Jan 14, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Canadian rapper Drake attends the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Caleb Williams has created quite a following in his short time in the NFL, attracting an equal number of admirers and haters based on his play last season. So many people love him for his otherworldly playmaking skills and knack for late-game heroics. Others hate him for his eccentric personality and for openly celebrating during and after wins. It comes with the territory of being a star quarterback. However, Williams is still a human being with his own preferences. That includes taste in music.
One person the Chicago Bears quarterback has mentioned time and again as being one of his idols is hip-hop superstar Drake. Williams called the best-selling artist “the GOAT” at one point, illustrating his deep admiration. Well, apparently, the warm feelings are not shared. Video footage recently surfaced of Drake preparing to shoot a new music video. In it, he is surrounded by dozens of large ice blocks and wearing a Green Bay Packers jacket. This feels like a clear dig at Williams, who earned the nickname “Iceman” last season.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Drake was seen in downtown Toronto wearing a Packers jacket shooting a music video surrounded by massive ice blocks.
A clear shot at Caleb Williams for taking the Iceman nickname.
Caleb Williams may have screwed the Packers again.
On the surface, this probably feels like a hilarious turn of events from Green Bay’s perspective. Williams’ idol decides to shoot an entire video dumping on the quarterback and supporting his most hated rival. Hilarious. However, that might not be something they should be happy about. Anybody who has followed Drake for long enough probably knows about the curse. Over the past seven years, the rapper has become infamous for wearing jerseys or memorabilia of several prominent sports teams during big games, only to see those teams lose.
2014 – Publicly celebrated with LeBron James after 2013 Miami title. Heat lost the Finals the next season
2015 – Showed up at U.S. Open to support girlfriend Serena Williams. Williams lost
2016 – Publicly appeared supporting the Golden State Warriors. Warriors lost
2018 – Was a hype man for UFC star Connor McGregor going into a big fight. McGregor lost
2019 – Wore Alabama gear for national championship game against Clemson. Bama lost
2019 – Wore Toronto Maple Leafs jersey to Game 7 against Boston. Leafs lost
2019 – He wore 76ers shorts during Game 7 of Eastern Semifinals. 76ers lost
Safe to say it’s never a good sign when the guy is spotted wearing your team’s gear. That fact should probably have Packer fans more than a little nervous.
One thing we know about the hip-hop legend is this. He always loves jumping into popular sports stories. He’s a notorious bandwagon fan who often uses that mainstream attention to boost his own profile. There is no doubt that he knew Caleb Williams was a big fan and decided to stir some controversy by publicly supporting his biggest competition. Here’s the thing. Williams isn’t dumb. He’s followed Drake for years and, like everybody else, almost certainly knows about the jersey curse.
Did he plant the seed for this, seeing if the rapper might take the bait? It sounds conspiratorial, but the timing of this feels too perfect. Right after crushing the Packers’ dreams in the playoffs, they suddenly get major support from one of the most cursed artists going. You couldn’t write that up in a script without it getting rejected. If things go as they have in the past, Green Bay might be in store for more heartbreak this coming year, and Williams will be at the center of it.
Chicago Bears take on the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has operated with a consistent approach in undrafted free agency for the past three years. Each time, he signed ten players to contracts. No more. The last time he went over that number was 2022, when he had a ton of roster spots to fill and no 1st round pick. Chicago signed 17 guys that year. Outside of that, the Bears have been one of the quieter teams on the undrafted market. Since 2020, they’ve had more than 11 players signed just once. It hasn’t been their most active part of the offseason.
According to Nick Korte of Over The Cap, that is about to change. Based on his calculations, the Bears are expected to sign 15 undrafted players by the end of business on Saturday, following the third day of the NFL draft. It would be the fifth-most of any team in the NFL. This is in large part due to the team having only 68 players under contract and seven draft picks. Given their lack of salary cap space, their best option is to add as much cheap talent as possible. Undrafted free agency is the obvious choice.
I keep forgetting to estimate how many undrafted free agents team might sign, but I won't forget for 2026. pic.twitter.com/dPgjRrSfcT
The Chicago Bears’ decision to take this route isn’t surprising.
Cap issues aside, their new coaching staff is big on developing young talent. Head coach Ben Johnson wants to build his own roster. In the absence of several draft picks, he should go hunting for hidden gems on the undrafted market. After all, he’s been involved with some notable ones. He was in Miami as an assistant when they signed eventual Super Bowl hero Damien Williams and linebacker James Burgess. There is also the fact that Poles has a pretty strong track record for finding quality players in this area.
