Top 5 Safeties The Chicago Bears Should Target In The Draft

Nov 20, 2013; Toledo, OH, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies safety Jimmie Ward (15) warms up before the game against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

3 — Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois

Ward has been a player on the rise this offseason after a very strong showing at the Senior Bowl.  Unlike Clinton-Dix and Pryor, Ward is likely a second round target but possesses all of the skills the Bears are looking for in a safety.  He’s slightly smaller than the previous two players, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in his field vision and anticipation.  Ward tallied a whopping six interceptions during the 2013 season for Northern Illinois, which is a staggeringly high number for a safety.  He also set a school record with three blocked punts, so he could be an early contributor to special teams.  He’s a hometown kid who would be a great addition to the Bears.