Baltimore Ravens Select Zion Young in 2026 NFL Draft Second Round at Pick 45

The Baltimore Ravens selected Missouri edge rusher Zion Young in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 45th overall pick.

Young, a former Missouri Tigers defensive end, transferred to Missouri after spending two seasons at Michigan State. He started all 13 games for Missouri at the JACK position in 2025, recording 9.0 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, 23 total tackles (9 solo), and one interception.

His pass-rushing productivity ranked 13th nationally among all edge players, with a Pro Football Focus grade of 80.9 placing him 34th nationally among pass rushers. Young averaged 0.69 sacks per game, which ranked 19th nationally and fourth in the SEC.

The Ravens used the pick to bolster their pass rush depth, selecting Young one year after drafting Mike Green at No. 59 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Baltimore also added veteran Trey Hendrickson in free agency to strengthen the edge rushing unit.

Young described himself as a “Hell Raiser” and said he enjoys setting the edge, noting he was taught smashmouth football from a young age. He expressed disappointment at not being selected earlier, stating the competitive side of him did not like waiting until the second round.

Many analysts had projected Young as a borderline first-round prospect, and he made a strong impression at the 2026 Senior Bowl, where his performance helped solidify his status as one of the top EDGE rushers in the draft class.

The Ravens’ selection of Young came after choosing guard Vega Ioane in the first round, continuing their focus on adding physicality to both sides of the trenches. Baltimore registered only 30 sacks in the 2025 season, among the lowest totals in the NFL, prompting the team to prioritize pass-rush help in the 2026 draft.