Theo Benedet
Tyson Bagent
Jack Sanborn
Jake Tonges
Jaylon Jones
Josh Blackwell
One would think the Bears GM would want to take more bites at the apple because of this success. For whatever reason, he’s been content to go with a modest 10 every year. Not this time. He and Johnson will collaborate on the biggest class of undrafted rookies seen in five years. The sheer number of roster slots they still have open should offer plenty of incentive for some prominent names to join. That is, before you mention Johnson’s presence and the Bears being a winning team.
The Bears have already been setting the table for possible signings.
While most of their top 30 visits have been allocated to players most likely to be drafted, a small handful could end up on the undrafted market. Some of the names include Kentucky running back Seth McGowan, Miami center James Brockermeyer, Wake Forest defensive back Karon Prunty, and Washington defensive tackle Anterio Thompson. It is a safe bet they have eyes on plenty more. The trick will be how aggressive they are once the draft ends, and whether they look to add more picks to the seven they currently possess.
Poles has a track record of moving around and collecting extra picks every year. It wouldn’t be shocking if he tries doing that again. Drafting a player is preferable since the Chicago Bears wouldn’t have to fight other teams for him. We’ll see how that goes. Sometimes the trade market isn’t as rich as in other years. If the Bears remain quiet and make their picks, expect them to come out of the gates strong once the market opens. They have plenty of roster slots to fill.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson surveys the field during the divisional playoff round against the Rams.
Caleb Williams had one of the best seasons a Chicago Bears quarterback has ever had in 2025. He threw for a franchise record 3,941 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. Adding to that were seven 4th quarter comebacks, a division title, and a playoff victory over the hated Green Bay Packers. It was a magical run that confirmed to everybody that this kid was well worth the #1 overall pick two years ago. However, one person wasn’t satisfied. That was head coach Ben Johnson.
Williams admitted during his press conference on Monday that the Bears coach pulled his quarterback aside after the season ended in the divisional round. He didn’t mince words.
“I know that’s one of the first things we talked about when we first met, I guess two days after the game was, ‘it’s going to be more difficult. I’m going to push you more.”
“And my answer is: ‘yes, sir, let’s do it.’”
Though Johnson has been effusive in his praise of the progress Williams has made over the past year, one fact remains impossible to argue. Last year wasn’t good enough. The quarterback threw five interceptions in two games and wasn’t nearly as efficient as he needed to be to advance in the playoffs. Johnson will not praise anything less than a level of play that wins a Super Bowl.
Ben Johnson knows he can’t baby Williams.
This isn’t because he likes being a hardass or anything like that. He knows that winning a championship is incredibly difficult in this league. Only quarterbacks with the mental toughness and efficiency win them. Reaching that level of greatness is done through hard coaching. It was true of Chuck Noll with Terry Bradshaw, Bill Walsh with Joe Montana, Jimmy Johnson with Troy Aikman, and Bill Belichick with Tom Brady. His job isn’t to be Williams’ buddy. It is to say the things the young quarterback needs to hear.
It appears Williams has been plenty receptive to the messaging. He’s not naive. His goal has always been to win Super Bowls. Plural. That won’t happen unless he gets better. Last season was a step in the right direction. Now he is eager to get back to work. This will be his second year in the same offense, which is a major step in the right direction. If the Bears can continue building out the talent around him, what was accomplished last season will only be a taste of things to come.
You can never let up on your players. Ever. The second you do so, complacency slips in. Once that happens, your hopes of winning a championship go out the window. The trick is finding a way to keep players in the right mental headspace of believing there is always something they can improve. Mike Ditka and Lovie Smith accomplished that, albeit for a short time. Ben Johnson comes across as the type of single-minded coach who understands the fundamental law of football.
There is no off switch.
The best teams are made up of people who eat, sleep, drink, and breathe football. That is why Johnson and Poles constantly talk about seeking players with a deep passion for the game. Williams, for all the talk about his hobbies and outside interests, has always demonstrated a keen love for the sport. Nobody questions his work ethic. He didn’t even blink when Johnson issued that challenge three months ago. That is why this partnership has a chance to work.
Apr 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) round the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Last November, the White Sox traded pitchers Steven Wilson and Yoendrys Gómez to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for outfielder Everson Pereira and infielder Tanner Murray in a deal that felt inconsequential at the time. It didn’t take long for things to change. Just a few months later, the trade is paying immediate dividends and looking like a notable win for Chris Getz and the front office.
The White Sox have taken chances on several former top prospects during their rebuild hoping a change of scenery would unlock their potential. And as a former top 100 prospect according to Baseball America, Pereira fit that description. Unlike several of their previous prospect acquisitions, however, it was unfair to label him a bust at the time of the trade. His MLB numbers were rough, but that entire sample consisted of just 176 plate appearances over 50 games between the Yankees and Rays in 2023 and 2025. He had always hit in the minors but never had an extended opportunity at the MLB level to show what he could do.
