Proposed mock trade would show Ryan Poles isn't screwing around with Bears draft

This offseason is serious business for the Chicago Bears after coming off an 11-6 season as they are in pursuit of a Super Bowl title.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles has plenty of positions to address as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, including defensive tackle, edge rusher, safety, wide receiver, and offensive tackle. Poles has been known to make trades in the past through the NFL Draft, which makes Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton's proposed mock draft plausible for the Bears, as he has an option to trade up to pick 21 with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire Missouri edge rusher, Zion Young.

Chicago Bears get: 1-21
Pittsburgh Steelers get: 1-25, 4-129, 7-239

"General manager Ryan Poles is more likely to make a move for a pass-rusher on a rookie contract. Outside the top 20, Zion Young could be an option for the Bears, who have pick No. 25. Young's collegiate pass-rushing production doesn't jump off the screen. In his final term at Missouri, he recorded 6.5 sacks, but he's shown growth in his pass-rush development with more playing time over the years. Moreover, Young should be able to provide an immediate impact against the run. In 2025, he racked up 16.5 tackles for loss, breaking through the backfield to make stops and setting the edge on the perimeter. Although Young isn't the most polished edge-rusher, he's an ascending prospect with a 6'5", 262-pound NFL frame, good length (33" arms) and an endless motor."

Bears could make a trade up to get Zion Young

Everyone in Chicago wants the Bears to go edge rusher in the first round after missing out on top guys like Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby. This is the same defense that had just 35 sacks in 17 regular season games last year, so getting some help for Montez Sweat and Austin Booker must happen.

Poles has proven in recent years that he's not afraid to make trades, as he made some moves to get Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze early in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. If the Bears have someone they are excited about, there won't be any hesitation to make a trade.

Even just reviewing the proposed trade between the Bears and Steelers, it would be a massive win for Chicago to still keep their two second-round picks and get rid of two Day 3 picks that may not mean anything in the grand scheme of things.

If the Bears get that kind of deal from the Steelers, that should be one Poles accepts.

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