Chicago Bears 2019 NFL Draft Primer: Everything you need to know

8. Names to know and why the Bears should add a safety

Even after adding Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in free agency, the Bears should look to the NFL Draft to add one more face to the safeties room this offseason.

The reason for this is simple: Clinton-Dix signed a one-year deal which doesn’t ensure that he’ll be with the Bears past 2019. If Clinton-Dix can get his career back on track, he may be due for a big payday. Additionally, the Bears also need to have a replacement lined up.

For the third round, there are two ways in which the Bears could go. First, they could select a running back, mainly one of the five names just examined. However, this would mean that player needs to be a true game changer as the Bears can also find good running backs on day three.

A second route for the Bears to go is safety. Unlike the last few NFL Drafts where there have been top talents like Jamal Adams, Derwin James, and Malik Hooker that headline the safety position, this year, there are multiple safeties that will be available for the Bears on day two.

The one thing to understand with these safeties is that some of them could potentially require the Bears to sacrifice and trade up in round three. However, if General Manager Ryan Pace sees a player he likes, he’ll do whatever is necessary to move up the draft board and draft that player.

With the value of this safeties class being on day two and three, the Bears would be wise to keep an eye on six names: Darnell Savage (Maryland), Amani Hooker (Iowa), Taylor Rapp (Washington), Johnathan Abram (Mississippi State), Deionte Thompson (Alabama), and Lukas Denis (Boston College).