Potential Breakout Candidate
Pereira has finally gotten a chance at playing every day with the White Sox this season and has made the most of it. Across 41 plate appearances, he is slashing .297/.366/.649 with four doubles and three home runs. He is striking out nearly 30% of the time in this small sample, but is nevertheless showing the immense power that once made him a top prospect in the Yankees system.
With the White Sox outfield currently decimated by injury and underperformance, Pereira should continue getting consistent at-bats. His ability to play center field also helps him. With Sam Antonacci now in left field and Austin Hays capable of playing right once he returns from his hamstring strain, Pereira could see additional at-bats in center. He is also only 25 years old and controllable through the 2031 season. If he continues to prove that he’s the real deal, the White Sox could have a potential core piece on their hands.
Murray’s Intrigue
Murray offers some intrigue of his own. He hit .304/.467/.609 in six games in Triple-A before getting called up to the big club. His playing time with the White Sox has been inconsistent so far, but one thing that cannot be questioned is his defensive versatility. He has already played third base, shortstop, and left field with the White Sox. He also appeared at both first base and second base with the Knights. At just 26 years old, Murray is an interesting depth option capable of playing multiple positions in the field.
Possible Win For White Sox
It’s still very early, but the return on this trade is looking encouraging for the White Sox so far. Pereira looks like more than a reclamation project and could be on the way to establishing himself as a long-term solution, while Murray could be useful as well. On the other side, Gómez has struggled, allowing 10 runs in 13.1 innings, while Wilson has yet to pitch this season due to lumbar disc inflammation. It seems like the Rays historically end up on the better end of the trades they make, but this deal could flip the script. Pereira turning into a contributor would be a massive win for the White Sox.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson discuss practice.
One of the more persistent rumors surrounding the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2026 NFL draft is their desire to move down from the 25th pick. It’s suggested they aren’t wild about their options at that spot, be it on the defensive or offensive line. In situations like that, the sensible thing to do is to move down. The problem is that this draft class is considered weak, so lots of teams are angling to move down. That creates a shortage of teams that might want to move up, making it more difficult for the Bears to find potential suitors.
However, recent buzz from ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggests they may have a better market than we realize. Given where the Bears sit at #25, it has often become a sweet spot for teams wishing to move back into the 1st round for a quarterback. Two such teams are angling to do just that for Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
The two teams that seem to be most interested in Simpson are the Jets and Cardinals. The Jets hold the No. 16 pick in the middle of Round 1 and the No. 33 pick at the top of Round 2. The Cardinals hold No. 34 in Round 2, right behind the Jets. If Arizona wants to leapfrog New York, it could not only land Simpson but also get the fifth-year option on his rookie contract by taking him in Round 1…
…There have been seven instances of a team moving up for a QB in the first round at the 25th pick or later in the common draft era (since 1967), including the Giants with Jaxson Dart last year, per ESPN’s ace researcher Evan Kaplan. The Packers also traded up to 26th in 2020 to draft Jordan Love, the Ravens traded up to 32nd in 2018 to draft Lamar Jackson, the Broncos traded up to 26th in 2016 to draft Paxton Lynch, the Vikings traded up to 32nd in 2014 to draft Teddy Bridgewater, the Broncos traded up to 25th in 2010 to draft Tim Tebow and Washington traded up to 25th in 2005 to draft Jason Campbell.
It doesn’t stop there. Some recent buzz suggests the Houston Texans, who pick 28th overall, are desperate to get more offensive line help. The problem is Buffalo (#26) and San Francisco (#27) are likely seeking the same. That makes the Bears at #25 an attractive spot.
The Chicago Bears will decide what an acceptable offer is.
Here’s a reality few people understand. There are almost always a few calls about trading down every year. The primary issue for general manager Ryan Poles is whether the offers being made are worth the cost of the draft position. Most of the time, it isn’t. However, this draft feels unique. There isn’t much difference in talent level between someone taken 25th overall and someone taken 45th. It is all about personal preference from team to team. This means the Bears might be willing to take a less substantial offer to move down, provided it’s not insulting.
A good example of this was 2013. Widely considered one of the weakest drafts of the decade, the Dallas Cowboys chose to swing a deal with the San Francisco 49ers. In exchange for the 18th pick, they received the 31st pick and a 3rd round pick. In normal circumstances, that is an incredibly low return for dropping 13 spots. However, such was the opinion of that draft. As long as the Bears aren’t demanding anything ludicrous, they should be able to find a taker. It all hinges on whether there is a player out there they don’t want to miss.
We already know Poles isn’t afraid of this scenario.
