The McShay Show — Day Three From the Combine: Previewing the Potentially Historic Edge Class

Host: The Ringer
Guests: Daniel Jeremiah, Mensch, Ryan Poles (Chicago Bears GM)
Date: February 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The McShay Show dives deep into the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, with a special emphasis on a potentially historic edge rusher class. Daniel Jeremiah and Mensch break down the unprecedented depth and athleticism at edge, linebacker, and the intrigue of the interior defensive line group. The show features a substantial interview with Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles, offering rare, honest insight into front office draft strategy, prospect evaluation, and the evolution of NFL scouting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Combine Atmosphere & Anticipation for Edge and Linebacker Groups

• The Combine, held in Indianapolis, is described by Jeremiah as "the hub of the NFL this week" ([01:17]).
• This year’s buzz centers on the edge and linebacker group workouts, scheduled for Thursday night—expected to be “one of the epic shows we’ve seen at the combine in my 25 years” ([03:37], Daniel Jeremiah).
• Contrast to previous years: Most top edge prospects are actually participating in drills, unlike recent trends where many sit out ([04:56]).

2. Historic Edge Rusher Depth and Draft Impact

• Jeremiah compares this class to 2017, which had eight edge/edge-type players taken in the first round, but notes this crop may be even purer as true edges ([08:35], [10:40]).
• Five "locks" for the first round: David Bailey, Arvell Reese, Ruben Bane, Cassius Howell, Akeem Messador.
• Other strong candidates: Keldrick Falk, Zion Young, T.J. Parker, R Mason Thomas ([10:40]-[11:39]).
• Notable Quote:
  “There’s going to be one of the fastest early runs on edge rushers that we’ve seen maybe ever. And certainly like in the last decade.” — Daniel Jeremiah ([08:35])

3. Profiling Top Edge Prospects

• Arvell Reese is highlighted as a versatile freak whose evolution is reminiscent of Micah Parsons—a potential top 2 pick who has proven pass rushing ability and off-ball skills ([06:53]-[07:39]).
• Keldrick Falk is praised for his unique build and athleticism; “He weighs 285, but you look at him, you’re like how is that 285?” — Mensch ([12:22]).
• The demand for edge rushers is at an all-time high, with up to 6 teams in the top 10 seeking help at the position ([13:01]).

4. NFL Prioritization of Edge

• Edge is now widely regarded as the No. 2 positional priority, only behind quarterback, surpassing left tackle.
• Team-building examples: Seahawks and Eagles’ Super Bowl runs, both driven by deep pass-rush rotations ([14:01]).

5. Hybrid Linebackers and the Sonny Styles Factor

• The linebacker class isn’t as headline-grabbing as edge, but is unusually deep, particularly with versatile, modern hybrids ([19:14]).
• Sonny Styles: Anticipated to have a workout on par with or better than last year’s Combine star Eman Worre, with rare size and athleticism for the position ([21:14]-[21:31]).
• “That group is going to be intriguing. But Styles is going to be the show, man.” — Mensch ([21:18]).

6. Intrigue Around Interior Defensive Linemen

• NFL teams continue to value 320+ pound interior linemen who can stop the run out of light boxes.
• Top names: Kaden McDonald (“premier run-stopping tackle”), Peter Woods, Lee Hunter, Caleb Banks ([25:52]-[26:11]).
• Banks is named a wild card due to injury and interview concerns ([27:25]).

7. Draft Evaluation Trends & Process

• Many prospects are more NFL-ready due to NIL and extended college careers, but the projection gap may shrink as a result ([52:03], Ryan Poles).
• Value of cross-training: Teams want position-flexible defenders (edge/LB hybrids, oversized linebackers) to maximize schematic creativity.
• The Bears (per GM Ryan Poles) use a very focused draft board (120-140 names this year), with strict standards ([50:45]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I’m not overhyping this...this has a chance...to be one of the epic shows we’ve seen at the combine in my 25 years." — Daniel Jeremiah on this year’s edge/LB group ([03:37])
• "Typically what we've seen...is you go through all the edge drills and then...they’ll then do position drills with the linebacker...more space stuff." — Jeremiah on hybrid workouts ([07:01])
• On Arvell Reese:
  "People to understand how good Jamie Collins was...I think Reese’s ceiling is even higher." — Mensch & Jeremiah ([16:18])
• On modern draft philosophy:
  “Edge has shifted to number two. And I think finding pass-protecting offensive tackles is probably still number three.” — Jeremiah ([13:01])
• GM Ryan Poles on handling noise and pressure:
  “I have to get off of [social media] because if I’m acting out of fear or, or acting out of close mindedness, then we’re not gonna be in a good spot.” ([42:46])
• Poles on learning from mistakes:
  "If it goes against being a good teammate...it’s okay to move on maybe even quicker than you think because...the effect it can have on others." ([56:31])
• On draft process:
  “It’s a long process, but what happens is you get a really good feel for the entire board...Your whole staff develops at a very high rate.” — Ryan Poles ([48:43])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:37: Jeremiah frames the edge group as potentially historic.
• 06:53–08:35: Deep dive on positional flexibility and Arvell Reese’s hybrid potential.
• 10:40–11:39: Discussing the likely number of first-round edge picks and draft history comparison.
• 13:01: Edge as the modern NFL's #2 draft priority, with playoff-winning examples.
• 15:44–17:44: Notable Jamie Collins/Arvell Reese comp and its significance for modern defenses.
• 19:14–21:51: Overview of top linebacker prospects, workout expectations for Sonny Styles.
• 25:52–27:50: Trends and strategy for interior defensive line prospects.
• 33:34–59:04: In-depth, wide-ranging interview with Bears GM Ryan Poles, covering:
  • Early scouting stories and influences ([34:08])
  • Evaluating and landing on Caleb Williams ([36:40])
  • Integrating human element and support for young players ([39:15])
  • Strategies for blocking out media/fan pressure and leading under scrutiny ([42:46])
  • Draft board philosophy, draft simulation, and scouting evolution ([46:50], [49:04])
  • Poles’ favorite parts of his job, challenges, staffing mistakes, and personal process ([53:07], [54:40], [56:31])
• 50:45: Discussion of draft board size and its meaning
• 52:03: NIL/pandemic implications for player readiness
• 57:48: The essential, light-hearted “draft spread” question (Poles: sushi and late night pizza/wings)

Flow, Energy, and Tone

The conversation throughout is excited but measured, packed with field-level insight, and full of friendly ribbing between long-time analysts and insiders. Jeremiah and Mensch geek out over combine specifics, push each other on sleeper prospects, and drop a few classic “McShay is overhyping this class” self-jokes before, as always, landing on why this year’s edge group might actually deserve it.

The interview with Ryan Poles is especially notable for its candor and openness with both process details and the personal tolls and joys of the job. Throughout, the tone is analytical, engaged, and deeply invested in the people as much as the players.

In Summary

This episode is a can’t-miss deep dive for anyone seeking real draft-room insight or wanting to understand why 2026 could set new standards for edge talent in the NFL. It’s also a rare chance to hear a current GM detail, in his own words, how decision-making, evaluation, and leadership really work behind the scenes in the modern NFL.

For the full mock draft and more, McShay’s report is online: mcshay-report.beehiiv.com/subscribe