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The Baltimore Ravens have built one of the NFL's most respected organizations by trusting their ability to identify and develop defensive talent. Time and time again, they've found contributors where others saw developmental projects. Sometimes those players arrive as first-round selections. Other times, they arrive with rough edges, intriguing physical tools, and untapped potential. It may be early to state this, but Zion Young might fit into the category of a 'sure thing.'
No one is suggesting the rookie is ready to become the next great Ravens pass rusher overnight. What makes him intriguing is the collection of traits he already possesses. Baltimore can't teach his size. It can't manufacture his power. It certainly can't create the relentless motor that has helped him generate buzz since arriving in Owings Mills. Those qualities are why the Ravens were willing to invest in him, and they're also why Young may prove to be one of the more interesting developmental prospects on the roster.
NFL coaches can't teach what Young possesses physically. At nearly 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, he looks the part of an NFL edge defender. He also posted a 4.77-second 40-yard dash during his Pro Day, showcasing the type of movement skills teams seek on the perimeter. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein even compared him to Za'Darius Smith, a player Ravens fans know quite well. Young's size-speed combination alone gives him a chance.
Some prospects enter the league with questions about effort. Young certainly doesn't. Observers have already noticed his energy level during offseason practices. While no one should overreact to workouts conducted in shorts, coaches consistently appreciate players who compete at full speed regardless of the setting. That mentality tends to earn opportunities.
Young's hands may become his greatest weapon. He does an excellent job converting speed into power and routinely overwhelms blockers with strong hand usage and impressive play strength. Tight ends often struggle to handle him one-on-one. Offensive tackles frequently find themselves driven backward. When offenses commit additional attention to slowing him down, teammates benefit. When they don't, Young becomes a problem.
Perhaps the most exciting part of Young's profile is that he still has room to grow. His bend and burst can improve. His pass-rush arsenal remains a work in progress. He'll need to develop additional counters at the professional level. The good news? He's viewed as a coachable player eager to learn. That combination of talent and teachability often produces substantial growth. The Ravens believe Young is only scratching the surface of what he can become.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Why Zion Young’s skill set could translate quickly for Ravens
Continue reading...
No one is suggesting the rookie is ready to become the next great Ravens pass rusher overnight. What makes him intriguing is the collection of traits he already possesses. Baltimore can't teach his size. It can't manufacture his power. It certainly can't create the relentless motor that has helped him generate buzz since arriving in Owings Mills. Those qualities are why the Ravens were willing to invest in him, and they're also why Young may prove to be one of the more interesting developmental prospects on the roster.
NFL size and athleticism
NFL coaches can't teach what Young possesses physically. At nearly 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, he looks the part of an NFL edge defender. He also posted a 4.77-second 40-yard dash during his Pro Day, showcasing the type of movement skills teams seek on the perimeter. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein even compared him to Za'Darius Smith, a player Ravens fans know quite well. Young's size-speed combination alone gives him a chance.
The motor never stops running
Some prospects enter the league with questions about effort. Young certainly doesn't. Observers have already noticed his energy level during offseason practices. While no one should overreact to workouts conducted in shorts, coaches consistently appreciate players who compete at full speed regardless of the setting. That mentality tends to earn opportunities.
Power translates
Young's hands may become his greatest weapon. He does an excellent job converting speed into power and routinely overwhelms blockers with strong hand usage and impressive play strength. Tight ends often struggle to handle him one-on-one. Offensive tackles frequently find themselves driven backward. When offenses commit additional attention to slowing him down, teammates benefit. When they don't, Young becomes a problem.
The ceiling remains high
Perhaps the most exciting part of Young's profile is that he still has room to grow. His bend and burst can improve. His pass-rush arsenal remains a work in progress. He'll need to develop additional counters at the professional level. The good news? He's viewed as a coachable player eager to learn. That combination of talent and teachability often produces substantial growth. The Ravens believe Young is only scratching the surface of what he can become.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Why Zion Young’s skill set could translate quickly for Ravens
Continue reading...
