Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the current Bears safeties and what are the concerns with them?
Kevin Byard III was a First-Team All-Pro but is 32 years old, which is geriatric in NFL years. Jaquan Brisker has had three concussions in three years and can't be counted on for 17 games. Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens are free agents, leaving the cupboard basically bare.
Why is Caleb Downs considered the best safety prospect but unlikely for the Bears?
Downs is considered the best defensive player in the draft who can play single-high, in the box, or cover the slot while tackling like a linebacker and covering like a corner. However, he's projected to go Top 10, maybe Top 8, making him unrealistic at the Bears' 25th pick.
What makes Dillon Thieneman a good fit for the Bears' defense?
Thieneman fits Dennis Allen's defense perfectly with his relentless work ethic, arriving at the facility at 5:30 AM daily. He has excellent run support with a 90.2 PFF grade and the instincts to play the "robber" role that Allen loves, making him a plug-and-play starter.
What are the main concerns about Emmanuel McNeil-Warren despite his talent?
McNeil-Warren has medical concerns after missing the end of the season with an "enigmatic injury" that scouts don't understand. He also missed 15.5% of his tackles last year, raising questions about his ability to tackle NFL running backs.
What type of safety is A.J. Haulcy and how does he play?
Haulcy is an old-school strong safety built like a tank at 222 pounds who hits like a freight train. He's described as a linebacker stuck in a safety's body who makes receivers regret catching the ball over the middle and was First-Team All-SEC.