The Chicago Bears have acknowledged several areas in which they could still stand to improve their roster this offseason, and Zion Young is becoming an increasingly popular speculative target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Young has already gotten the Bears’ attention.
With two weeks left until the draft, the smoke around the potential pairing could be turning into a smoldering fire.
Bears Keen on Missouri Tigers EDGE Zion Young
Zion Young ‘Popular Name’ After Bears Visit
The Bears were already reported to be among Young’s planned visits ahead of the draft, in which he could be a late first or early second-round pick.
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the interest is legitimate and fitting.
“After correctly predicting the Bears would draft Colston Loveland last year, I feel less confident in the individual player this time around but would bet No. 25 is used on a defensive lineman,” Miller wrote on April 9. “Zion Young (Missouri) is a popular name in Chicago, from what I’ve heard.”
The Bears ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks last season. That is despite trading for Montez Sweat in 2023 and signing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency in 2025. Getting their rush back in order requires quality, but also a long-term vision.
The Bears’ best internal candidate to step up is former fifth-round pick Austin Booker. The Bears have pegged Booker as a pass-rush specialist so far.
Young has been a polarizing prospect.
Zion Young Projects as ‘Starting Base End’
Evaluations of him belie the draft projections they are attached to. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Young as his eighth-best edge rusher in this class. Brugler noted that Young lacks the talent of a true premier pass rusher.
“Young doesn’t have the pass-rush quickness or diversity that will scare NFL offensive tackles, but he sets a firm edge in the run game and uses his NFL-caliber measurables and heavy hands to open pathways to the pocket,” Brugler wrote in “The Beast” draft guide. “He has the floor of a quality backup and the ceiling of a starting base end for a physical NFL front.”
Young also comes with some off-field questions. Those, in combination with his supposed athletic limitations, contribute to the uncertainty around his draft outlook.
“Arrested and charged with suspicion of DWI, speeding and failing to properly affix a license plate to his vehicle (Dec. 2025),” Brugler noted. “One of seven Michigan State players suspended for final four games of 2022 season and charged with assault following a postgame altercation at Michigan — pleaded guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault (Aug. 2023) and received probation.”
If Young is the pick, and on a guaranteed contract like the Bears’ top two picks received last season, that would mean general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson are comfortable dropping into the culture they have established.
