The Chicago Bears have visited with multiple players over the last few weeks as they are one month away from the 2026 NFL Draft.
In many mock drafts, one prospect who keeps coming up is Missouri edge rusher Zion Young as the Bears' pick at 25. Chicago does have other needs, like safety, that have appeared in the first round, but Young is a popular name that is now looking like a reality for the team.
NFL reporter Arye Pulli reported that the Bears were among 10 teams to visit Young. He had career highs in total pressures (52), sacks (eight), forced fumbles (two), and tackles (21) with the Tigers last season.Â
Bears visit with Zion Young before NFL Draft
Young has all the tools to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL off the edge. He's about as good a pass rusher as there is in the draft, with his speed off the line being top-notch.
Chicago only has $1 million in cap space, so they can't go after edge rushers like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett via trade. The free agent market is starting to dry up with talented edge rushers outside of Cameron Jordan and Joey Bosa, but again, the Bears can't afford those guys unless they make a major move on their roster to create space.
There is an argument to be made that safety is the most important position to be filled and must be addressed first. The thing is, the top-end edge rushers are just too good to be passed up on, and the Bears can always use a Day 2 pick to get a safety, so why not get a potential elite edge rusher like Young in the first round?
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Expect the Bears to be heavy on defense in the draft, with Young being near the top of the draft board.