Nov 15, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) attempts the sack during the second half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

ESPN: Chicago Bears could draft 11.5-sack defensive end

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 2:00 PM ET

The Chicago Bears offense is mostly set entering the offseason.

For Bears fans, that’s kind of a crazy sentence to read after decades of incompetence at that side of the ball.

Chicago’s offensive line only has one question mark at left tackle. Outside of that position, the Bears boast one of the better offensive lines and have dynamic skilled players that make some question how head coach Ben Johnson can get quarterback Caleb Williams to feed enough mouths during the season.

The Bears must address several positions on defense in the offseason. With Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J. Gardner Johnson set to enter free agency, Chicago needs to add safety help.

Obviously, the most pressing issue on the defense is the pass rush.

Field Yates of ESPN has the Bears taking Missouri defensive end Zion with the No. 35 pick.

“Pass rush is an obvious need after the Bears posted the NFL’s second-worst pass rush win rate in 2025,” Yates wrote. “Young would help improve the unit in a hurry with his power and heavy hands off the edge. He also brings versatility, having played some at defensive tackle during his first two collegiate seasons at Michigan State.

The Chicago Bears could develop Zion Young

“Young’s upper-body power and 33.5-inch arms allow him to power through the anchor of opposing tackles. That was on full display during a rock-solid Senior Bowl week. I could see him pairing with Montez Sweat really well.”

Young recorded 20 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles for the Tigers last season, his senior year. He started his career with the Michigan State Spartans in 2022 before transferring to Mizzou in 2024.

During his four-year college career, the native of Atlanta, Georgia, recorded 130 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and three forced fumbles.

Young showed steady progress during his four seasons in college. The six-foot-five, 262-pound athlete could become a star under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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