The Baltimore Ravens were incredibly happy after being able to land Missouri pass rusher Zion Young in the second round of the draft. Young began to immediately impress coaches and more during the rookie mini camp, and that has now poured into the team's regular mini camp.

When speaking to the media, Ravens defensive coordinator revealed he is most excited about Young's growth, calling him "as advertised" after seeing the young rookie in action.

"Yeah, he's like you said, he's as advertised, the physical nature that he plays with even out here without pads. You see how hungry he is to just want to grow and get better. He's constantly asking questions. So, couldn't be more excited about a player than I am about that kid because you see just how bad he wants to be great," Weaver said.

Young was drafted No. 45 overall after being a standout defender with Missouri. As a member of the Tigers, he ended his collegiate career with 131 total tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks.

Young figures to be an immediate impact rookie on the already stalwart Ravens defense, and he can reach greater heights by learning from players like Roquan Smith and Trey Hendrickson.

Weaver also spoke about the latter, indicating that Hendrickson's consistency is a major element of what sets him apart. 

"He is a pro. When you the way you see he moves and operate and just his approach to work, he is as detailed a player as I've been around. So, the results obviously speak for themselves, but I think what people don't see is just how much work goes into that. How he takes care of his body, whether it's a walk through, um, whatever it is, he is trying to operate as if like it's the most important play in the history of football and that's why he's had the success he's had," Weaver said of Hendrickson.

Hendrickson was brought over after the failed Maxx Crosby trade, though Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta indicating the plan was to have both on the team at the same time. 

That is not the case, but Baltimore now has the chance to utilize one of the best pass rushers in the game in Hendrickson.

Weaver also spoke about the need to get back to the defensive prowess that the Ravens have been known for, and how the defense has a "chip" on their shoulders regarding how they performed in 2025.

"They care. They care, and they all got a little bit of a chip. right? You know, they you know that there's a history we've kind of been chasing defensively in this place and I think everybody to a man knows we fell short of that a year ago and we want to make that right," Weaver said. 

Baltimore has been known as a defensive-first organization since their inception. However, the powerful offense under Lamar Jackson has been a big focus in recent seasons.

With head coach Jesse Minter coming over and Anthony Weaver making his return, the Ravens can certainly turn things around and become what the organization has been known to be.

The team has the players to do so, especially with the addition of new dynamic playmakers, such as what Young could become.