Analytics might help Bears make their first-round selection crystal clear

The Chicago Bears have a big decision to make with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

While many believe the simple choice is to pick someone on defense, many mock drafts of late are looking at offensive tackle as a potential choice as well. The NFL's Next Gen Stats might have a different idea, as they used data to determine that the ideal choice for the Bears at 25 is Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

"The 2025 Bears' defense began to click when Chicago acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson to be a hybrid nickel/safety prior to Week 9. With Gardner-Johnson now in Buffalo, the Bears may have the chance to add a rookie at 25th overall who can replicate his disruptiveness in the hook/curl zone and off-tackle run game. Dennis Allen's split-field defense could flourish with McNeil-Warren and Kyler Gordon patrolling the seams while Coby Bryant erases the deep middle. 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. McNeil-Warren recorded five collegiate interceptions, including a pick-six last season, and compiled a whopping nine forced fumbles."

Data says Bears' ideal pick is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Bears fans won't complain in the least if McNeil-Warren ends up being the selection for Chicago at 25. Last season with the Rockets, he had 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one touchdown, and a half of a sack.

There are talks about Gordon potentially moving to safety, but Chicago could end up just selecting one to develop under Allen. Bryant is already a stellar safety, and adding McNeil-Warren gives the Bears length and physicality at the position.

Some Bears fans, though, would be more adamant on the team taking an edge rusher, as that has been a concern all offseason after just 35 sacks a season ago. The team seems to be high on Austin Booker, so picking one in the first round may not be in the cards. In fact, there might be a better chance that an offensive tackle might go with how the buzz is going.

McNeil-Warren has been a popular name in mock drafts, and Bears fans wouldn't mind seeing him play in Soldier Field in the fall if possible. Data isn't really needed to show how good he can be in the NFL.