1 defensive back for Bears in every round of the 2025 NFL draft

USA Today

23-04-2025

1 defensive back for Bears in every round of the 2025 NFL draft
The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears could look to add another playmaker at defensive back to help solidify the depth in their secondary.
With four picks in the Top 75 selections of the draft, Chicago has an opportunity to bring in the highest talent with a best player available strategy. There's been plenty of additions across the roster, but with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen running the show on defense, the team could add depth in their secondary which is headlined by Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard.
We're examining one defensive back that Chicago can target in each round of the draft. These players share a combination of athleticism, speed, and the potential to develop into explosive playmakers who could thrive in this new defense. They all have high ceilings and can become valuable contributors for an already solidified secondary.
Round 1: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Jahdae Barron is a name that has skyrocketed up draft boards, and for good reason. He has blazing speed and most importantly, versatility. He ran a 4.39 at the scouting combine in February, and last season he was named an All-American, First-team All-SEC, and the winner of the Jim Thorpe award, given to the best collegiate defensive back in the country. Barron can play outside, nickel, and safety making him an intriguing prospect at the next level.
Round 2: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
A popular name projected to the Bears in several mock drafts in the second round, Xavier Watts would bring good insurance to the safety position. Kevin Byard is entering the final contract year with Chicago, and there definitely health concerns around Jaquan Brisker, one of the bright young stars on the defense. Watts would be able to figure out his best spot in the secondary during his rookie year and then take over in his second.
Round 3: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
One of the most athletic performances of all-time at the combine, Nick Emmanwori lit it up in February and was a big topic of conversation for defensive backs. There's no doubting his athletic ability, but Emmanwori may be drafted earlier than expected because of that while he struggles to find his best position. In 2024, he led South Carolina with 88 tackles and was named First-team All American and First-team All-SEC.
Round 4: R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson
Another athletic safety, R.J. Mickens totaled 75 tackles, including six tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions while making 13 starts for Clemson last season. He's got a NFL bloodline with his father, Ray Mickens, having played for the New York Jets, and is complimented for his high football IQ.
Round 5: Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas
A playmaking cornerback, Mello Dotson was fourth in the country with five interceptions, and he also knows how to take it back once he picks it off. Dotson set a Kansas Jayhawks school record with four interceptions returned for a touchdown, two of which happened in the 2024 season. He'll have to find the right fit and become a better tackler, but his ball instincts are some of the best in this draft.
Round 6: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Quincy Riley knows how to be a disruptor, having 13 pass breakups for Louisville in the 2024 season and added two interceptions while being made Second-Team All-ACC. He'll start out as a backup at the next level, but he's got traits that could see him elevate his career to a starter.
Round 7: Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
Another playmaking cornerback who will have plenty room to grow, Zah Frazier makes for an intriguing late-round pick in this year's draft. Making First-team All-AAC, he set a UTSA school record with six interceptions, which also tied him for second in the country, and led the team with nine pass breakups this past season. Last season was the first time he got to shine as a starter at the highest level, and he impressed. Frazier feels like an ideal fit as a project for defensive coaches Al Harris and Dennis Allen to build into a rotational player at the next level.
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