This is the same man who had the guts to give away the #1 overall pick in 2023, knowing he’d miss out on several prominent draft prospects. He knew the Chicago Bears needed more picks to continue building up the roster and felt he’d still be able to land a quality player further down the board. He was correct, drafting Darnell Wright 10th overall. There is no reason Poles would be more queasy about the idea of moving down from #25. All he needs is a dance partner.
If the Cleveland Browns pass on a quarterback at #24, the phone should start ringing from other teams wanting to come up for Simpson, provided he doesn’t go earlier. Barring that, the Bears can also dangle some of the top guards or wide receivers likely to still be available. It isn’t a terrible spot to be in. Much depends on how the board falls and how far the Bears are willing to move back. By the sound of things, they will have some interesting options to possibly choose from.
Apr 17, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) tosses his bat after hitting a grand slam against the Athletics during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Murakami’s power surge helped fuel a road series win over the Athletics, highlighted by a towering 431-foot grand slam Friday in Sacramento that cleared the batter’s eye and jump-started a struggling Chicago White Sox offense in a 9-2 breakout. On Sunday, the White Sox prized offseason addition did it again, launching a Jeffrey Springs slider 425 feet for his eighth home run of the season, and his third in as many games.
He already leads the White Sox in home runs (8), RBIs (16), runs scored (16), on-base percentage(.376) and OPS (.918).
Even in a tough-luck loss Saturday, when his seventh-inning homer briefly gave Chicago a 6-4 lead before a 7-6 defeat in 11 innings, Murakami continued to make a little history. He became the first Japanese-born player to hit seven home runs in his first 21 MLB games, surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s previous mark of five.
Murakami presents a unique offensive profile. He owns one of the worst whiff rates in the MLB, is striking out at a 33% clip, and only has 15 hits in his first 72 at-bats. But despite his high strikeout rate and low batting average, he has shown tremendous plate discipline.
Murakami doesn’t chase pitches outside the strike zone, owning a 19% chase rate, which is among the lowest in the majors. This has helped him post a staggering 21.5% walk rate, placing him in the top 2% of MLB hitters.
He is quickly turning into a three-outcome player, with 63 percent of his 93 plate appearances consisting of either a walk, a strikeout, or a home run. That was on full display on Saturday when his five plate appearances consisted of three walks, a home run, and a strikeout.
Entering the road trip, Murakami was batting just .167, and while he has since raised his average to .208, eight of his 15 hits this season have been homers. Part of this has been a result of pictures being forced to throw Murakami strikes, as he has proven that he will not expand his strike zone. If you give a slugger like him enough mistakes in the zone, he will eventually capitalize.
However, the high-strikeout rate is also driven by a low in-zone contact rate, an issue that dates back to his time overseas. Over the last three seasons, Murakami’s 72.6% in-zone contact rate would have ranked among the lowest in the majors.
Despite becoming just the second Japanese-born player to suit up for the White Sox since Kosuke Fukudome in 2012, his profile feels familiar to longtime fans, and, fittingly, that comparison traces back to a former teammate of Fukudome’s.
There have been 8 home runs at 114+ mph this season
Adam Dunn spent four seasons on the South Side from 2011 to 2014, with an eerily similar profile. In 2187 plate appearances with the White Sox, 52% of them ended in either a walk, strikeout, or home run. Like Murakamki, Dunn had plenty of power, connecting on 106 homers during that stretch, but racked up 720 strikeouts in the process while batting just .201.
While Dunn’s tenure with the White Sox was widely viewed as a disappointment, Murakami brings traits that could help lift his overall production and develop him into an even more well-rounded hitter.
He has elite bat speed and is consistently squaring up pitches with authority. Murakami’s 26% barrel rate and 62% hard-hit percentage both rank among the highest in baseball, while his .602 expected slugging percentage and 95 mph average exit velocity place him firmly in elite company.
While Murakami may never be one to hit for average, those numbers indicate he has been hitting the ball better than his .201 batting average suggests.
It’s still early in the season, and pitchers will continue to adjust their approach to Murakami as the year progresses. But the early returns have been encouraging for the White Sox, who now not only appear to have a solution at first base, but also a legitimate All-Star caliber bat in the middle of their lineup.
October 1, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf (left) and Chicago Bulls President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Reinsdorf watch the activities during Chicago Bulls media day at the Berto Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls know they’re up against the clock now. After dismissing Arturas Karnisovas as their VP of Basketball Operations, they must find his replacement before the NBA draft and free agency arrive. All of this must happen while also determining the future of head coach Billy Donovan. So little time and so much to do. Thus, team owner Michael Reinsdorf, with assistance from the Turnkey ZRG search firm, has begun a comprehensive search process to find their new man.
According to Sham Charania, the team already has several candidates lined up. No fewer than five current NBA executives were listed as upcoming interviews in a recent column, along with prominent agent Austin Brown.
