With the 2026 NFL Draft right around the corner, the anticipation continues to build. There are countless ways the first round could wind up falling, and by the time the Chicago Bears are on the clock at No. 25 overall, it's anyone's guess who might still be available for the taking.
At this stage, most fans would agree that the Bears have three key needs, above all else: defensive end, defensive tackle, and safety. One might argue offensive tackle, but that's an argument for another day.
At safety, the first round has three immensely talented prospects, and two of them might be there for Chicago's taking. However, if Peter Schrager's latest mock draft is any indication, Bears fans might have to watch a division rival steal one of their favorite prospects.
Schrager has the Minnesota Vikings selecting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren with the 18th pick, overall, which would definitely make Bears fans feel some type of way.
The Minnesota Vikings could make it sting for Chicago Bears fans in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft
We've talked extensively about the Bears' potential drafting of McNeil-Warren. The thought of pairing him with Coby Bryant is exciting. McNeil-Warren is versatile, just like Bryant, and he's also not shy about being an enforcer.
The majority of Bears fans have long-loved the idea of McNeil-Warren in Chicago.
But, to see the Vikings take him just a few picks before the Bears are on the board? That would be a hard pill to swallow.
The Vikings finally saw a franchise legend play his last snap in Minnesota last year, in safety Harrison Smith. Bears fans had to deal with Smith making big play after big play for years on end, and finally, it's the end of an era.
But, to be able to snag McNeil-Warren and place him next to Josh Metellus would give Vikings fans a similar feeling as if the Bears paired him with Bryant in their own secondary.
What might make things even worse is that McNeil-Warren would be led by Brian Flores. The Vikings' defensive coordinator is, of course, one of the best in the league in his position.
The aggressiveness, disguise, and confusion Flores likes to deploy would only be amplified if given a weapon like McNeil-Warren.
Read more: Peter Schrager just mocked a Bears first-round pick that could divide fans
We'll see how everything unfolds in just over two weeks, but one thing is for sure: this would be a tough scene.