With the 25th overall pick in the 2026 Bleeding Green Nation community mock draft, the Chicago Bears are looking to the future by selecting Zion Young, an explosive edge defender out of Missouri. This strategic pick addresses a key area as the Bears aim to build a perennial contender.

The selection comes on the heels of a resurgent 2025 season where the Bears, under new head coach Ben Johnson, silenced doubters with an 11-6 record, an NFC North title, and a playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers. The offense, supercharged by Johnson's system, answered its biggest question emphatically.

Quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2024 first overall pick, flourished in his second year, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. His success was fueled by a revamped offensive line, featuring key acquisitions Jonah Jackson and the Protector of the Year, Joe Thuney, and a dynamic set of weapons. D’Andre Swift eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards, while DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and rookie sensation Luther Burden III formed a formidable receiving corps.

Now, with the offense humming, the focus shifts to fortifying the defense. By adding a premier pass-rushing talent like Zion Young, the Bears are investing in a disruptive force who can hunt quarterbacks and elevate the entire unit. This pick signals a franchise committed to building a complete, championship-caliber team for years to come.