By Ross Jackson<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s NFL Draft edge rusher class is very, very deep and impressively talented. The New Orleans Saints<\/a> are expected to be active at the position in this year\u2019s selection process, but because of the depth of the available talent pool, may not have the need to rush to add a new face to the roster.<\/p>\n Because of that, New Orleans could choose to seek help in the second round after using its first selection to add to the wide receiver or cornerback rooms. If they went that route, targeting Missouri edge defender Zion Young<\/a> would bring a lot of promise to the team\u2019s front, especially when it comes to defending the run.<\/p>\n Missouri EDGE Zion Young<\/a><\/p>\n Age: 22<\/p>\n Height: 6-foot-6<\/p>\n Weight: 262 pounds<\/p>\n Arm length: 33 inches<\/p>\n Hand size: 9 \u00bd inches<\/p>\n Athletic testing<\/p>\n 40-yard dash: 4.75<\/p>\n Vertical: 31 inches<\/p>\n Broad jump: 9-foot-9<\/p>\n RAS: 7.68<\/a><\/p>\n #Missouri<\/a> EDGE Zion Young is one of the most powerful edges in the upcoming draft.<\/p>\n Great size\/length at 6\u20195, 262 with a good anchor, sets the edge very well, really good hand timing and power, and good in pursuit with solid burst. Up into my Top-50. pic.twitter.com\/DteWTDSWgU<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Andy (@AndyyNFL) February 4, 2026<\/a>\n<\/p>\n Adding another defensive end opposite top pass rusher Chase Young<\/a> has long been an expected investment for the Saints in this year\u2019s draft. But taking a player like Zion Young is a little unique in that he\u2019s not just noted for his pass rushing ability.<\/p>\n The Missouri defender is an elite run-stopper. The Saints\u2019 defense took a bit of a step forward in that department last year. They finished the 2025 season ranked No. 19 against the run, which was an improvement from No. 31 in 2024. New Orleans would like to keep that trajectory going, and Young would help.<\/p>\n 2025 Stats<\/p>\n Total tackles: 42<\/p>\n Tackles for a loss: 15.5<\/p>\n Sacks: 6.5<\/p>\n Passes defended: 2<\/p>\n Pass rush win rate: 17.4%<\/p>\n Run-stop rate: 9.3%<\/p>\n Zion Young run defense pic.twitter.com\/4zTErk5ssV<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) April 17, 2026<\/a>\n<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n Prototypical size for the NFL\u2019s defensive end build. Opportunities for Growth<\/p>\n Lacks speed to run the arc consistently. The Bottom Line<\/p>\n Young may not be the stellar pass rusher like the Saints could potentially land at No. 8 overall, but would provide the club with a great boost in run defense with development potential getting after the quarterback. As a projected top-50 player, Young would be an ideal target for the Saints at No. 40 overall.<\/p>\n With Young, the Saints could choose to invest in either a pass-rush specialist or a linebacker with pass rushing capabilities late. Where the potential of this selection gets pretty exciting is its impact on returning linebacker Kaden Elliss<\/a>. With Young\u2019s capabilities as a run stopper, which would be a valuable addition to the depth chart, Elliss could end up being the go-to subpackage pass rusher, playing to strength in his game.<\/p>\n \t\t
\nOutstanding run defender.
\nAggressive hands and powerful strikes make the jobs of offensive lineman tough.
\nForced tight end to double team often. Often won those matchups.
\nStronger against the run, but has the violent play demeanor necessary to be successful as a pass rusher.
\nHas the versatility that would allow him to be both a standup edge rusher and hand-in-the-dirt 3-4 defensive end.<\/p>\n
\nDoesn\u2019t have the deepest bag of pass rush moves.\u00a0
\nHas counter moves to develop.\u00a0<\/p>\n