Zion Young, a versatile SEC disruptor, brings power and proven pass-rushing ability to address the Bears' defensive line struggles.
The Chicago Bears could go a lot of ways in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After reaching the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the Bears are picking at No. 25 overall in April.
One area of need that jumps out right away is at left tackle following Ozzy Trapilo's injury. Trapilo suffered a season-ending patellar injury in the Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers and is expected to miss most of the 2026 season.
Instead of overpaying someone to hold down the position in free agency, the Bears could draft an offensive tackle with the 25th overall pick.
Chicago could also go defensive line with its pick.
The Bears had the 22nd most sacks in the NFL at 35, even with the 10-sack season that Montez Sweat had.
ESPN's Field Yates agrees and had the Bears taking Missouri edge rusher Zion Young in the first round. Young proved he is not only great at getting to the quarterback but also at disrupting plays behind the line of scrimmage.
"Pass rush is an obvious need after the Bears posted the NFL's second-worst pass rush win rate in 2025," Yates said. "Young would help improve the unit in a hurry with his power and heavy hands off the edge. He also brings versatility, having played some at defensive tackle during his first two collegiate seasons at Michigan State. Young's upper-body power and 33.5-inch arms allow him to power through the anchor of opposing tackles. That was on full display during a rock-solid Senior Bowl week. I could see him pairing with Montez Sweat really well."
Young finished with 6.5 sacks and 16.5 TFLs for the Tigers this past season. The edge rusher comes in at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds.
Before Missouri, he spent two seasons at Michigan State. He recorded 47 total tackles, 6.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks for the Spartans.
If the Bears aren't able to trade for a veteran pass rusher this offseason, selecting Young in the draft would be a good pickup. Chicago has been linked to Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Still, unfortunately, a trade won't be possible until before or after the draft due to the nature of his meniscus injury.
We're still a couple of months out from April's draft. It'll be interesting to see who Bears General Manager Ryan Poles goes with. Pass rush is still a glaring need that this team needs to address.