5 possible steals for the Chicago Bears in 2022 NFL Draft

Safety Leon O’Neal Jr. could be a draft steal for the Chicago Bears

The Bears still need to find depth at safety. Whether or not they view safety as an area to find a starter is debatable, though. Newly-signed Dane Cruikshank may be the guy to start next to Eddie Jackson. But, DeAndre Houston-Carson is there too. Maybe neither of them are cut out to be the dependable starter, but competition needs to happen nonetheless.

Currently, Leon O’Neal Jr. is widely looked at as a mid-round pick. The Texas A&M product stands 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds. He’s a fairly physical player who has a high motor and plays hard. The knock on O’Neal is that he isn’t a sure tackler and shouldn’t be played at a high safety position.

O’Neal is, however, someone who will never hesitate to jump into the action and support the run. He is quick to make decisions and acts swiftly.

In a zone scheme, he may fare better. The thing Eberflus would like about O’Neal is that he plays so hard. His deficiencies aren’t for lack of effort, but a little coaching could turn his technique for the better and he may end up being able to either start or become a key, movable piece in this defense.

If O’Neal were to fall to the late fifth or even sixth round, he’s well-worth that draft capital.