As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears face a critical decision with the 25th overall pick. While the team has multiple needs to address, one position stands out as a gaping hole that demands immediate attention: safety.

The Bears' current defensive backfield situation is precarious. They have only one established, starting-caliber safety on the roster. Every other position group, even if not elite, at least features an NFL-ready player you can pencil in. At safety, that foundational second starter simply does not exist.

Elijah Hicks is back, but he's projected for a special teams and depth role. The departure of Jonathan Owens leaves a significant void, with veteran Cam Lewis—a career special teamer with limited starting experience—slotted as the primary backup. The recent signing of Coby Bryant solidifies one spot, but the other starting job remains wide open. In today's NFL, where passing attacks dominate, a reliable safety tandem is not a luxury; it's a necessity for any defense with playoff aspirations.

This glaring need creates a compelling case for the Bears to target a safety at pick 25. History shows that when you have a hole this obvious, you can't afford to get cute and hope the draft falls your way. If you pass on the position in the first round, you risk a run on top safeties before your next selection at 57, potentially leaving you with a compromised plan and a weakened secondary.

Fortunately, the 2026 draft class appears to be a strong one for the position, with multiple safeties, including standout prospects from schools like Ohio State, carrying first-round grades. For a Bears team looking to solidify its defense, using their premier draft capital to lock down a cornerstone safety isn't just a sensible move—it could be the proactive step that transforms the entire unit. Securing a day-one starter would bring stability and playmaking ability to the back end, allowing the defense to play with more confidence and versatility.