As the month of March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top 100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks on defense who fit Dennis Allen's scheme.
After not adding an edge rusher in free agency, the Bears could use one of their top-100 selections on an edge rusher to pair with veteran Montez Sweat and third-year player Austin Booker. One name who should really intrigue Chicago is Missouri Tigers edge rusher, Zion Young.
Let's get into our scouting report on Young.
Zion Young, Missouri, (6-foot-6, 262 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Long, well-built edge rusher with the size, strength and temperament engineered for trench battles at the next level. Young is a fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room. He majors in block destruction using base power and aggression to play through opponents. He extends and locks out as an edge-setter and sheds when needed, but his pursuit speed and range are average. He has the power to bull rush or drive through edges, but lacks instincts and variety in his rush approach. His NFL pressure production will lag behind without better go-to moves and counters. Young's physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade with average rush."
Film:
Strengths:
- Has the length and strength needed to play edge rusher in today's NFL.
- Excellent run defender.
- High motor and tenacity are prevalent on tape.
- Hands are always fighting when engaging offensive linemen.
- Strong bend when rounding the corner while being put on an island against offensive tackles.
- Converts speed to power within moments of the ball being snapped.
- Body control shows up on film when he is finishing tackles.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of pursuit ability shows up on tape.
- Will need to improve his pad level, especially when attacking interior gaps.
- First step is slower than usual.
- Has no answers when his pass rush moves are countered, and his feet stop moving.
Does Young fit the Bears defense?
Length and strength are Young's two biggest assets which Chicago will covet. His ability to play in a four-down front and set a hard edge are two qualities the Bears will covet. But when evaluating his overall sample size, there are some key questions the Bears will need answered. His lack of athleticism could push him down the Bears big board and ultimately lead the team to grading him out lower than usual. As a rookie, Young's ability to be a solid run defender and pass rusher would be noticeable on tape.
Alongside Sweat and Booker, Young would form a solid trio of pass rushers, but his lack of pursuit ability would be a clear deficiency that could hamper his ability to develop into the long-term solution that Chicago is looking for.
Conclusion:
If Young can land in the right situation, he will have an opportunity to develop into a well-rounded player who could on to have a solid career. He's the type of prospect who could hear his name called in the backhalf of round one or early on in round two.
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