Early top 2021 NFL Draft needs for Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Draft Needs: Secondary

While the Bears’ defense did take a major step back last season, they still have plenty of talent worth getting excited about on that side of the ball. It is difficult to call too many of their defensive positions a need, as they have some strong talent and depth, especially in the defensive front seven.

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However, two key positions in the secondary stand out as specific areas of need for this team; box safety and slot cornerback. The outside cornerback duo of Kyle Fuller and Jaylon Johnson has a ton of long-term upside, but slot corner Buster Skrine becomes a free agent after the 2021 season. Drafting his replacement a year ahead would certainly make some sense.

Aside from Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson is probably the biggest playmaker on the Bears’ defense. Jackson has thrived in his deep safety role through the first three years of his NFL career and is set up to be a centerpiece of this defense for many years.

However, the Bears significantly lack impact depth at the safety position. Tashaun Gipson steps in as the other starting safety this season, but he is unlikely to be anything other than a stop-gap player. The Chicago Bears should look to find Jackson a long-term running-mate at the safety position in the 2021 NFL Draft. Ideally, they would be able to find a safety who thrives near the line of scrimmage, allowing Jackson to roam the back-end of the defense on most snaps.