Before the 2010 NFL Free Agency period began, Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith emphasized his desire to upgrade at the Safety position.

The Bears had a relatively young and in-experienced group of safeties during the 2009 season.

The biggest highlight at the Bears Safety position was rookie Al Afalava, who could be the starting strong safety for the Bears for a long time or at least competing with a healthy Kevin Payne for the starting spot.

Rotating at the Free Safety position was former 2nd round pick Daniel Manning, journeyman Josh Bullocks and Payne; with former 3rd round pick Craig Steltz getting some time at both safety positions.

With the free agency lacking a sure starting safety for the Bears to add, it looks like they will address the position in the Draft.

With no 1st and 2nd round picks, the Bears will have to wait and select a Safety in the 3rd or 4th round (barring a potential trade into the 1st or 2nd rounds).

Here are some potential picks the Bears could look at:

• Nate Allen, FS, South Florida (6-0, 207 lbs)

Allen declared for the NFL Draft after his sophomore season at South Florida.

He is fast (4.4 40 yard dash) and has an eye for the ball, registering four interceptions along with 85 tackles in 2009.

Allen will more than likely be gone after the 2nd round.

With a deep Safety class in the 2010 Draft, some teams may choose to go with another position and he could fall to the Bears in the 3rd round.

Projected Round: 2nd – early 3rd

• Morgan Burnett, FS, Georgia Tech (6-1, 209 lbs)

 

Burnett is another burner, running a 4.42 40 at his Pro Day, who would be a perfect fit in Lovie Smiths Cover-2 Defense.

His size (6-1, 209 lbs) has a lot of teams looking to take him early in the draft.

The Bears would love to have Burnett fall in their laps in the 3rd round, but this is another reach.

Projected Round: Late 2nd – Mid 3rd

• Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas (5-11, 204 lbs)

 

Stuckey was used mostly as a SS at Kansas, but has the ability to play both positions in the NFL.

As a junior, Stuckey registered 5 INT’s, broke up 7 passes and  recorded 98 tackles.

His senior year was a down year, with only 2 passes broken up.

Stuckey did show decent speed at the combine, running a 4.49 in the 40 yard dash.

Projected Round: 3rd

• Major Wright, FS, Florida (6-0, 204 lbs)

 

Many NFL Analysts were surprised when Wright decided to for-go his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft in 2010.

With so many talented safeties in this year’s draft, many believe it would be smarter for Wright to wait until the 2011 Draft, where he would be a sure 1st round pick.

Wright is fast (4.48 40 yard dash) and has the size to be a major upgrade at the Bears current Free Safety position.

If Wright isn’t gone when the Bears are up in the 3rd round, look for them to pick him without hesitation.

Projected Round: 3rd – early 4th

Other possible choices:

Robert Johnson, FS, Utah

Kurt Coleman, S, Ohio State

Harry Coleman, S, LSU