The Chicago Bears could address the EDGE rusher position this offseason after ranking near the bottom in pressures and allowing the sixth-most rushing yards last season. Chicago has yet to sign an edge rusher, while Dayo Odeyingbo is recovering from an Achilles tear sustained in November. It’s unclear if Odeyingbo will be ready for the start of the season since this is his second injury to his right achilles, but the good news is he is attacking the rehab process and is highly motivated.
The Chicago Bears host an intriguing pass rusher with 11.5 sacks
USATSI 27890568 168422142 lowres
Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) looks on before a play against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
According to Arye Pulli of Sports Illustrated, the Bears will host former Michigan State Spartans and Missouri Tigers pass rusher Zion Young for a pre-draft visit. He fits Dennis Allen’s scheme because he is a strong run defender who can set the edge thanks to his 6-foot-5, 262-pound frame, versatility that allows him to line up inside as a defensive tackle or outside as an EDGE rusher, and is very athletic. One criticism of him is that he hasn’t dominated the stat sheet as a pass rusher, with only 11.5 career sacks. Young could fall into Chicago’s laps with the 57th or 60th overall pick.
Source: Missouri pass-rusher Zion Young has more than 10 pre-draft visits:
🏈 Bears
🏈 Buccaneers
🏈 Chargers
🏈 Dolphins
🏈 Falcons
🏈 Jets
🏈 Patriots
🏈 Ravens
🏈 Seahawks
🏈 Titans
Young is garnering significant interest, with more to be scheduled. pic.twitter.com/bmAlKsTaLY
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) March 26, 2026
Also Read: “Let’s Change That”: Mel Kiper Jr. Has Chicago Bears Selecting Zion Young In Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
Chicago Bears Zion Young
Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) warms up before the Gator Bowl against the Virginia Cavaliers at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
Zion Young enjoyed a breakout senior campaign, setting career highs in tackles for loss, pressures, and sacks while excelling both against the run and rushing the passer. He totaled 57 pressures, a 17.4% pass-rush win rate, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an 82.7 pass-rush grade across 13 games. Young also posted 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, a 9.3% run stop rate, and an 86.6 run-defense grade, per PFF. His efforts earned him a First-Team All-SEC selection.
Young wrapped up his four-year college career with Michigan State and Missouri, totaling 131 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles across 46 games.
“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.”
He predicts Young will become a good starter within the first two years.