With the No. 254 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Bears selected California safety Elijah Hicks.
Hicks is an accomplished defensive back who was named a first-team All-Pac-12 defender in 2021. He started off his collegiate career as a cornerback, but he transitioned over to safety and excelled immediately. A five-year starter during his time at Cal, he is an intelligent defender with a quick processor who plays with a high motor on a consistent basis.
In addition to his high football IQ, Hicks is a physical run defender who isn’t afraid of lowering the shoulder and delivering a powerful hit to opposing ball-carriers.