Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft has the Chicago Bears targeting an edge rusher at No. 25 to address one of their biggest defensive weaknesses.
, the Bears lean directly into that reality, sending edge rusher Zion Young to Chicago with the No. 25 overall pick.Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat takes the field before the game | Mike Dinovo-Imagn ImagesThe Bears finished with 35 sacks, which tied for 22nd in the league.
Even more telling, their 28.0% pressure rate ranked 29tMontez Sweat did his part, finishing with 10 sacks and consistently drawing attention from opposing offenses. But beyond him, the production just wasn’t there.since Leonard Floyd went ninth overall back in 2016. Think about that for a second. Nearly a decade without investing premium draft capital into one of the most important positions in football.Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young looks on before a play against the Virginia Cavaliers | Travis Register-Imagn ImagesYoung plays with the kind of edge that jumps off the screen. Power, motor, urgency; the traits that define disruptive pass rushers are all there. And honestly, that’s what this defense needs. Not just another body across from Sweat. But someone offenses actually have to worry about.Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine | Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe Bears have tried patchwork solutions. They’ve taken swings in free agency. They’ve hoped internal development would bridge the gap.At some point, the Bears have to stop hoping and wishcasting. That’s what makes projecting Zion Young to Chicago feel like a potential reality.Missouri defensive lineman Zion Young during the NFL Scouting Combine | Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesSweat on one side. A high-motor, power rusher like Zion Young on the other. Interior pressure is improving with Gervon Dexter taking another step forward and the addition of Neville Gallimore. Suddenly, everything gets easier. The secondary doesn’t have to hold coverage as long. The blitz packages become more effective. Dennis Allen’s unit plays faster, which is a priority for the Bears this offseason.And if Kiper’s mock plays out this way, theLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendationsBryan Perez founded and operated Bears Talk, a Chicago sports blog. Prior to that, he covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Bears coverage, Perez is a respected member of NFL Draft media and was a past winner of The Huddle's Mock Draft competition. Bryan's past life includes time as a Northeast scout for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks.
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