The Chicago Bears are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a few clear needs on both sides of the ball. While offensive tackle is a big need, the defensive side of the ball is a huge issue.

Edge rusher and defensive tackle would be nice pickups at the 25th pick in the draft in Round 1. But, there’s another position that could be a quality option with this first-rounder.

James Reber for NFL.com named the Bears’ “ideal” but realistic pick at No. 25 overall as Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. He’d be a great replacement for Kevin Byard, and a fantastic pairing with Coby Bryant in the safety room in Chicago.

Bears ‘ideal’ No. 25 pick is Emannuel McNeil-Warren

“Chicago’s defense thrived on takeaways last season, and McNeil-Warren could help maintain that trend with last year’s greatest turnover weapon, Kevin Byard, now in New England,” Reber writes.

The Bears taking McNeil-Warren would not be a major surprise, as he’s someone the team has been linked to at various points this offseason.

Turnovers are not something teams can expect to replicate every season. But Byard was a difference-maker for the Bears, and losing him does sting.

Bryant was a nice pick-up, but with Jaquan Brisker also being lost, the Bears do need to find a way to add a bit more depth to the safety room.

So, with the 25th pick, why not take McNeil-Warren and land a new starter at safety who is a similar level of difference maker in the secondary?

More: Coby Bryant has good odds to be a successful signing for the Bears

Last season for the Toledo Rockets, McNeil-Warren recorded three forced fumbles and two interceptions, with one being a pick-six.

In his college career, he’s recorded eight forced fumbles and five interceptions, one sack, and 13 passes defended. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound safety is someone the Bears could get excited about, and realistically land with the 25th pick.

While edge rusher might be a more pressing need, there might not be a difference maker nearly as impactful as McNeil-Warren could be for Chicago available with this pick.

This would be a fantastic selection for the Bears at No. 25 overall, as they would have completely changed their safety room, likely for the better, in just one offseason.

More Bears news: