The 2026 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Zion Young NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Edge Rusher
School: Missouri
Size: 6-foot-6, 262 pounds
Class: Senior
2025 stats: 42 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles
Young was a three-star recruit in the class of 2022, who signed with Michigan State out of Georgia. He played sparingly in 2022, registering 21 total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. In 2023, he played more, totaling 26 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Following the season, he transferred to Missouri, where he racked up 42 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He helped the Tigers win 10 games that season. Young returned for 2025 and tallied 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He led the team to eight wins in 2025
Following the season, Young started preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first or second-round pick.
Young has good size for an NFL edge rusher, as he measured in at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds. With his size comes good play strength for the position. He won’t have to add too much more to his frame, which makes him more NFL-ready. Young also had solid arm length, as they measured in at 33 inches.
He is one of the better edge rushers at defending the run in this class. Young can set the edge well and contain runs to the inside. He is able to shed blocks pretty well, using his strong hands to help him disengage. While he isn’t the quickest player, he shows solid pursuit of ball carriers and has solid tackling to bring them to the ground.
His motor is always running hot, as he plays hard. Young plays like his hair is on fire and takes on blocks with aggression. He plays physically, but then keeps going. Not only does he pursue ball carriers as they get downfield, he also can get pressure after his initial rush is stalled, with great secondary effort.
Young didn’t have great sack production during his time in college. He had just 6.5 sacks last season which is the most he had in his career. Teams taking Young will have to be ok with him being more of a run defender to start his career who could be replaced on passing downs for a player who can generate more pressure.
To improve his pass rushing production, Young needs to have more of a pass rush plan and also add some moves to his game. Young can go in without a plan at times. He also doesn’t have a lot of go-to moves. When his rush is stopped, he needs to show the ability to counter as well,
He struggles to beat offensive tackles around the edge. Young lacks the speed to turn the corner and also doesn’t have the flexibility to bend. It will have to be his moves and strength to help him win more consistently at the next level.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more content like Zion Young NFL Draft Profile!
You can like CAM6RUF on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
