Not a lot of people had Colston Loveland anywhere on the Chicago Bears’ radar in 2025. They knew a tight end was at least possible, but everybody expected it to be Tyler Warren. One person went against the consensus in a public forum. That was Matt Miller. The ESPN draft insider had Loveland as the Bears’ target in his final mock draft, stating that the team had the Michigan product as the best in the class over Warren. Sure enough, Chicago snagged him 10th overall in the 1st round.
Miller saw him as a clone of Sam LaPorta, whom head coach Ben Johnson had turned into a Pro Bowler in Detroit.
“The Bears would love to see Jeanty fall to this spot, but new coach Ben Johnson can get his version of Sam LaPorta instead. I’ve heard consistently throughout the process that Chicago — and other teams — have Loveland as the top tight end in the class. I have him ranked the same.”
Well, Miller stepped up again to reveal some interesting tidbits about the draft. Since the Bears don’t pick until 25th overall, it is far more difficult to pinpoint a specific player they might be banking on. Typically, teams have a longer list of options they’d be comfortable with. That said, there is one name out there that has been generating a lot of buzz. For once, it is the exact player most of us expected.
“What we’re hearing about the Bears’ draft: 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. — Miller”
Like Colston Loveland, Young just fits so well.
The tight end was such a perfect option for Johnson’s offense, given his size, length, speed, and route-running. From the outset of the draft process, it became apparent that Young was the type of defensive end that Dennis Allen would love. The Bears’ defensive coordinator has a longstanding reputation for preferring edge defenders who meet specific criteria.
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- They must be big (at least 6’4″, 260 lbs)
- They must be long (33-inch arms or more)
- Power must be part of their game
Allen likes these dimensions because it tends to make them good run defenders. That is a key part of his system. You saw it with Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, Carl Granderson, and Trey Hendrickson in New Orleans. That is why they signed Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency last year.
Zion Young is the epitome of that type of player. He’s 6’6″, 261 lbs with 33-inch arms. His power is obvious throughout his frame, often able to bulldoze through blockers to make tackles or squeeze the pocket. Experts describe him as a relentless mauler who lives for the violence and carries himself with alpha energy. He’s already a good run defender and showed considerable progress in his pass rush last season with 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss. This carried over into his strong week at the Senior Bowl.
Young has the traits to be very good.
The truth is, the odds of the Bears landing a true difference-making edge rusher with the 25th pick were never great. Sure, there are instances throughout history of guys slipping through the cracks. Young could be one of them. He’s drawn comparisons to Za’Darius Smith. The former Baltimore Ravens 4th-round pick had the same body type and the same style of play, built around power. Most felt he wouldn’t become much of a pass rusher. Instead, he evolved his technique and became a three-time Pro Bowler with over 70 career sacks.
We at least know that, like Colston Loveland, Young would end up in a defense that is built for him. Allen would know exactly how to utilize his strengths and mask his weaknesses. We already know the defensive end is a football junkie who plays like his hair is on fire. Chicago needs more guys like that up front. He might not be the superstar everybody wants, but he would be a step in the right direction. Much depends on if he’s on the board when they go on the clock, and who else might be available.
