He hasn’t even played a down for the Baltimore Ravens yet, but the team is already advised to make a change concerning 2026 NFL draft second-round pick Zion Young.
The change is spelled out by Mike Renner of CBS Sports, whose assessment of Young was included by Renner’s colleague Carter Bahns in his overall draft grades for the Ravens.
As Bahns noted, Young “is more of a run-stopper than a pass rusher, so the Ravens could move him inside. If not, it’s a ‘C+’ pick, according to Renner.”
Having to switch positions this early in his pro career wouldn’t be a good look for the 45th-overall pick. It would also go against why the Ravens drafted Young moments after historic news for the franchise.
General manager Eric DeCosta chose Young, even when he saw two potential replacements for All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum still on the board.
Zion Young Doesn’t Need to Change
Calling for a change to Young’s would-be role with the Ravens is curious. Especially when, as Bahns pointed out, “The nixed Maxx Crosby trade and successful Trey Hendrickson acquisition made the Ravens’ defensive end group one of the most talked-about units in the NFL this offseason, and Zion Young is the latest addition.”
That’s just what the Ravens drafted Young to be, an edger-rusher. Fortunately, he’s more than qualified for the job after registering a “Career High 56 QB Pressures Last Season. 2nd Most Among ALL Players in the SEC in 2025,” per PFF College.
Young further underlined his credentials by “demolishing” some of this draft’s best offensive line prospects at the Senior Bowl. There’s simply no good reason to shift Young from the edge when he has this much potential as an outside pass-rusher.
It’s not like new head coach Jesse Minter and his chosen defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver won’t get creative with Young. Having a 6-foot-5, 262-pounder slide inside in obvious passing situations would be a good sub-package wrinkle for third downs, but the Ravens primarily need this rookie to live on the edge.
If defensive tackle remains a worry, DeCosta can simply look for veteran help as part of his bold, post-draft promise for free agency.
Ravens Can Still Add a Natural Defensive Tackle
The Ravens needed an edge-setter after calling off the trade for Crosby, and after letting David Ojabo exit for a move within the AFC. Four-time Pro Bowler Hendrickson and last year’s 45th pick Mike Green can form an effective partnership, but they’ll need support.
Things are different along the interior, where there’s still some uncertainty about the injury status of two-time Pro Bowler Nnamdi Madubuike, but the Ravens still have options. Notably, interior maulers Travis Jones and Broderick Washington Jr.
Adding to those options will be easier in the post-draft environment, when singings don’t count against the compensatory pick formula. It means DeCosta can revisit a deal for veteran nose tackle D.J. Reader, provided the Ravens can can beat competition from former head coach John Harbaugh.
Putting Reader, or any of the other viable veteran D-tackles still on the market, into the mix would give Minter and Weaver what they need at the heart of their front seven. It would also remove any need to change the expectations for Young before he’s had a chance to prove himself in his most comfortable position.
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