Zion Young

NFL Draft Profile: Zion Young

Position: Defensive End / EDGE | School: Missouri (via Michigan State)

Class: Senior | Height: 6'5" | Weight: 262 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Zion Young’s journey to the NFL is a testament to the "late bloomer" trajectory. After two seasons at Michigan State, where he flashed raw power but lacked consistent finishing ability, Young transferred to Missouri for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His 2025 senior campaign was a revelation, as he finally married his prototypical size with technical refinement. He led the Tigers with 6.5 sacks and a team-high 12 quarterback hurries, earning First-Team All-SEC honors from league coaches. Known for a violent playing style and a heavy punch, Young became the emotional anchor of a Missouri front that surprised the SEC with its physicality. He enters the draft as a high-floor prospect who excels as a "heavy" edge setter.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 46

• Total Tackles: 127 (42 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 28.5 (16.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 11.5 (6.5 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 4 (2 in 2025)

• Honors: First-Team All-SEC (2025), two-time SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week.

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Central Arkansas	2 Tkl	B-	Relatively quiet; mainly held the point of attack.
vs. Kansas	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	First sack of the year; showed good Acceleration.
vs. Louisiana	3 Tkl, 2.0 TFL	A-	Run Block Shred was elite; lived in the backfield.
vs. South Carolina	3 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A+	Season Best. Named SEC DL of the Week.
@ UMass	3 Tkl, 1.0 TFL, 1 PD	B+	Total disruption; batted a ball at the line.
vs. Alabama	3 Tkl, 2.0 Sk, 1 FR	A	Two sacks against a top-tier O-Line; high Star impact.
@ Auburn	5 Tkl, 2.5 TFL, 2.0 Sk	A+	Overtime heroics; showcased elite Mental Toughness.
@ Vanderbilt	2 Tkl	B-	Solid containment but lacked pass-rush production.
vs. Texas A&M	3 Tkl, 1.5 TFL	B+	Best run defender on the field; very physical.
vs. Mississippi St.	4 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 0.5 Sk	A-	Shared a sack; constant pressure with 2 hurries.
@ Oklahoma	5 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A	8 total pressures; dominated his individual matchup.
@ Arkansas	1 Tkl	C+	Worst Game. Neutralized by chips; high frustration.
Bowl vs. Virginia	1 Tkl, 1 QBH	B	Played limited snaps as a veteran leader.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Prototypical Size/Length: Standing 6'5" with a long reach, Young has the frame NFL scouts dream of. He uses his length to keep tackles off his chest and "peek" into the backfield.

• Heavy Hands & Power: His "bull rush" is one of the best in the class. He correlates weight room Strength to the field, frequently walking tackles back into the QB's lap.

• Edge Setting: He is a premier Run Stopper who rarely gets washed out. He anchors the edge with disciplined Technique.

• Emotional Leadership: A clear vocal leader for Missouri; his energy in the overtime win against Auburn was a "scout's favorite" moment of the season.

Weaknesses

• Elite "Twitch" Deficiency: He lacks the explosive first step seen in pure speed rushers. His win rate relies on power and persistence rather than raw Speed.

• Pass Rush Repertoire: While his bull rush is elite, he needs to develop more consistent Pass Rush counter moves. If his initial power move is stopped, he can become stagnant.

• Pad Level: Because of his 6'5" height, he can occasionally play too high, allowing smaller, stouter offensive linemen to gain leverage on him.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 4-3 Defensive End or a 3-4 Defensive End (5-Technique).

NFL Comparison: Trey Hendrickson / Carlos Dunlap

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 16/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 88/100

Zion Young is a "winning starter" at the next level. While he may never be a 15-sack-per-year superstar, he is a blue-collar defender who will improve any run defense from day one. His 2025 tape in the SEC showed that he can be a dominant force when he plays with leverage. His durability (medically clean) and High Motor make him a very safe projection. Teams like the Cowboys or Seahawks, who value size and edge discipline, will likely have him high on their boards.

Draft Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd Round (Position value as a 265lb Edge with SEC production).