The Chicago Bulls have started the search process for their new head of basketball operations, receiving permission to interview Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd, Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Hawks senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep, sources told ESPN on Monday.
The Bulls are also expected to speak with the co-head of CAA’s basketball division, Austin Brown, regarding the vacancy, sources told ESPN.
While none of the names involved are big surprises, each comes from an organization enjoying considerable recent success, and one stands comfortably above the rest. That is Dave Telep. San Antonio’s assistant general manager has had a direct hand in the organization’s rebuild over the past several years and is widely considered one of the best talent evaluators in basketball. He was a major voice in key acquisitions like Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson.
The Chicago Bulls have started the search process for their new head of basketball operations, receiving permission to interview Minnesota's Matt Lloyd, Detroit's Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta's Bryson Graham, Cleveland's Mike Gansey and San Antonio's Dave Telep, per ESPN sources. The…
He’s been one of the better-kept secrets in basketball for a long time. Before joining the Spurs in 2013, he ran one of the most successful independent scouting services in sports, which many college programs used when recruiting. Telep is credited for being one of the first people to recognize point guard Chris Paul as a potential future star. The same was true of Russell Westbrook, who was unheralded coming out of high school before Telep spotlighted him in his top 100 list. The man trusts his eye, and with good reason.
If anybody is ready to run their own team, it is Telep. He’s learned in one of the best basketball organizations and has loads of connections at both the college and high school levels. His talent evaluation is beyond reproach, which is something that Karnisovas couldn’t offer. The obvious question for him is whether he’d be willing to work with Donovan, presuming the coach decides to stay. They are obviously familiar with each other since Telep was a recruiting analyst while Donovan was the head coach at Florida. Telep always showed a high opinion of the coach. Maybe that is something to work with.
Ultimately, this will be a Reinsdorf decision.
One thing we know about this ownership is that they tend to lean more conservative with such big decisions. As much sense as Telep makes, the smart money should probably be on Matt Lloyd. The Timberwolves general manager spent the early years of his NBA career in the Chicago Bulls’ scouting department, helping build their last great teams from 2011 to 2016. That feels more like something the Reinsdorfs would do rather than taking another swing at a true outside candidate.
Still, it doesn’t change the fact that Telep’s track record speaks for itself. If the Bulls want somebody who is all but certain to identify and draft good players, this is the guy to hire. He might not be the flashy name, but that doesn’t matter. Hire somebody who knows how to build a roster. Telep can do that. How he communicates with the media should be immaterial. Sadly, that will be a prerequisite for this organization. We’ll see how the assistant general manager handles the interview.
Oct 25, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) is tackled by Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears have been among the hardest teams to pin down on their intentions for the 2026 draft. Insiders close to the team have signaled they wish to move down from the 25th pick, not liking the value of their options at that spot. Failing that, they appear to have shifted their focus from the defensive line to offensive tackles. However, the draft is unpredictable. There is a likelihood we’ll see runs at both positions earlier in the draft. So what will the Bears do if that happens? Insider Matt Lombardo reached out to contacts around the league to find out. The name he came away with was Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
For those who don’t know, he is the standout safety from Toledo, making waves in the scouting community thanks to his mix of great size, hitting power, and uncanny nose for the football. He’s drawn comparisons to guys like Derwin James, Justin Reid, and Talanoa Hufanga. Many believe he has a bright future as an enforcer on the back end of any defense. It appears plenty in and around the league feel the Bears are his likely landing spot.
However, I do try to make these mock drafts each year a bit more informative thanks to the insight gleaned from conversations with agents who have their ear to the ground and front office executives who will be making the calls, or at least trying to persuade their general manager which direction to go, come Thursday night…
…25. Chicago Bears – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Chicago Bears’ safety room went through a major transformation this offseason, losing veterans Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson via free agency.
While Coby Bryant’s arrival has the potential to be one of the more impactful additions league-wide, general manager Ryan Poles’ work is far from done at this pivotal position of need.
McNeil-Warren is a physical presence who isn’t afraid to levey a big hit to send a message to a receiver over the middle of the field, or doll out a crushing blow against a running back up near the line of scrimmage against the run, precisely the kind of tone-setter that the Bears’ defense has lacked in recent memory.
The Bears would be taking a big risk with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
Rest assured, the logic makes sense. Chicago lost both starting safeties to free agency this year. Kevin Byard left for New England and Jaquan Brisker left for Pittsburgh. C.J. Gardner-Johnson also didn’t return. The only big addition they’ve made is Coby Bryant. That is one starting spot addressed and one unaccounted for. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes his safeties to be interchangeable. They must be able to move up to the line of scrimmage to play the run while retaining range and coverage instincts. McNeil-Warren checks those boxes.
