2026 NFL DRAFT
PROSPECT PROFILE
ZION YOUNG
EDGE, MISSOURI 6-6, 262
Strengths
- Pro ready run defender on the edge that can stack and shed and anchor to set an edge
- Knows how to use his hands and length for leverage and separation
- Good array of rush moves including a swim and swipes
- Uses surprisingly good bend along with his hands to get around the edge and flatten to the QB
- Can play as a standup Edge or with his hand in the dirt showing his alignment flexibility
- High energy motor that will see him make plays sideline to sideline
Weaknesses
- Needs to develop counters. When his initial charge gets stopped he doesn’t have a secondary plan. He will resort to a bull rush or just a straight attack to the outside shoulder of the tackle
- Needs to add some more bulk and functional strength. He is a little light for his size and it shows up against bigger linemen
- Needs to really refine his technique to keep from playing high. When he keeps his leverage he has the length to be consistent
- DWI arrest in 2025 is a huge red flag for some teams
Zion Young has the prototype size and length found in NFL Edge players. He is a better run defender right now, but he has enough bend and burst to get around the edge, but he lacks polish. With some more functional strength and development he has the tools to become an above average pass rusher which will make him an effective three-down player. He would do well to get his technique honed by NFL coaching because when he plays with leverage, he really pops. His DWI arrest in late 2025 will make him a non-negotiable to some teams, but any team that is willing to take a risk, and coach him up, could be getting a future Pro Bowl player.
I think Zion Young is being overshadowed by some of the bigger names in this class, but he shouldn’t be. Just off his measurements and ability, he has every right to be in first round consideration, but he is not as polished as some of the other Edge’s in this class. This factor could push him down draft boards, but in my opinion, that would be a mistake. He can be a quality run defender immediately and has only scratched the surface as a pass rusher. The Los Angeles Chargers could be a perfect fit for him. He would be a quality third Edge that could sharpen his pass rush skills in Nascar packages to start while being mentored by Mack and Tuli to be a more complete player. The Chargers have traditionally steered away from prospects with off field concerns so Young could be off the draft board completely, but if Harbaugh and Hortiz have some influence to convince the organization otherwise, he could be a slam dunk selection at #55, but he has the talent and ceiling to be considered at #22.
