The Chicago Bears may finally be ready to reshape their defensive identity. Early signals this offseason ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft suggest a clear direction. According to ESPN insider Matt Miller, Missouri edge rusher Zion Young has emerged as a “popular” name tied to Chicago at No. 25 overall.
Miller, who correctly projected the Bears’ selection of Colston Loveland last year, went a step further. He even said that he would “bet” the franchise uses its first-round pick on a defensive lineman. That projection would mark a notable philosophical shift for a team that hasn’t selected a defensive player in Round 1 since 2018.
With head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen shaping the roster, the need is obvious. Chicago’s pass rush remains a glaring weakness despite offseason investments along the interior defensive line.
Young fits the mold of what Chicago appears to be targeting. He is a disruptive edge presence with size, burst, and scheme versatility. His ability to generate pressure off the edge would seamlessly complement Allen’s aggressive defensive philosophy. That would be particularly important in a division stacked with high-level quarterback play.
However, the Bears’ draft calculus isn’t entirely straightforward. Questions at left tackle linger following Ozzy Trapilo’s injury. The team has also done extensive homework on top offensive line prospects, including Alabama standout Kadyn Proctor.
That said, momentum is trending toward a defensive investment. For a franchise aiming to reestablish a hard-nosed identity, selecting a player like Young wouldn’t just address a roster need. It would also signal a long-overdue commitment to building from the edge out.
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