The New England Patriots are doing their homework on a familiar name in mock draft circles. Missouri defensive end Zion Young, a player frequently linked to the Patriots at pick No. 31, reportedly made a top-30 visit to Foxborough this week.

This move signals serious interest in a prospect who could address a pressing need. After the departures of edge rushers K'Lavon Chaisson and Anfernee Jennings this offseason, bolstering the pass rush is a clear priority. While free agent addition Dre'Mont Jones and a healthier Harold Landry III will help, injecting young talent is crucial for the long-term defensive blueprint.

Young brings an intriguing profile to the table. The 6-foot-6, 262-pound defender transferred from Michigan State to Missouri for his final collegiate seasons, where he truly broke out. In 2025, he capped his career with 6.5 sacks and a impressive 16.5 tackles for loss—tripling his output from the previous year and showcasing the disruptive potential that has scouts' attention.

For a Patriots team looking to rebuild its defensive identity, a powerful and productive edge presence like Zion Young could be a cornerstone piece. His pre-draft visit suggests New England is seriously considering making those mock drafts a reality.