The problem is that taking a safety in the 1st round is a major gamble in today’s NFL. For every Kyle Hamilton and Derwin James, you get a large contingent of busts and disappointments. Since 2010, there have been 26 safeties selected in the 1st round. Only 10 of them lasted five or more seasons with the team that drafted them. Only one player, taken 25th or later, made the Pro Bowl.
Year
Player
Team
Pick
2025
Malaki Starks
Baltimore Ravens
27
2024
None Selected
—
—
2023
None Selected
—
—
2022
Kyle Hamilton
Baltimore Ravens
14
Daxton Hill
Cincinnati Bengals
31
Lewis Cine
Minnesota Vikings
32
2021
None Selected
—
—
2020
None Selected
—
—
2019
Darnell Savage
Green Bay Packers
21
Johnathan Abram
Oakland Raiders
27
2018
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Miami Dolphins
11
Derwin James
Los Angeles Chargers
17
Terrell Edmunds
Pittsburgh Steelers
28
2017
Jamal Adams
New York Jets
6
Malik Hooker
Indianapolis Colts
15
Jabrill Peppers
Cleveland Browns
25
2016
Karl Joseph
Oakland Raiders
14
Keanu Neal
Atlanta Falcons
17
2015
Damarious Randall
Green Bay Packers
30
2014
Calvin Pryor
New York Jets
18
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Green Bay Packers
21
Deone Bucannon
Arizona Cardinals
27
Jimmie Ward
San Francisco 49ers
30
2013
Kenny Vaccaro
New Orleans Saints
15
Eric Reid
San Francisco 49ers
18
Matt Elam
Baltimore Ravens
32
2012
Mark Barron
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7
Harrison Smith
Minnesota Vikings
29
2011
None Selected
—
—
2010
Eric Berry
Kansas City Chiefs
5
Earl Thomas
Seattle Seahawks
14
Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is one of the more intriguing safeties in this class because of how easy he moves at his size. He’s a smooth, controlled athlete with good footwork and fluid hips, which show up when he’s asked to match up with tight ends or carry routes over the… pic.twitter.com/lIiXSEdNIv
Safeties taken in the bottom half of the 1st round have a poor track record. That said, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has the tools to overcome that stigma. He’s big, athletic, and has some of the best instincts in the class. I’ve said multiple times that he is Charles Tillman in the body of a safety. That is how good he is at forcing turnovers. A pair of him and Bryant would arguably be the most talented safety combination this team has fielded since Eddie Jackson and Adrian Amos in 2018.
The Bears could then turn back around in the 2nd round to address the defensive line concerns. It isn’t a terrible plan. They just need to be sure they have a plan for McNeil-Warren. Scouting safeties is incredibly difficult. The best players at the position are essentially hybrids. They must have the range of a corner, the tackling of a linebacker, and the head of a quarterback. Those are not easy to find. McNeil-Warren seems to have those tools. If the Bears think he is the real deal, then the pick makes sense.
Oct 5, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) warms up against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors before the game at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images
There are few things more entertaining for Chicago Bears fans during the down periods of the NFL offseason than the episodes of 1920 Football Drive. It is the team’s version of HBO’s Hard Knocks, covering various events in the calendar. The most recent one did an overview of their work in free agency, headlined by the signings of safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Devis Bush, and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. However, towards the end of the episode, they teased their prep work for the 2026 draft. Here is where Chris Johnson comes into play.
Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the name. This isn’t the former Tennessee Titans running back. During one sequence in which general manager Ryan Poles discusses draft preparations, the video cuts to assistant director of college scouting Francis St. Paul visiting a pro day. Mind you, this is the only such clip in the entire video, which makes it all the more interesting. St. Paul is talking with a staffer at San Diego State. Why is this important? Namely, because there is only one player from that school expected to get drafted this year.
That is cornerback Chris Johnson.
Chris Johnson is a perfect fit for the Bears.
Experts describe him as a great athlete with the desired size for the position. What sets him apart from others is his technical prowess. He plays the position with such discipline and fluidity. Wide receivers can almost never shake him, even if he’s in zone or man coverage. It doesn’t matter. His passion for the game also stands out in how hard he plays on each snap. There is a tenacity and edge to his game that will immediately appeal to both defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and secondary coach Al Harris.
For all the talk about defensive line and offensive line, people haven’t paid much attention to cornerback as a need for the Bears. However, we already know this team is driven by finding the best football players. That is why they took Colston Loveland last year when they technically didn’t need a tight end. Is it possible they’re reaching the same conclusion with Johnson? He may not be a need, but the kid can play at a high level, drawing comparisons to Byron Murphy and Kendall Fuller.
