Day Three From the Combine: Previewing the Potentially Historic Edge Class

The McShay Show

The Ringer

Sports, Football

4.7 • 661 Ratings

🗓️ 25 February 2026

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Welcome to The McShay Show! In the last edition of their combine primer series, the guys discuss their workout expectations for what’s expected to be a potentially historic edge class. Then, they’re joined by Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles, who talks about Caleb Williams’s development, how mock drafts inform his process, and more.0:00 Welcome to The McShay show!2:45 NFL Combine coverage: day three3:18 This defensive line, edge, and LB class could be all-time8:00 Evaluating the 2026 EDGE class18:45 Evaluating the 2026 linebacker class23:50 Evaluating the 2026 interior defensive line class31:25 Bears GM Ryan Poles joins the show33:20 Ryan's journey to becoming an NFL executive34:30 Drafting and developing Caleb Williams42:20 What's next for the Bears?44:30 Ryan's draft philosophiesLearn more and join waitlist at ScoutMotors.comThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Host: Todd McShayGuests: Steve Muench and Ryan PolesProducers: Tucker Tashjian, Conor Nevins, and Daniel ComerSocial: Jon Roemer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	We're live from Indy.
0:07.7	It's Wednesday at the 2026 NFL scouting combine, and we've got some urgency with this
0:12.9	defensive line and linebacker group.
0:14.8	It's all the talk in Indianapolis right now with NFL teams.
0:18.2	Plus, we've got another great conversation with the general manager, Ryan Poles,
0:22.8	from the Chicago Bears. I got news for you, Munch, just 57 days until the NFL draft. You good?
0:29.8	I'm stoked, man. Tucker roll that thing, man. You can feel it in the air.
0:51.3	It's exciting now.
0:53.3	We're here Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. It's now Wednesday afternoon.
0:58.0	And with the exception of quarterback carousel talk, the Malik Willis situation, Daniel Jones going back to Indianapolis, Aaron Rogers going back to Pittsburgh, who were some of the other guys.
1:10.7	I thought it was interesting.
1:12.1	Nick Casario came out and absolutely squashed the concept that C.J. Stroud could be moving, right?
1:18.6	Man, we're excited about this new partnership.
1:20.6	This episode is presented by Scout Motors.
1:23.5	Every new year, we do a lot of forward thinking and planning for what's to come.
1:27.8	Just like the all-new Scout Terra and Scout Traveler, they're being revamped for what comes next,
1:33.7	taking that classic 70s design and improving it with modern engineering, including plans for advanced four-wheel drive.
1:41.8	So look ahead.
1:42.9	Join the wait list at Scout Motors.com, just like I just did.
1:47.1	Concept vehicles, not available for sale.
1:49.5	Features and performance specifications are preliminary and subject to change.
1:53.7	Joining the wait list does not guarantee purchase.
	...

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