ESPN draft analyst says first-round edge rusher is a ‘popular’ name for Bears, despite red flags Chicago would normally avoid
The Chicago Bears are keeping all options open with the 25th overall pick in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft with many expecting the team to draft an edge rusher with their first selection.
What the Chicago Bears plan to do with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is still widely debated, days away from the start of the first-round. However, the closer we get, two positions are starting to stand out.
Although, it is worth noting that general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson are committed to drafting the best player available which can change things depending on what happens with the first 24 selections. As things stand today, many experts are leaning toward the Bears drafting a top edge rusher or offensive tackle.
“Depending on how many edge rushers are off the board by the time Chicago picks at No. 25, selecting a D-end is logical, but don’t rule out an offensive lineman in the first round,” ESPN’s Courtney Cronin explained.
If the Bears go the DE route in the first-round, it’ll be the first time Chicago will draft a first-round defensive player since 2018 and the first time the Bears draft a first-round true defensive end since 2012. ESPN’s Matt Miller shared a “popular” name the Bears could look to target to finally snap that trend.
ESPN believes Zion Young is a ‘popular’ name for the Chicago Bears with the 25th overall pick
“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. Zion Young (Missouri) is a popular name in Chicago, from what I’ve heard,” Miller explained.
Young is certainly a viable candidate for the Bears to consider with the 25th overall pick. Earlier in the pre-draft process, I ranked some of the top defensive ends expected to be available in Chicago’s range and had Young as my No. 1 fit for Dennis Allen’s defense.
“Zion Young perfectly fits the length and size Allen usually desires in his edge rushers and a fiery player that head coach Ben Johnson would gravitate toward. He’s not the quickest player compared to the other options listed and that’s why this could be a long thought-out decision for the Bears. In Young’s case, it’s easy to see why many experts view Chicago as a logical fit.”
Kole Noble
A to Z Sports Chicago
Bears would have to look past two major red flags with Zion Young if they plan to draft him
As much as I like the fit, Zion Young does have two major red flags the Bears would consider before pegging him as the top first-round target. The first involves his speed. At the NFL Combine, Young had a 4.75 40-yard-dash with a 1.72 10-yard-split.
Based on Dennis Allen’s draft history at the position, he prefers players with a sub-1.70 10-yard-split with his two most productive edge rusher selections (Trey Hendrickson and Marcus Davenport) having a time closer to a 1.60.
The second red flag is something that would deter the team’s general manager based on his previous draft tendencies involving Young’s off-the-field issues.
“Arrested and charged with suspicion of DWI, speeding and failing to properly affix a license plate to his vehicle (Dec. 2025); 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.”
Dane Brugler
via The Beast from The Athletic
Even though those two incidents will heavily scrutinized by NFL teams, Brugler did add that coaches and staff at Missouri praised Young’s presence and leadership in the building.
The Bears will have to weigh both of those concerns. Personally, I don’t see Young as an option anymore and honestly wouldn’t be shocked if the team passes on adding any edge rusher in the first-round.
