In the run-up to the NFL Combine, Zion Young is a name that is receiving a lot of attention. When the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around, will the Missouri Tigers edge rusher establish himself as a first-round pick?
Teams choosing in the mid-to-late first round will be interested in Young’s potential if he can continue to improve in a draft that is loaded with edge rush talent.
Young, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs 262 pounds, has the length and size of a normal NFL defensive end. The Missouri standout is a three-down edge rusher in the NFL because of his ability to rush as well as his strength against the run.
In his two seasons at Missouri, Young, who transferred from Michigan State after the 2023 college football season, developed into a dominant defense. Young made a splash in 2025 with 9.0 sacks and more than 50 quarterback pressures. What impact will his physicality, adaptability, and strong motor have in the NFL?
Zion Young is a “powerful” force off the edge
Young’s selection as the Senior Bowl Player of the Game further raised his NFL draft prospects. Young’s ability to dominate offensive linemen in one-on-one drills caught the eye of numerous NFL scouts and draft pundits. Mel Kiper Jr., who has him projected as a top 25 talent, praised him for his performance.
According to Kiper Jr.,
“The Michigan State transfer had two great seasons at Missouri, making an impact both as a pass rusher and run defender. Young consistently seals off the edge. He’s powerful and plays with sustained intensity, with one of the best motors among the edge rushers in the class. I see strong hands and impressive lateral quickness on the tape, too. Young crashes down the line.”
Young will be viewed as a player who is still learning his full potential by teams looking for an edge rusher who can make an impact on the first day. For these three NFL teams making selections near the end of the first round, his strength, lateral quickness, and ability to dominate against the run will be perfect.
3 NFL teams in positi
New England Patriotson to land Zion Young
The Patriots are said to be interested in trading for Maxx Crosby, but the draft is a more traditional way to address their edge problems. The Patriots will have a chance to pick a quality edge rusher at No. 31 in a competitive class. Young is a player who ought to be available if he doesn’t keep moving up the selection board. Even if K’Lavon Chaisson is reinstated, the Patriots will still need a defensive end with the size and versatility of Willie McGinest, so they will have to make a decision regarding him.
- Other first round options for the Patriots: Caleb Lomu (OT), Cashius Howell (EDGE), R Mason Thomas (EDGE)
The Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles will be looking to add one or two edge rushers to their roster. Zion Young would be a perfect fit for the Eagles, who are looking for depth at the position and a player who can develop into an impact player off the edge, if they don’t improve at the position through free agency or trades prior to the draft. Young would thrive playing opposite a player like Nolan Smith Jr. and on the same line as Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter because of his ability to consistently apply pressure and establish the advantage against the run.
- Other first round options for the Eagles: Denzel Boston (WR), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S), Colton Hood (CB)
The Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are another late-first round destination for the Missouri talent. If Young is the best player available, the Bears may choose to draft him at edge over their top defensive tackle need in their quest for consistency in the pass rush opposite Montez Sweat. Given his ascent up the draft board, the Bears or any other team that has the opportunity to choose him will closely examine a player who possesses both exceptional run-stopping skills and the quintessential length of an edge rusher. His development at the NFL level would be aided by playing opposite a defensive playmaker like Sweat. He would also be able to remain in the Midwest.
- Other first round options for the Bears: Kayden McDonald (DT), Caleb Banks (DT), Dillon Thieneman (S)
