Ravens rookie scouting report: Zion Young brings violence to the D-line

Strengths/Weaknesses

Young is one of the most violent and physical defenders in the 2026 draft class, consistently playing with a relentless edge and high-level intensity on every snap. At 6-foot-6 with 33-inch arms, he maximizes his length to control blockers at the point of attack, showing the ability to stack, peek, and locate the football as a run defender. He plays with excellent power and physicality against the run, setting firm edges and overwhelming blockers with his strength. Young’s motor runs hot throughout games, and he combines that effort level with one of the better bull rushes in the class, regularly collapsing the pocket and walking offensive tackles backward. He also flashes an effective swipe move to disengage and finish as a pass rusher. His production reflects the impact on tape, posting a 9.3% run stop rate and an impressive 25% pass rush win rate (via PFF), showcasing both his disruptive ability against the run and his consistent pressure generation.

However, Young is not an elite overall athlete and lacks high-end burst or bend, limiting his ability to consistently threaten tackles around the arc. His get-off at the snap can be inconsistent, and he does not always generate immediate acceleration into his rushes. He also appears far more comfortable operating from a three- or four-point stance, as his movement skills and balance look less natural when aligned in a two-point stance. While his power and effort help compensate, his athletic limitations may cap some of his upside as a true high-end speed rusher.

Scheme Fit

Young projects as an ideal complement to the Ravens’ edge rotation due to the diversity he brings to the front. While Green and Hendrickson consistently win as pass rushers by threatening offensive tackles with speed and bend around the arc, Young brings a contrasting power element to the unit. He led all draft-eligible edge defenders with a 55% usage rate of power-based rushes, primarily utilizing bull rushes and long-arm techniques to collapse the pocket and compress the quarterback’s platform. His ability to generate interior push should create favorable rush lanes for Green and Hendrickson, allowing them to capitalize when quarterbacks are forced to drift laterally under pressure. Beyond his pass-rush value, Zion also strengthens the Ravens’ run defense with his ability to set a firm edge and consistently impact the run game, an area where Green and Hendrickson are less effective overall. His versatility further enhances his value, as he can reduce inside on passing downs and overpower smaller interior linemen, giving Baltimore additional flexibility with their pressure packages. Jesse Minter successfully rotated three edge defenders in Los Angles last season with Khalil Mack, Odafe Oweh, and Tuli Tuipulotu all contributing at a high level, and it is easy to envision a similar dynamic developing with Young, Green, and Hendrickson anchoring the Ravens’ front moving forward.

Intangibles

Young embodies the identity of a tough, physical, old-school Ravens pass rusher, bringing a relentless mentality and punishing play style to every snap. His approach to the game is rooted in wearing opponents down through effort, power, and physicality, consistently attempting to impose his will at the point of attack. He injects a high level of energy and toughness into the Ravens’ defense while also elevating the locker room with his competitive mindset and enthusiasm for the game. His post-draft interviews and draft call reflected a team-first mentality and strong desire to be part of a winning culture, even joking that he would play kicker if it helped the team win. Young’s motor runs hot throughout games, and he pairs that nonstop effort with disciplined assignment execution, making him a dependable and high-energy presence on the defensive front.

Comparisons: Jason Pierre-Paul, Jadaveon Clowney