This offseason, the Chicago Bears have obviously undergone a major change in their secondary. Having lost players like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, Chicago knew they'd need to shore up the safety spot, specifically.
Signing arguably the best free agent safety on the market in Coby Bryant, the Bears were off to a great start. But, the second safety spot still needs attention. Who is going to line up next to Bryant and play more of the strong safety role?
In the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, one of the fan favorites, if Chicago goes safety on Day 1, is Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The do-it-all safety who isn't afraid to lay the wood is a phenomenal fit with Dennis Allen's crew.
But, what happens if the Bears don't go safety in Round 1 and miss out on McNeil-Warren? There are still some decent options in Rounds 2 and 3, so let's take a look at just a few.
Dennis Allen's Chicago Bears defense could find a stud safety on Day 2 if they miss on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Kamari Ramsey, USC
Let's remember that we aren't going to see another player come close to McNeil-Warren, but that the Bears are trying to find someone with traits that can be molded into a solid starter thanks to Dennis Allen's prowess and leadership.
USC's Kamari Ramsey is a versatile prospect who can play multiple positions, even sliding into slot corner if need be, as he did quite often in 2025. If the Bears want Ramsey at safety, though, he'd fit right in next to Bryant. At 6-foot, 202 pounds, Ramsey also has ideal size and strength which allow him to go toe-to-toe with tight ends and gives him the potential to be a better run defender.
Last season with the Trojans, Ramsey finally proved he could be a sure tackler. In defending the run, though, he needs help with recognition. By learning how to watch tape and attack certain gaps and schemes more efficiently, Ramsey will be much-improved against the run. Again, the right coaching will help make this happen.
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
Another safety who is very likely to get drafted in Rounds 2 or 3 is Penn State's Zakee Wheatley. He stands a towering 6-foot-3 and has tremendous length, which he can use to his advantage both in coverage and when helping in run support.
Wheatley has all of the physical tools to be an NFL starter. He has improved in coverage during his time at the college level while showing an ability to plug gaps against the run. He recognizes plays well and shows a high football IQ, but if he could improve anything, it would be to take a sharper approach at times.
He can be more of a doer than a thinker, but that's not to say he isn't a smart player. At times, instincts take over and Wheatley would simply benefit from being a tad more calculated. That's where coaching comes into play. Again, the physical tools are there. He could develop into a consistent starter at this level with just the right kind of direction.
A.J. Haulcy, LSU
Maybe the best option after McNeil-Warren, if the Bears are looking on Day 2, is LSU's A.J. Haulcy. With a wide-ranging skill set, Haulcy would be a lot of fun to watch under Dennis Allen. He's one of those defensive backs who, like McNeil-Warren, is truly unafraid to get his hands dirty. He's got the mentality of an alpha and does some of his best work near the line of scrimmage.
Haulcy isn't just a physical enforcer, though. He has the ball skills of a top-tier cornerback. He doesn't drop a ball if it comes his way. Did you happen to see his gauntlet drill at the NFL Combine?
Similar to what Byard did last year for the Bears' defense, Haulcy would very likely come up with a handful of interceptions, year-in and year-out. Over the last two seasons with LSU, Haulcy has totaled 12 pass breakups, eight interceptions and 162 combined tackles.
Read more: 3 DTs Bears might select in 2026 NFL Draft if they miss out on Caleb Banks
He is a sure bet to go in Round 2, so if the Bears think they might need to trade up early on Day 2, they'd better do it.