapshot of the Bears’ realistic draft thinking—DT is possible, but not a lock, and edge and offense are clear needs.
• You’ll also get a window into the sometimes-murky relationship between NFL rules, media, and transparency.
• And, you’ll catch plenty of the familiar sarcastic banter and culinary tangents these hosts are loved for.

Episode summary by Forward Progress Podcast Summarizer (2026).