All the discussions going into the draft hover around a specific number of positions. Left tackle, edge rusher, running back, and tight end are involved for the 10th overall pick for the Chicago Bears. However, it doesn’t stop there. Other positions can’t be overlooked. Perhaps the most notable one is safety. While Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker were a solid tandem last season, their futures in Chicago are unknown. Both enter 2025 in the final year of their contract. Byard turns 32 in August. Brisker missed most of last season with a concussion.
Neither is a lock to stay on the roster beyond this season, especially with Dennis Allen taking over the defense. Safety is a position of great importance to him. Drafting one early doesn’t seem like a stretch. Tony Pauline of Sportskeedia made that clear in his recent column. The Bears may even have a name in mind. He reported that the team is showing great interest in Texas safety Andrew Mukuba, going so far as to say he is a possible target for them on day two of the action.
Cornerback Jahdae Barron and safety Andrew Mukuba both looked terrific in drills. They were smooth and clean in their movements, backpedals and ability to break to the ball. Both players were scheduled to meet with the Saints, Bears and Steelers on Monday evening.
Barron is expected to be the second cornerback selected, somewhere in the bottom half of Round 1, while Mukuba cemented himself as a Day 2 pick.
Keep an eye on the Bears in the third round for Mukuba.
Mukuba would take over the Kevin Byard role.
His game is centered around deep coverage, where he uses his instincts and ball skills to make opponents pay down the field. Last season, he snagged five interceptions for Texas, helping them reach the semifinals of the college football playoffs. Bears fans will instantly be reminded of Eddie Jackson. Mukuba is on the thinner side, which makes his tackling ability average at best. However, he makes up for it with an uncanny knack for finding the football in the air. This fits Allen’s preference perfectly.
The Bears defensive coordinator first showcased this in Oakland, where he converted cornerback Charles Woodson to free safety. Then it was guys like Jairus Byrd, Marcus Williams, and Tyrann Mathieu in New Orleans. Kevin Byard would’ve been an ideal fit a few years ago, but his age is a factor the team can’t ignore. Mukuba would fit the new scheme like a glove, especially if he can add a few pounds to his frame.
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They will get a safety. Aside from special teams, they need backups or starters at every single position except QB and WR.
They are deep nowhere.
Safety is a much bigger need than any of the pundits are saying. Byard is aging out and Brisker may not even play again for all we know. I almost want Da Bears to trade down with one of the 2nd round picks and grab a couple guys in the 3rd. This draft is excellent for the position and backup safeties always play special teams anyway. Heck, Mukuba can even play the nickel if needed.
There are Safety options available in the Draft as @Dr. Melhus noted. But, shouldn’t we be talking about BRISKER’s replacement not Byard’s? Next concussion could be it for his career, and life!
The good news for the Bears is that there’s Emmanwori (SC), Starks (Georgia), Winston (Penn St.), Watts (ND) and Mukuba (Texas) out there, so they should be able to get a safety they like on day 2 (or Emmanwori on a trade down in round 1). After that there’s some other good ones too, so day 3 could get them a safety if the first three rounds go in other directions.
My faves:
DE/LB Abdul, LB Jihaad, CB/S Jahdae.