The Chicago Bears historically wait on safeties, but LSU’s Jamal Adams may be too talented to pass up.

ESPN’s Todd McShay links Adams to the Bears with the third overall pick in his Mock Draft 3.0 released on Wednesday.

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The Bears drafted safeties in each of the past three years (Deon Bush, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Adrian Amos and Brock Vereen), but none of them higher than the fourth round. Chicago used third-round picks on safeties for three consecutive years in 2010-12 (Major Wright, Chris Conte and Brandon Hardin), but they haven’t invested a first-round choice in the position since Mark Carrier in 1990.

Adams, though, has scouts buzzing. The LSU standout started 26 games over three seasons in Baton Rouge, finishing with 209 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, two forced fumbles and two sacks. Adams – voted first-team All-SEC – was one of the best hitters in college football. He also developed a reputation as a leader in the locker room.

The Bears already addressed one of their safety spots by signing veteran Quintin Demps to a three-year deal. Demps – six interceptions for the Texans last year – is guaranteed $4.5 million in 2017.

Last year’s starters, Adrian Amos, Harold Jones-Quartey and Bush, are young and struggled on occasion. So it's possible the Bears look to find their second starting safety via the draft.

In earlier mock drafts, McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. had Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen going to Chicago at No. 3 overall. McShay projects Allen to the Titans at No. 5 in his latest offering.