The Chicago Bears' upcoming draft strategy is shrouded in intrigue, with a potential game-changer at the 25th pick. While the team's needs are clear, with a left tackle, defensive tackle, and edge rusher on the radar, General Manager Ryan Poles might have a more ambitious plan. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune suggests that the Bears could be eyeing an impact player at the 25th spot, and this could come from a variety of positions. But here's where it gets controversial: safety, a position the Bears haven't drafted in the first round in over three decades, is on the table.
The Bears' last first-round safety selection was Mark Carrier in 1990, who went on to become a three-time Pro Bowler. Since then, the team has relied on a mix of veterans and later-round picks to fill the position. However, with key players like Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson becoming free agents, the team is now considering safety as a viable option in the first round. History might be on their side, as safeties drafted in the 20s range have often become starters or Hall of Famers.
The 2026 draft class appears to be strong, with three safeties listed as first-round prospects by Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com. Caleb Downs, a do-it-all talent, is the obvious name, but the Bears are unlikely to see him on the board at their pick. Two other safeties, Dillon Thieneman of Oregon and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo, are more plausible options. Thieneman, a high-IQ player with excellent run-stopping abilities and good coverage skills, could be an ideal replacement for Brisker. McNeil-Warren, a classic strong safety with terrific size and a willingness to fly downhill, could also be a strong contender.
While the Bears' focus might not be on safety, the potential for a game-changing impact player at the 25th pick is too significant to ignore. The question remains: will the Bears draft a safety in the first round? Only time will tell, but the possibility is certainly intriguing. And this is the part most people miss: the Bears' draft strategy could be more flexible than expected, with a potential surprise at the 25th spot.
