The Chicago Bears seem to have more than enough weapons on offense. The defense, however, might be an entirely different story. They were average at best, and their inability to generate pressure at the line of scrimmage had plenty to do with that.
Considering that, it only makes sense they use their No. 25 pick on a disruptive pass rusher to star opposite Montez Sweat. Fortunately for the fans, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller's latest intel hints at them doing exactly that:
"After correctly predicting the Bears would draft Colston Loveland last year, I feel less confident in the individual player this time around but would bet No. 25 is used on a defensive lineman. Zion Young (Missouri) is a popular name in Chicago, from what I've heard," wrote Miller.
The Bears Might Solve their Pass-Rushing Woes with Zion Young
Young is an intriguing prospect. He's expected to be taken late in the first round or early in the second, so he sure makes sense at No. 25, especially if there's not a defensive back the Bears covet -- their other major need on defense.
The Missouri product had an impressive final season in college. He logged 42 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two passes defensed, running away with first-team All-SEC honors.
While he may not be the most athletic prospect at the position, his 6'5", 262-pound frame makes him an absolute unit of a human being, and he has top-notch strength and long arms to gain and maintain leverage over offensive linemen. Young can also wreak havoc as a bull-rusher, using his raw power to collapse the pocket.
On the downside, he needs to work on his angles to be more efficient when going after the quarterback, and he has a history of off-field issues. That said, the physical tools are just too significant to ignore.
The Bears gave up 227.2 passing yards per game, ranking 22nd in the league. The 373.8 total yards and 24.4 points allowed per game ranked 27th and 23rd, respectively. That's not a sustainable formula for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and the best way to disrupt an offense is to put pressure at the line of scrimmage and limit a quarterback's time and room to operate.
Young might not be David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr., but he can be a day-one starter and an upgrade over the Bears' current pass-rushing unit. He'll have some growing pains; all rookies do, but even if No. 25 might be a bit too rich for him, he solves a massive positional need for Dennis Allen's defense.