High IQ play from Chris Johnson
-Doesn't fall for the lazy WR release on the PA fake -Reads QB's eyes, flips his hips and tracks the ball -Undercuts route for pick 6#NFLDraft2026pic.twitter.com/kZ0cXnvb5t
"I'm running out of reasons why this guy is not going to hit and be a good pro."@dpbrugler shares why there's a chance Chris Johnson could be CB2 in the 2026 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/OFaeDF0Puu
— The Athletic Football Show (@TA_FootballShow) April 17, 2026
The Bears’ interest in Johnson would be justified.
Let’s remember the situation as it stands. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon spent most of 2025 injured and not at full strength. Banking on that changing this year feels dangerous. Tyrique Stevenson has one year left on his contract, and Nahshon Wright left in free agency. The team doesn’t have any definitive guys they can trust who will probably be here within the next five years. Considering how important cornerbacks are to modern defenses, you should never turn your nose up at taking one in the 1st round.
Also, don’t forget the array of wide receiver talent the Bears have to deal with.
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Jameson Williams
Christian Watson
Jayden Reed
Containing all of that requires a group of talented cornerbacks. Too often, the Bears were victimized on the back end because most of their top guys weren’t healthy. It isn’t hard to imagine Poles and the coaching staff would prefer some stability this season. Chris Johnson would help provide that, even as a rookie. It might not be the elusive pass rusher everybody wants, or the franchise left tackle. Yet this feels like exactly the type of move this team would do.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.
The speculation and guesswork are finally almost over. The 2026 NFL draft is less than a week away. By now, the Chicago Bears will have solidified their board, having a solid idea of what they want to do in the 1st round. Some wonder if they might trade up, though that is far from likely. More believe they’re hoping to trade down, though that could prove difficult in a weak class. Right now, the odds favor them staying put at the 25th overall pick and making the best selection possible.
What every fan wants to know is who that player will be. There is no shortage of possibilities. In cases like this, the best thing to do is sift through the names with a reasonable chance of being available and use all of the information gathered about how this team operates to determine the most likely targets. That is what I’ve done here, ranking ten players with the best chance.
Ten players stand out as true Chicago Bears targets at #25 overall.
10. Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.
The loss of D.J. Moore has put wide receiver higher on the priority list for the Bears. Maybe not at the top, but certainly higher than some fans or media have accepted. Cooper Jr. exhibits many of the qualities head coach Ben Johnson wants. He’s over 6’0″ and over 200 lbs. He has good speed and plays with a violent temperament, both in his running after the catch and his blocking.
Why he’s not higher: While wide receiver is a need, it’s not near the top of the list. It would be shocking if there aren’t players with similar grades to him who play more important positions on defense or the offensive line. This would be a selection you might call the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency move.
09. Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez
Every great defense has a glue guy. He is the player who is always around the football, always barking orders, getting teammates lined up, and always displaying the magnetic charisma of a leader. Rodriguez was that guy for Texas Tech. He isn’t the biggest or the fastest, but he’s got enough of both to go along with some of the best instincts in this class. Throw in his obvious leadership, and he is a pillar that defenses can be built around.
Why he’s not higher: The modern NFL doesn’t accommodate linebackers like it used to. Only the most elite talents get drafted in the 1st round these days. Fair or not, Rodriguez isn’t in that category. Linebacker isn’t a premium position, even though the Bears obviously need another good one for their rebuilding front seven. Rodriguez will be a good player, but his positional value hurts him.
Caleb Lomu (6’6 308) Utah
+ Natural kick slide + Movement skills to block at the second level + Excellent recovery skills + Lateral agility + 82.1 pass blocking grade in 2025 + Just finished his redshirt sophomore season (high ceiling) + Allowed 8 pressures and 0 sacks during… pic.twitter.com/JGbmGZcynE
Left tackle remains a huge question mark for the Bears. Ozzy Trapilo has a nasty knee injury to recover from. Braxton Jones and Jedrick Wills aren’t long-term options. Locking down such a crucial position is something they’ve wanted to do for years. Lomu has almost all of the tools you could want. He’s a great athlete with fluid feet, shows patience in his sets, and has good hand-fighting technique.
Why he’s not higher: Lomu suffers from the same problem that haunted Jones when he arrived in the NFL. Most consider him underpowered. He’s vulnerable to the bull rush due to a suspect anchor and doesn’t demonstrate the best upper-body strength. He has the frame to correct that issue, but it is difficult to say whether he will put in the necessary work to do so.
07. Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Dennis Allen showed he wants to rebuild the safety room in his vision by letting Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker walk as free agents. Signing Coby Bryant was the first step. McNeil-Warren is built much the same way. He’s big, athletic, isn’t afraid to hit, and shows an uncanny nose for the football. Some might be reminded of Charles Tillman when watching him play, just in a safety’s body.
