The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Who Has the Most to Prove at Bears Rookie Minicamp?

Rookie Minicamp is here, and The Charter team is ready to hit Halas Hall. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor preview what to watch for as Bears rookies take the field for the first time. Clay shares what his own rookie minicamp with the Eagles was really like, including learning a brand-new playbook on the fly, catching lasers from Michael Vick, and earning trust through football IQ. Plus: who has the most to prove, which undrafted guys could rise, and why coaching matters just as much as the reps.

Coaching Points: What We Learned About Luther Burden III & Shemar Turner

With the Bears’ rookie minicamp around the corner, Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive into exclusive interviews with the coaches who know the Bears’ top draft picks best. Clay sits down with Mizzou wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler to unpack the real story on Luther Burden III—his character, versatility, and how he’ll thrive in Ben Johnson’s offense. Then, Alex talks with Texas A&M defensive line coach Sean Spencer about Shemar Turner’s relentless motor, positional flexibility, and the “dog” mentality he’s bringing to Chicago. What did their college coaches reveal that fans don’t know yet? Tune in for all the behind-the-scenes insights.

Bears Roster Battles Begin: Trapilo vs. Jones, Loveland’s Path, and RB Rumors

The NFL Draft may be over, but the real action is just getting started. With Ruthie out, Alex Shapiro and Clay Harbor take the reins to break down how the Bears’ newest draft picks fit into the 2025 roster. Is Ozzy Trapilo a real threat to Braxton Jones at left tackle? Will Colston Loveland crack the starting lineup right away? And is running back still a need despite Kyle Monangai’s hype? The guys dive into the biggest roster competitions, rookie projections, and what free agent moves might still be on the horizon—including names like Nick Chubb, J.K. Dobbins, and even a possible Jamaal Williams reunion. Plus, Clay drops his favorite under-the-radar position battle to watch.

Ben Johnson’s Blueprint: Inside the Bears 2025 Draft Class

The Bears added eight new players in the 2025 NFL Draft—and The Charter crew is here to break it all down. Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor dive into every pick, headlined by Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall. Was Loveland the right fit over Tyler Warren? The crew debates his upside and how he pairs with Cole Kmet in Ben Johnson's offense.
Then, the conversation shifts to Day 2 with wide receiver Luther Burden III and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo. How will Burden's slot skills and fiery attitude mesh with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze? Can Trapilo compete for the starting left tackle spot? The gang digs into positional fits and long-term upside.
The defensive additions—Shemar Turner, Ruben Hyppolite, and Zah Frazier—bring athleticism and edge to Ryan Poles’ roster. But did the Bears do enough at edge rusher? The team discusses that and more, including late-round sleepers like OT Luke Newman and RB Kyle Monangai.
A jam-packed episode covering every angle of the Bears' draft strategy, player fits, and what's next for the Bears. 

2025 Beat Writer Mock Draft

On this special edition of The Charter, we spoke to a beat writer covering every team that drafts in front of the Chicago. We go team by team to put together a mock draft and then we make the selection for the Bears. Were there any surprises? Who is left for the Bears? We take you inside our war room and play out who the Bears will leave the first round with. Enjoys out 2025 Beat Writer Mock Draft!

Respect Coin: Wagering on the NFL Draft with Alex Shapiro

On this episode of the Respect Coin podcast, Michael Bolling is joined by the co-host of The Charter, Alex Shapiro! They look at the best bets and markets to explore if you're looking to bet on the 2025 NFL Draft. They explore the best value of where Ashton Jeanty will be drafted, the best bets in the Top 5, and players that can creep into the Top 10. They also look at the variety of landing spots in the Shedeur Sanders market, the positional odds of the Bears 1st selection and some key wide receivers that can push their way up the draft order.

ESPN's and Former GM Mike Tannenbaum on NFL draft week preparations

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro are joined by ESPN Insider and former NFL General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. They discuss how NFL teams approach draft week, weighing the differences between roster needs vs best player available, and how the framework for draft day trades come together. Mike also touches on the communication needed between an first year head coach and their GM and what more do the Bears need to address.

Top 30 Visits and Skill Players to Target

Ruthie Polinsky, Clay Harbor, and Alex Shapiro bring you this episode of The Charter podcast. We explain the NFL Top 30 visits and Clay's first hand experience with some pre-draft visits of his own. Also, after analyzing how the Bears will address the offensive and defensive lines all off season, we highlight key skill position players for the Bears to target in the later rounds of this year's NFL draft.

Kyler Gordon extension and our 4-pick player pool draft

On the latest episode of The Charter Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor give their thoughts on the extension of Kyler Gordon. The Bears made Gordon the highest paid slot corner in the NFL. They predict how he fits in Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme, the message it sends the locker room, and who is next in line for new money. Then, Clay and Alex build their best 4-pick mock draft for the Chicago Bears picking from a pool of players we believe will be available for Chicago to select.

Caleb Williams and Jaylon Johnson are embracing all challenges from new coaching staff

Ruthie Polinsky, Alex Shapiro, and Clay Harbor tackle this episode of The Carter podcast! They react to the quotes from Halas Hall coming from players like Jaylon Johnson, Tremaine Edmunds, and Caleb Williams. Ben Johnson seems to be installing confidence with his coaching style and getting buy-in from established veterans. Can this energy and focus carryout through OTA's and into training camp? Jaylon Johnson is looking forward to challenging new play style and identifying the priorities from Caleb Williams.