It's not often that the Baltimore Ravens get to sit back on Day 2 of the NFL Draft and watch the board fall exactly the way they hoped. But that's the luxury of having two selections in the second and third rounds, and general manager Eric DeCosta wasted no time addressing one of the team's most pressing needs.
With the 62nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected Missouri outside linebacker Zion Young, a big-bodied, physical presence off the edge who checks just about every box the organization looks for in a front-seven defender.
The move adds a powerful, high-motor rusher to a defense that has long thrived on rotating fresh, disruptive bodies along the defensive line. And for a team that has made a living turning mid-round edge prospects into productive contributors, this pick feels like a natural fit.
A Physical Presence for the Edge
Zion Young isn't the kind of pass rusher who wins purely with bend and twitch. At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, he's a handful for offensive tackles in the run game and possesses the kind of raw strength that allows him to convert speed to power in a hurry. His game is built around leverage, heavy hands, and relentless effort.
During his time at Missouri, Young developed a reputation as a tough, assignment-sound defender who could set the edge against the run and generate pressure with a bull rush and a developing inside counter. He may not have the explosive first step of some of the pure speed rushers in this class, but his ability to stack and shed blockers and force quarterbacks off their spot makes him a valuable piece in a scheme that prizes versatility.
The Ravens' defensive front has seen plenty of turnover in recent years, and the depth chart at outside linebacker was thin entering the draft. Young brings a physical, downhill style that fits perfectly alongside the team's existing core. He projects as a rotational piece early on, but his skill set suggests he could grow into a more prominent role as he refines his pass rush plan and develops a more consistent bend around the arc.
Day 2 Strategy: Addressing the Trenches
Baltimore entered Day 2 of the draft with two selections, barring any trades, according to reports from WBFF. The front office has traditionally valued building through the trenches, and Young is the latest example of that philosophy in action.
The Ravens have a well-documented history of identifying edge rushers who may not have generated first-round buzz but possess the traits and temperament to thrive in their system. Young fits that mold. He's a powerful, high-floor player who should compete for snaps immediately on early downs and in obvious running situations. His ability to hold the point of attack and disengage quickly will earn him trust from the coaching staff, and his motor never stops.
What makes this pick particularly intriguing is how it complements the existing pieces on the roster. The Ravens have invested in speed and finesse off the edge in recent seasons, but Young brings a different dimension. He's a tone-setter, a player who can physically wear down offensive tackles over the course of a game. Pairing him with younger, more explosive pass rushers gives the defensive coordinator a versatile mix of styles to deploy in sub-packages and third-down situations.
Scouting the Strengths
Let's break down what Young does best.
Run Defense - This is where Young truly shines. He sets a firm edge, uses his length to control blockers, and has the lower-body strength to hold his ground. He's rarely washed out of plays and does a great job of locating the ball carrier and shedding blocks in time to make a play. In a division that features physical running games, his presence will be welcomed early.
Power Rush - Young generates pressure by walking offensive tackles back into the quarterback. He has a violent swipe move and a powerful long-arm stab that allows him to bully his way into the backfield. While he may not win many reps purely on the corner, he consistently collapses the pocket and forces quarterbacks to climb into traffic.
Motor and Effort - Scouts consistently praised his relentless pursuit. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and doesn't take plays off. That kind of energy is infectious and often leads to hustle sacks and tackles from the backside.
Versatility - Young has the frame to play with his hand in the dirt in odd-front looks, but he's also comfortable standing up in a two-point stance. That positional flexibility will allow the Ravens to move him around the front and create favorable matchups.
Areas for Development
No prospect is without question marks, and Young has a few areas where the Ravens' coaching staff will look to help him grow.
Pass Rush Plan - Young relies heavily on power and effort, but he needs to develop a more nuanced pass rush plan at the next level. He lacks a consistent counter move when his initial rush is stopped, and offensive tackles with good mirrors can neutralize him if he can't set them up. Working with the team's defensive staff will be critical to his development.
Bend and Flexibility - He doesn't possess elite hip flexibility or the ability to flatten his rush at the top of the arc. This limits his ability to win around the corner against athletic tackles. He'll need to win earlier in the down or with power to offset this limitation.
Consistency as a Pass Rusher - Young's pressure rate was solid at the collegiate level, but it came in bursts. He'll need to show he can generate consistent heat on the quarterback snap after snap to earn a larger role on passing downs.
How He Fits in Baltimore
The Ravens have never been a team that asks one player to do everything. They rotate liberally, and they scheme to maximize individual strengths. Young will step into a room where he doesn't have to be the star from Day 1. He can focus on what he does best -- setting the edge, playing physical, and winning early downs -- while working on the nuance of his pass rush in practice and spot duty.
If he hits his ceiling, Young could develop into a reliable starter who plays a key role on one of the league's most respected defenses. If he doesn't quite refine his pass rush enough to become a three-down player, he still projects as a valuable rotational piece who contributes in the run game and brings an attitude that sets the tone.
Either way, this feels like a smart, calculated pick from a front office that knows exactly what it wants out of its defensive linemen.
The Verdict
The Ravens walked into the 2026 NFL Draft with clear needs along the defensive front, and they addressed one of them head-on with the selection of Zion Young. He's not the flashiest name on the board, but he's exactly the kind of player who tends to outperform his draft slot in Baltimore.
In a draft class full of question marks and projection, Young offers a high floor and a clear identity. He's a Raven through and through -- physical, tough, and fundamentally sound. If the team can unlock a bit more pass rush juice from his powerful frame, this pick will look even better in a few years.
For now, Ravens fans have every reason to be excited. The defense just got a little bit more dangerous.
