Bears 'Ideal' Pick at No. 25 Would Be Perfect Kevin Byard Replacement

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren could help maintain the Bears' defensive takeaway success.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:13pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the abstract motion and energy of a defensive back intercepting a pass, conveying the playmaking ability the Bears hope to find in the draft.A cubist interpretation of a defensive back making a game-changing interception, reflecting the Bears' need to replace their top ballhawk in the secondary.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears are looking to replace star safety Kevin Byard, who departed for the New England Patriots in free agency. NFL.com's James Reber believes the Bears' 'ideal' but realistic pick at No. 25 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft would be Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who could step in and make a similar impact in the Bears' secondary.

Why it matters

Turnovers were a key part of the Bears' defensive success last season, and losing Byard, one of the league's top ball-hawking safeties, is a significant blow. McNeil-Warren, who had 3 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions in 2025, could help the Bears maintain their takeaway prowess on defense.

The details

McNeil-Warren is a 6'2", 202-pound safety who recorded 8 forced fumbles and 5 interceptions in his college career at Toledo. He would provide the Bears with a physical presence and playmaking ability in the secondary, potentially forming a strong safety duo with 2025 second-round pick Coby Bryant.

  • In the 2025 season, McNeil-Warren recorded 3 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions, including 1 pick-six, for the Toledo Rockets.

The players

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A 6'2", 202-pound safety from the University of Toledo, McNeil-Warren is a physical playmaker who could replace the production of former Bears star Kevin Byard.

Kevin Byard

An All-Pro safety who spent the first 7 seasons of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears before signing with the New England Patriots in free agency.

Coby Bryant

A 2025 second-round pick by the Bears, Bryant is expected to be a key part of the team's secondary moving forward.

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What they’re saying

“Chicago's defense thrived on takeaways last season, and McNeil-Warren could help maintain that trend with last year's greatest turnover weapon, Kevin Byard, now in New England.”

— James Reber, NFL.com writer

What’s next

The Bears will have the opportunity to select McNeil-Warren with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place on April 24-26.

The takeaway

By selecting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the first round, the Bears could find a perfect replacement for the departed Kevin Byard and maintain the takeaway-focused identity of their defense that was so successful in 2025.