Knee-Jerk Reactions: Ravens Draft Missouri EDGE Zion Young in 2nd Round

With the 45th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Missouri EDGE Zion Young. RSR staff react to the pick here.

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Darin McCann

Zion Young is a rough, physical edge that brings to mind Ravens’ edge picks of the past. In fact, NFL.com’s Lance Zerlein’s player comparison for Young is Zadarius Smith.

This continues a theme of the Ravens adding aggression and violence this draft, following in the wake of first-round selection, Vega Ioane. The Ravens have improved the edges and guards positions this offseason — two major needs. And they’ve done it with bullies.

Let’s see if they enter the center market in the third round.

Rob Shields

Zion Young is a solid pick. I don’t expect big sack numbers out of him, as he lacks some of the explosion you normally see but can he be a Jarrett Johnson type guy with maybe a little more pass rush?  Yea, i think so.

This is a guy many thought would go in the first, so to get him at 45 is really solid value. There will be debates on whether they should have gone WR (Bell) or more offensive line help or even a guy like Jermod McCoy but those guys are risks and this is a safer pick that represents good upside.

Jared Pinder

Zion Young is a really good player with a ton of power and physicality. His run defense is something that a coach can’t teach because it all comes from his willingness. While he does have some weird DUI issues, it shouldn’t be something that is going to keep him off the field. Young is the perfect change-up to the Trey Hendrickson and Mike Greens of the world as a big powerful rusher that can set the edge.

This edge room really feels complete now.

Zion Young was born to be a Raven. His edge setting is supreme. Exactly what they need as a complement for Trey Hendrickson & Mike Green.

One of my favorite players of the class. Incredible value. I know my guy @HuddleItUpFilms is happy. Also @Yuri_Ravens

A lot of fans. #Ravens

— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) April 25, 2026

Chris Schisler

This pick is a good one. The Ravens need all the pass rushers they can get. While there’s a lot of hope for Mike Green, and the new Ravens coaching staff, the Ravens obviously needed weapons to get after the quarterback. The Trey Hendrickson signing alleviates the pressure for Young to be super productive right away.

Young may get some good playing time as a rookie though, because he’s not too shabby against the run. He has traits and upside. Because he’s so strong at the point of attack, and he’s got some natural burst you can’t coach, he has a chance to be a solid rookie. I could see a nice five sack season with signs of a great career. The floor is high, the ceiling isn’t bad either.

Andrew Kordula

I would have loved a flyer on Jermod McCoy, but Edge was a big need and Young is a solid player. He’s a physical player that should complement Green and Hendrickson well.

In Round 3, I’d love to see a CB, OL, or WR in that order of priority…

John Hughey

DeCosta and company are off to a great start through two rounds. Zion Young was the 28th-ranked player on my big board and the 6th-overall edge rusher. An early run on some of the top receivers available may have changed their approach, but Young showed an ability to be a play disruptor throughout his four-year college career. With 28.5 career tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks, Young will be a great addition alongside Hendrickson, Green, and Tavius Robinson. Young has had some legal issues in the past, but nothing that will affect his start with the Ravens. Overall, it’s back-to-back hits for Baltimore and the new coaching staff.

The post Knee-Jerk Reactions: Ravens Draft Missouri EDGE Zion Young in 2nd Round appeared first on Russell Street Report.

Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2026/04/24/knee-jerk-reactions/knee-jerk-reactions-ravens-draft-missouri-edge-zion-young-in-2nd-round/