Why he’s not higher: The Bears haven’t taken a safety in the 1st round since Mark Carrier in 1990. It hasn’t been something the organization has historically done. Poles talks all the time about positional value. Evaluating safeties is difficult, which makes the risk of taking them in the 1st round that much higher. Compile that with his minor athletic limitations, and it’s a tough sell.
Good NFL pass rushers tend to fall into similar categories. They must be strong, violent, quick, and able to bend the edge without losing speed. Usually, when they have those four traits, they find success in the pros. Mesidor showed all of them during his final year in Miami, terrorizing tackles all season. His relentless motor and advanced technique made him a nightmare to contain.
Why he’s not higher: The inescapable fact is that Mesidor turns 25 this year. That is exceedingly old for a 1st round pick. Coach Johnson has always targeted younger prospects, dating back to his time in Detroit. They usually don’t go above 21 years old. The same goes for Poles, who has never drafted anybody over 22 (Caleb Williams). It’s hard to imagine they would break that rule for Mesidor, even with as good as he is.
05. Clemson DT Peter Woods
If you follow the previous two Super Bowl champions, you’ll start noticing a trend. Both teams had stout interior defensive lines, making it easy for them to control the line of scrimmage. The Chicago Bears have wanted to do this for years. Woods, talent-wise, is probably the most complete defensive tackle in the class. He’s big, strong, sheds blocks well, and flashes the lower body explosion to shoot gaps for quick pressures.
Why he’s not higher: The saying goes, ‘Show, don’t tell.’ For all the talk about Woods’ capability, it hasn’t shown up on the stat sheet. He has five sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss in three seasons with the Tigers. He didn’t show enough consistent domination to justify his hype level. Now, he wasn’t the only player on that defense to seemingly regress, but the inconsistency is hard to ignore.
04. Missouri EDGE Zion Young
After a somewhat quiet start to his college career, Young went on a rampage in 2025, racking up 16.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He carries this over to a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, proving it wasn’t a fluke. He has size, length, loads of power, and a temperament of unrelenting violence. He’s not the most athletic player, which may limit his overall pass-rush arsenal, but his dimensions are an obvious fit for Chicago.
Why he’s not higher: Young is a one-year wonder coming out of Missouri, and even then, his sack total belies somebody who can’t always finish the play. Then you have the off-the-field issues. Young was charged with aggravated assault in 2022 and later got a DWI last year. He hasn’t carried himself like the most upstanding citizen, which makes him a greater risk.
03. Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor
If you look at the template set by Darnell Wright three years ago, no player fits it better than Iheanachor. He’s big, powerful, surprisingly nimble for his size, and he displays that edge of nastiness coaches always love. His play took a big step up in 2025, showcasing greater awareness and technique after looking so raw the year before. He carried that into a standout Senior Bowl performance to cement it.
Why he’s not higher: There is one inescapable fact with Inheanachor. He’s inexperienced. Until five years ago, he was a soccer player. He is still very new to American football. As challenging as college is, he isn’t ready for the complicated stuff the NFL will throw at him. That is why his transition could take some time. That doesn’t include the fact that he is a right tackle, meaning he’d be shifting to the left side.
02. Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk
If you were to draw a Dennis Allen defensive end up in a lab, it would spit out Faulk. He has everything: a 6’6″ frame, 276 lbs, 34-inch arms, and is great at setting the edge against the run. He’s only 20 years old, too. The ceiling for players like this is always sky high. He’s drawn comparisons to Carlos Dunlap, who carved out an excellent career in Cincinnati. Allen has worked with this type of player for years.
Why he’s not higher: The problem with Faulk is that he has one glaring flaw. He’s not a good pass rusher. Despite his excess number of tools, he managed just 10 sacks in three seasons. For all the talk about his natural talent, it sure doesn’t show in the most important department for a defensive lineman. Are the Chicago Bears confident they can succeed where Auburn failed? Such gambles are dangerous.
01. Clemson OT Blake Miller
Look back at Trapilo and all the reasons the Chicago Bears drafted him. Miller is the same type of player, only more talented. He’s 6’6″, 317 lbs, and has 34-inch arms. His athleticism stands out immediately, showcasing great range in the run game and the ability to mirror speed rushers with his quick feet. He’s also experienced, having started 54 games. Intelligent? Yep. Unselfish? Absolutely. The guy is everything Johnson and this staff would love.
Why he’s #1: The Bears are searching for somebody they can plug and play immediately. Though Miller is a right tackle, he’s athletic enough and experienced enough to handle a transition to the left side with minimal issues. His anchor against power is very good and isn’t timid when looking to finish his blocks. All of his issues are technical in nature, meaning they can be resolved with effective coaching. In the absence of a home run, this is the type of “good football” player this team insists they hunt.
