The Ravens needed edge rusher depth and used the No. 45 pick on Missouri's Zion Young one year after picking Mike Green at No. 59 overall. It was understood that Eric DeCosta could prioritize adding an edge rusher early, with the 2026 class offering strong value at the position in Round 1.

Baltimore took Vega Ioane in Round 1, and pivoted with elite training camp competition in the high motor, Young.

Young, a transfer from Michigan State, started all 13 games at the JACK position last season. He recorded a total of 23 tackles, including 9 solo tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (TFL), and a team-high 9.0 sacks, along with one interception. His average of 0.69 sacks per game ranked him 19th nationally and fourth in the SEC. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the 34th-ranked pass rusher in the nation with a grade of 80.9, and He ranked 13th nationally among all edge players in Pass Rush Productivity (PRP) with a score of 10.5, which is calculated using a formula that combines sacks, hits, and hurries relative to the number of times he rushes the passer. PFF credited him with 37 quarterback hurries and nine quarterback hits. Young was also named to the Second Team All-SEC by league coaches.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Highlights of Baltimore Ravens 2nd round pick Zion Young