The Chicago Bears have a gap to fill at safety heading into 2022. As the defense prepares to switch from 3-4 to 4-3, the current depth chart lacks depth at free safety behind Eddie Jackson.
At strong safety, the Bears re-signed DeAndre Houston Carson and acquired a free agent in former Tennessee Titan Dane Cruikshank. But both players signed to one-year deals, leaving the Bears with a long-term need at safety.
Here are some safeties the Bears could target in each round of the upcoming draft to fill an important need — starting in Round 2.
2nd Round: Daxton Hill, Michigan
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Daxton Hill did it all for the Wolverines. He played outside corner, box safety, and free safety. He can cover receivers and tight ends on short to intermediate routes but is best at the line of scrimmage. He’s a willing tackler with sound technique.
The Bears will likely take a cornerback, wide receiver, or offensive tackle in the second round. But what’s intriguing about Hill is his athleticism. On paper, his combine performance ranks in the 90th percentile in the 40-yard dash (4.38), 3-cone (6.57), and wingspan (79.25″) when compared to cornerbacks.
If the Bears think he can play cornerback, maybe they take Hill at pick 39 or 48.
3rd Round: Bryan Cook, Cincinnati
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When it comes to Bryan Cook, there is a lot to appreciate about the safety from Cincinnati. He is willing to show up against the run, and he’s above-average against all three levels (short, intermediate, and deep) in pass coverage.
Cook is a high floor, low ceiling prospect. But he lacks in agility. In the open field, he tends to miss when attempting to tackle ball carriers. In addition, he’s expected to have 4.6 speed which isn’t ideal for playing man coverage against NFL wide receivers.
It’s hard to imagine the Bears taking him in the 3rd round, but he’s an outstanding prospect with…