If the Chicago Bears are serious about turning the corner in 2026, it starts with fixing a defense that simply didn’t get the job done last season. Finishing 29th in total defense and 23rd in points allowed isn’t the kind of resume that wins you playoff games-let alone championships.
So, it’s no surprise that this offseason, the Bears are expected to lean heavily into rebuilding that side of the ball. And with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen now in the mix, his fingerprints will be all over the evaluation process alongside GM Ryan Poles.
That brings us to Zion Young-a name Bears fans might want to start getting familiar with.
The Missouri defensive end is coming off a breakout campaign in 2025, where he posted 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. Those numbers are more than just solid-they’re the kind of production that gets scouts circling back to the tape.
For most of his college career, the knock on Young was a fairly limited pass-rush arsenal. He had the size, the power, the athleticism-but not the polish.
In 2025, that began to change. He showed real progress with his technique, and it’s paying off at exactly the right time.
At 6'5", 262 pounds, Young checks every box physically. He’s long, explosive, and plays with real edge-setting strength.
That combination was on full display during Senior Bowl practices, where he flat-out dominated one-on-ones. Offensive tackles had a tough time keeping him in front of them-he was winning with speed, power, and leverage.
It looked like a man among boys at times, and that’s the kind of performance that gets front offices buzzing.
Young has all the traits Dennis Allen tends to value in his defensive linemen. If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Allen over the years, it’s that he loves length and power up front.
That’s why the Bears went after Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency and used a second-round pick on Shemar Turner. Unfortunately, both of those moves were derailed by injuries, leaving Chicago still searching for a difference-maker on the edge.
Enter Zion Young.
Initially projected as a Day 2 pick, Young’s stock is rising fast. If he continues to show out during the rest of the pre-draft process, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him land in the first round. And with Chicago sitting at pick No. 25, he could be right in their wheelhouse.
What makes Young particularly intriguing for the Bears is his versatility. He’s not just a pass rusher-he’s a strong run defender, too.
That two-way ability is something Allen places a premium on. In a division where you have to deal with physical run games and mobile quarterbacks, having a defensive end who can stay on the field all three downs is a huge asset.
The Bears haven’t used a first-round pick on a defensive player since 2018, but this might be the year that changes. With the defense in need of a spark and a coordinator who knows exactly what he wants, Zion Young could be the kind of player who fits the bill.
Keep the name on your radar. If his arrow keeps pointing up, don’t be surprised if he’s wearing navy and orange come draft night.