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ESPN predicts Detroit Lions' second-round NFL draft pick
TL;DR
ESPN predicts the Detroit Lions will select Missouri EDGE Zion Young in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This pick aims to bolster the Lions' defense alongside Aidan Hutchinson.
Key points
- ESPN predicts Lions will draft Zion Young
- Young is an EDGE player from Missouri
- The pick aims to enhance the Lions' defense
- Aidan Hutchinson's partnership is a priority for the team
- Young is expected to be effective in run and pass situations
Zion YoungAidan HutchinsonDetroit LionsNFL Draft 2026
With Round 1 in the books, ESPN made its set of predictions for what will happen in the second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
ESPN projects the Detroit Lions to draft Missouri EDGE Zion Young in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here's what ESPN's Matt Miller said about the projected Lions pick:
Finding a running mate oppositeĀ Aidan HutchinsonĀ has been a priority for Detroit since he was drafted. The Lions would have one in Young, a player who projects as a strong three-down defensive end with the strength to be as good against the run as he is in pass-rush settings. - Matt Miller, ESPN
Young is ranked as ESPN's best available EDGE going into Day 2 of the NFL draft, so based on that ranking, it would be a great get for Lions general manager Brad Holmes if Young is still on the board at No. 50 overall.
A 6-foot-5, 262-pound EDGE out of the SEC, Young totaled 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season with the Missouri Tigers.
Other potential EDGE options per ESPN's best available entering Day 2 include:
- Cashius Howell,Ā Texas A&M
- Gabe Jacas, Illinois
- T.J. Parker, Clemson
Q&A
Who is Zion Young and why is he projected to be picked by the Lions?
Zion Young is a Missouri EDGE player projected to be selected by the Lions due to his potential as a strong three-down defensive end, complementing Aidan Hutchinson.
What are the Detroit Lions' needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Lions are focused on strengthening their defense, particularly by finding a suitable partner for Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line.
How does Zion Young's skill set fit with the Lions' defensive strategy?
Young's ability to excel in both run defense and pass-rush situations makes him a valuable addition to the Lions' defensive strategy.
