New Bears Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

An exhilarating season filled with memorable wins and outrageous highlights has left the Chicago Bears drafting far later than they're accustomed to.

The franchise knows how impressive its trajectory has been, and it will be aiming to put the finishing touches on a roster ready to compete with the best.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Bears will do with the No. 25 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 25): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Interestingly, the Bears allowed both of their starting safeties to leave in free agency. So far, the organization has added only one option as an adequate replacement.

Coby Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million contract. The collegiate corner is best served as a free safety. Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren can provide the Bears' secondary with a more imposing safety. 

"The losses of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in the same offseason aren't ideal after Chicago's successful turnaround during the 2025 campaign," B/R scout Daniel Harms said. "However, McNeil-Warren adds a much-needed physical presence and a defender who can float between the hash and box. His instincts are better than he gets credit for, and the 6'3", 201-pound defensive back brings a unique body-type to the secondary, with the ability to mix it up with NFL tight ends and tackle in the run game."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 25): Edge Zion Young, Missouri

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 25): Edge Zion Young, Missouri

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 25): DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 25): S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 25): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 25): DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 25): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Summary

Adding a defensive player in the trenches or in the secondary seems most practical, given how much the Bears struggled defensively for most of the season. They can't rely on forcing turnovers as they did so often last season. A tone-setting safety like McNeil-Warren or Thieneman could make a significant impact in Dennis Allen's ultra-aggressive defense.