Dec 23, 2025; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) celebrates a third down stop against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter of the Boca Raton Bowl at Flagler CU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images

Latest NFL mock draft has Chicago Bears landing dynamic playmaker

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 7:14 PM ET

After the initial wave of free agency, the Chicago Bears were relatively quiet in terms of splash moves in free agency. Outside of signing linebacker Devin Bush and safety Coby Bryant, the Bears made more signings of value than anything.

Going into free agency the Bears had some major needs including zero safeties under contract. While they did add Bryant as well as brought back Elijah Hicks, they lost Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens and the versatile C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the process. So there’s still a need for another starter and depth piece.

And Chicago could address that in the 2026 NFL Draft as one insider predicts.

Daniel Jeremiah has Chicago Bears taking defensive playmaker

Holding the No. 25 overall pick, the Bears will have plenty of options to fill some needs on their roster. It’s just a matter of who is on top of their board when it’s time to pick and where they value each position. For Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com, he thinks the Bears are going to address safety with the pick and he has them taking Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in his latest mock draft:

McNeil- Warren has the size, length and playmaking ability to fill the void left by Jaquan Brisker — in fact, I believe EMW would be an upgrade at the position.

In Jeremiah’s mock, McNeil-Warren is the third safety off the board. Caleb Downs goes in the top 10 and then Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman was selected by the Minnesota Vikings.

You could argue that safety isn’t as big of a need as edge rusher or defensive tackle. But it is a need that has to be addressed. Taking the best safety prospect left and someone who can come in and start right away isn’t a bad idea, either.

Chicago will certainly have options come April’s draft. The key for Ryan Poles is to find a few guys on defense who can contribute right away.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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