Bears fill big defensive need in Daniel Jeremiah's new mock draft

Following the first wave of free agency, the Chicago Bears have more questions than answers at key positions on the roster, most notably on defense. Luckily, they'll have the opportunity to address those big needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have four picks in the top 89, including two second rounders. Chicago lost some big contributors this offseason, including safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, cornerback Nahshon Wright, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, wide receiver DJ Moore and center Drew Dalman.

While the Bears added some potential impact contributors in safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush and center Garrett Bradbury, there weren't any big splashes in free agency. When looking at what the Bears could do with their first-round selection, the answer is overwhelmingly defense. Chicago still needs to add pass rush help and they have a starting safety job to fill.

In Daniel Jeremiah's latest 2026 mock draft , the Bears address that hole at safety and pair Bryant with a young playmaker in Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil Warren at 25th overall. "McNeil-Warren has the size, length and playmaking ability to fill the void left by Jaquan Brisker," Jeremiah wrote, "-- in fact, I believe EMW would be an upgrade at the position. " McNeil-Warren would be the Brisker replacement in terms of physicality, and he's mastered the art of the "Peanut Punch" with nine forced fumbles in his collegiate career.

That alone makes him an obvious fit for Chicago. McNeil-Warren would also get an opportunity to work with defensive backs coach Al Harris, who had two Pro Bowlers in Byard and Nahshon Wright under his wing last season. The Bears could have a dynamic safety pairing with Bryant and McNeil-Warren for Dennis Allen's defense.