Missouri defensive end Zion Young has widely been considered an ideal 2026 NFL Draft target for the Chicago Bears, who hold the No. 25 pick. His fit from need and physical standpoints makes the dot-connecting easy, but what about Texas A&M's Cashius Howell?
Either way, it's become increasingly clear that Chicago will address its lack of edge presence as early as Round 1 after neglecting the position in free agency. Howell hasn't generated the same buzz as Young among Bears fans. The club's defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, who typically covets bigger, powerful players, has been a notable factor in the discourse.
Nevertheless, frame (or lack thereof) aside, Howell is a handful to deal with — and someone folks in Chicago should have on their radar. Coming off a dominant final collegiate campaign, he presents another exciting possible option. Whether it's him, Young or someone else, expect the Bears to bring in a high-level pass-rushing prospect.
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Young boasts the combination of size and aggression that fits the Bears' approach. He profiles as a three-down force who can be equally as impactful stuffing the run as getting to the quarterback. His relentless motor is exactly what Allen and Co. are looking for in Chicago.
Then there's Howell, who showed why any concerns regarding his short arms, albeit valid, are being overstated. He reached new heights as a fifth-year senior, helping Texas A&M make its first College Football Playoff appearance in program history. The 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Consensus All-American was one of two defenders in the conference to record double-digit sacks (11.5).
The beauty of having an array of options is that there could be multiple right (or wrong) answers. There's a lot to like about Young, and the same goes for Howell; both have talent and traits that project to translate to the pros. Yet, the list doesn't stop there when it comes to names the Bears may consider.
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Clemson's T.J. Parker and R Mason Thomas of Oklahoma also stand out among the potential choices if the Bears stray from Young or Howell.