Bears Linked to Popular 6.5-Sack Pass Rusher for 25th Pick

Chicago seems to be eyeing up this edge rusher out of the SEC for their first-round selection.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:11pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in the midst of a pass rush, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, burnt orange, and forest green representing the Chicago Bears' defensive scheme.An abstract illustration captures the intensity and dynamism of a pass rusher, reflecting the Bears' need to upgrade their defensive front.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears are looking to upgrade their defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft, and ESPN's Matt Miller reports they are eyeing Missouri edge rusher Zion Young as a potential target with the 25th overall pick. Young, a 6-foot-5, 262-pound senior, is coming off a solid season with 6.5 sacks and 42 total tackles, and is seen as a good scheme fit for the Bears' defense under coordinator Dennis Allen.

Why it matters

The Bears have a need to bolster their pass rush opposite star edge rusher Montez Sweat, and Young could be an intriguing option at 25th overall as a solid all-around defensive end who can contribute both as a pass rusher and in run defense.

The details

Young is described as a 'popular name' among those in Chicago, suggesting the Bears have zeroed in on him as a potential first-round selection. At 22 years old, Young may not be the elite athlete that some other edge rushers possess, but he is viewed as a good schematic fit for the Bears' defense and could provide a nice complement to Sweat on the opposite side of the line.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away.

The players

Zion Young

A 6-foot-5, 262-pound senior defensive end from the University of Missouri, who is coming off a 2025 season with 6.5 sacks and 42 total tackles.

Montez Sweat

The Bears' star edge rusher, who could benefit from having Young as a complement on the opposite side of the defensive line.

Dennis Allen

The Bears' defensive coordinator, who is seen as a good schematic fit for Young's skill set.

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What they’re saying

“I feel less confident in the individual player this time around but would bet No. 25 is used on a defensive lineman. Zion Young (Missouri) is a popular name in Chicago, from what I've heard.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Bears will have to wait and see if Young is still available when they are on the clock with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Bears' focus on upgrading their defensive line in the draft is clear, and Zion Young has emerged as a potential target that would provide a strong complement to Montez Sweat on the edge. Young's combination of pass rushing ability and run defense skills make him an intriguing option for a Bears team looking to bolster its front seven.