Wide receiver, edge rusher, and offensive line have dominated the list of Chicago Bears’ top 30 visits as the NFL draft approaches. Nobody is surprised by that. All three spots need more attention before this team is ready for the regular season in September. Cornerback also got its customary attention. Everybody knows GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus value that position highly. Then there’s the smattering of other positions with singular meetings with a quarterback here, a running back here, and a linebacker there.
However, one position is getting some late action as the draft approaches the one-week-away mark: safety. In the span of one day, they added two notable names to their list of meetings, pushing the overall number to three. One was two-time national champion Tykee Smith from Georgia. The other is Dadrion Taylor-Demerson from Texas Tech. Kamren Kinchens from Miami is the other. This clearly indicates that the Bears are thinking about adding help at the position in this draft.
The Chicago Bears continue to stick to their script.
One thing about Eberflus is that he wants ballhawks on the back end of his defense. Both of these safeties have that capability. Taylor-Demerson had four interceptions in his final season with the Red Raiders, showcasing great instincts and plenty of range to fill that free safety role. Smith also had four interceptions in his final season and boasts 4.4 speed like Taylor-Demerson. He is also a solid tackler and stands out as a presence on special teams. The purpose behind this isn’t hard to under for the Bears.
Kevin Byard is starting free safety this season. However, he’s 30 years old. Last season was a down one for the former All-Pro. The Chicago Bears can’t be sure if he will be able to bounce back. Age affects NFL players in different ways. If Byard had another down season, it would be wise for the team to add some young insurance they can develop for the 2024 season. Maybe they will have another starter waiting in the wings by 2025 or a solid long-term backup, at the very least.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
This signifies that they are trading back somewhere for more picks as these guys are both rated Well after pick 122.
No way is Hicks a starting safety.
Writer, what about Nyquillis Dillwad from LSU, or Decatholac Mango from Georgia Tech?
This is either due diligence, or they want to not draw attention (earlier in the process) to their interest in a safety. Barring a season ending injury for Byard, I think they are set at safety – Hicks seems to be an able backup level safety. But if there’s someone special they can get in a later round and capture tremendous value, they should, so they need to look carefully at the safety class before the draft. Additionally, everyone is talking about trading down from #9 to get more picks. They could just as easily trade down from #75 or… Read more »
Bears need a safety from somewhere.