Blessed with off-the-chart measurables, Missouri defensive end Zion Young also plays with a serious chip on his shoulder. And with edge help now a heightened priority due to the departure of Jaelan Phillips, the menacing Missouri prospect could be front and center on the Philadelphia Eagles radar in next month's NFL draft
The folks at The Draft Network shed light on what Young brings to the table, including attributes and a nasty gameday demeanor that could fit seamlessly into defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's group.
"Even at a listed 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds, Young shows good straight-line speed, lateral agility, and reactionary athleticism. These traits help him both get to the quarterback to generate pressure and pursue ball carriers in the run game.
"Young has natural, raw power that he uses to be dominant in the run game, whether setting the edge or holding the point of attack as an interior defensive lineman. His power also shows up as a pass rusher when he uses a long arm or bull rush to collapse the pocket. Young plays with a violent, tone-setting temperament in the trenches, making him a difficult player to block in the run game.
Zion Young appears to be the right pick for Eagles
A four-year starter spanning from Michigan State to Missouri, Young's senior season saw the Atlanta native turn it on in the pass rush phase of his game, with 6.5 sacks, 53 pressures, and two forced fumbles. The sheer strength and imposing nature he displays on the gridiron were also evident at the Senior Bowl, where he reigned in defensive MVP honors. With continued development - especially under sage guidance from someone like Fangio - the ceiling for Young could be sky-high.
The allure of adding him to a daunting trench unit already featuring Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, and Jalyx Hunt might be too tempting to pass up. Young would be a fierce addition in shutting down the run, while continuing to hone his pass-rushing prowess alongside Hunt and fellow edge Nolan Smith.
With his Missouri teammate, Kevin Coleman Jr., also a potential target later on in the mid-rounds, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman may add a pair of Tigers to the roster before long. Once widely projected as a second-round talent, recent mock drafts and analysts suggest Young is ascending into first-round territory.
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Edge is a pressing need for Philadelphia once again, and Young figures to be quite an intriguing option for Philadelphia to consider.