The Chicago Bears have a handful of needs, including most notably the trenches, heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. But finding a starting safety in the draft is definitely a point of necessity. Chicago lost three safeties this offseason, including starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, while adding Coby Bryant in free agency.
A safety to consider, whether it's in the first round or if he falls into the second, is Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Playing in the MAC, as opposed to one of the Power-4 conferences, may not have exposed him as much as he deserved, but he is projected to be a top-50 pick.
McNeil-Warren played four years of college football, and he got better every year. In 2025, he created turnovers and made it very difficult to throw to his side of the field with Toledo. He finished with five pass deflections, two interceptions, and one touchdown when defending against the pass. He also forced three fumbles and recovered two.
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsOct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY SportsNov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsSep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY SportsDec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsCaleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY SportsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsSep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY SportsNov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesOct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The BearNov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY SportsDec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn ImagesJan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY SportsDec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsNov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY SportsJan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsOct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY SportsNov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsSep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORKOct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORKAug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY SportsSep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY SportsDec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY SportsSep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORTSep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports1 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsUnknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports1 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsUnknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports2 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsOct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports3 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsNov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports4 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports5 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsDec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports6 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsCaleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.7 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsUnknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports8 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports9 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports10 / 30Best Chicago Bears draft pick from every year since 2016Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images11 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsOct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports12 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear13 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsNov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports14 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsDec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images15 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports16 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsDec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports17 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsNov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports18 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports19 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsOct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports20 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsNov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports21 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports22 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsJan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports23 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK24 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsOct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK25 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsAug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports26 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports27 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsDec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports28 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss29 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT30 / 30A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the yearsSep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsA game-changer like McNeil-Warren would be an outstanding addition to the Bears and Dennis Allen's defense. With some of the other defensive backs that Chicago has in place, he would fit in well.
The Bears were one of the best teams in the NFL last season, so a player like McNeil-Warren going to a team building to establish themselves might be just what he needs to develop for a year or two before really becoming a focal point of the defense.
There is also the chance that McNeil-Warren comes to the league and proves worthy of playing every down regularly. The ceiling is there for him to do that. The only critique against him, which is why he might need some time to develop raw skills, was his level of competition in college. The MAC has great teams, but it's not the Big Ten, ACC, or SEC. Still, McNeil-Warren has the tools to become a star.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Why Bears should consider Emmanuel McNeil-Warren