The Chicago Bears proved last year that they are stellar in their scouting department, with four players making an impact in their first year; they are hoping to strike gold again in 2026.
Going into the NFL Combine, the Bears are interested in targeting safety and defensive line in the opening rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. One of their top dream selections, Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, shared that he has spoken to the team about how it went.
"Yes, I have met with them on the first day when I came here," McNeil-Warren said via CHGO. "It went great. It went well. They are all a great coaching staff."
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could be the Bears' first-round pick in 2026
Chicago has some major questions at safety, and McNeil-Warren would be a perfect fit to be one of the new starters on defense. Last season at Toledo, he finished with 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one touchdown, and a half of a sack.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has given every indication that he wants to re-sign Kevin Byard. As for Jaquan Brisker, who is also a free agent, that appears to be more of a stretch, and the Bears are expected to find his replacement in the draft somewhere within the first four rounds.
McNeil-Warren is a long, safety who can do it all in coverage and in support, stopping the run. He would pair well with Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris, whom he got a chance to meet and had nothing but great things to say.
"Just going into the room, great excitement, great energy. It means everything."
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Chicago needs somebody to come in and help out in the secondary, and McNeil-Warren can develop into a Day 1 starter and be a consistent performer for the Bears if given the opportunity.