The Chicago Bears have been busy this offseason, addressing several key departures through free agency. However, one glaring need remains unaddressed: the edge rusher position.
Last season, the Bears struggled to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, ranking among the bottom in the league for sacks. Montez Sweat led the team with 10 sacks, while defensive tackle Gervon Dexter followed with six.
Fans were hopeful for a big-name acquisition like Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson, but those moves didn’t materialize. Now, the spotlight turns to the NFL Draft as the Bears look to bolster their pass rush.
In Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft, the Bears are projected to select Missouri edge rusher Zion Young with the 25th overall pick. The Bears' pass-rushing stats from last season tell the story: tied for 22nd in sacks with 35 and a pressure rate of just 28.0%, ranking 29th.
While Montez Sweat was a standout, the team lacked depth beyond him. The addition of Dayo Odeyingbo last offseason was meant to address this, but an Achilles injury limited him to one sack over eight games.
Chicago hasn't invested a top-50 pick in an edge rusher since Leonard Floyd in 2016, making this draft a pivotal opportunity to change that trend. Zion Young, with his 6.5 sacks and 46 pressures last season, brings a powerful presence and relentless energy to the field. His potential pairing with Sweat could significantly enhance the Bears' defensive front.
As the draft approaches, the Bears have two main targets for their first-round pick: an edge rusher or a safety, both critical for strengthening the team's defense. Young's speed and ability to disrupt the quarterback make him a promising candidate to stabilize the pass rush alongside Sweat.
There's also hope that players like Odeyingbo and Austin Booker can contribute more significantly. Booker showed promise with a strong finish to the season, while Odeyingbo's impact will hinge on his recovery.
Missing out on a top-tier edge rusher in the draft could lead to frustration among Chicago fans, so it's crucial for the Bears to address this need effectively. Zion Young could be a key piece in revitalizing the Bears' pass rush and bringing some much-needed intensity to their defense.