The Chicago Bears are targeting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as their ideal pick at No. 25 in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially replacing Kevin Byard. This selection aims to strengthen their defensive lineup alongside Coby Bryant.
Bears 'ideal' but realistic pick at No. 25 would be perfect Kevin Byard replacement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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.
"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:Â 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.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a safety from Toledo, and he is considered a strong fit for the Bears due to his skills that could effectively replace Kevin Byard.
The Bears have significant needs on both sides of the ball, particularly at offensive tackle, edge rusher, defensive tackle, and safety.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would complement Coby Bryant well in the safety position, enhancing the overall strength and versatility of the Bears' defensive backfield.
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