Baltimore Ravens No. 45 overall pick Zion Young is ready to "play smash mouth football," after being drafted out of Missouri.
With their second-round pick, the Baltimore Ravens addressed a major need in landing outside linebacker Zion Young out of Missouri. Taken with the No. 45 overall pick, the rookie prospect was described as one of the most complete edge players in the draft.
Young spoke to media following being drafted, and showcased his excitment. He spoke about setting the edge and "playing smash mouth football."
Young was asked if he likes to go after the passer or set the edge, and he indicated that he was brought up playing "smash mouth football," so setting the edge is where he thrives.
"I enjoy setting the edge. From a youngin, I was taught smash mouth football. It always starts with the run and then pass follow-up. I love having fun within football. I am fired up to be Flock Nation," Young said.
With Ravens legend Mark Ingram announcing the pick in Pittsburgh, Young was also asked about rivalries, stating he takes them very "seriously," as he already got a taste of the local Steelers fans booing Ingram and the Baltimore pick.
Young also has some deep connections with the Ravens already due to growing up with cornerback Nate Wiggins. The Missouri prospect offered his excitment, stating that the defensive back "is like his brother."
Young upped his production in a major way from 2024 to 2025, bringing in 6.5 sacks in his final season at Missouri. In terms of what "clicked" between the two seasons, the young prospect indicated that his pass rush had elevated.
"Of course my pass rush. But hey, if I wanted to play in the NFL ... the production had to go up," Young said. "To be so more increasing my play."
Young finished his collegiate career with 131 total tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. He also brought in three forced fumbles.
On top of being taken at No. 45 by the Ravens, Young was predicted to be a top 30 selection, making this a huge pickup for Baltimore.
Young can barrel through gaps to shoot at quarterbacks, while also playing on the edge and still winning against linemen. He has a high motor and can pair well with Trey Hendrickson.
Young expressed his excitment in being able to learn from Hendrickson, stating he can't wait to be a "sponge."
"I can't wait to learn from him ... I'm a big fan of Trey Hendrickson. I'm coming in as a sponge," Young said.