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COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 15: Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen (2) runs away from Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) during a SEC conference game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Missouri Tigers held on Saturday November 15, 2025 at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia MO. (Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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What is the status of the Arizona Cardinals’ pass-rushing squad? Is the coaching staff satisfied with the production and the results from last year?
The answer to that question could be answered in a quick glance at the Cardinals’ transaction report since the season ended last year.
RELATED: GRADING THE CARDINALS DEFENSIVE FREE AGENTS
After the season, Arizona released DE Bilal Nichols and DT Dalvin Tomlinson. Unrestricted free agents that were not offered an extension include DT Calais Campbell and P.J. Mustipher.
Signed during free agency were DE Jonah Williams and DTs Andrew Billings and Roy Lopez III, while L.J. Collier was offered to be re-signed.
What is missing? While Williams is a defensive end, he is known for playing inside and outside and has just 5.5 sacks in five NFL seasons. Not exactly pass-rushing stats. He is the only pass rusher inked since the final gun of the 2025 season.
The Cardinals should do what they can to get a stud pass rusher in the upcoming NFL draft. Right now, lining up opposite Josh Sweat is either Darius Robinson or Dante Stills. Neither is going to keep offensive coordinators up at night.
Imagine if the Cardinals could grab another excellent pass rusher.
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EDGE Zion Young
Draft projection: Round 2
Cardinals pick: #34
Specifics:
College: Missouri
Height: 6’-6”
Weight: 262 pounds
40-time: 4.76
Career Tackles: 131
Career Forced Fumbles: 3
Career Sacks: 11.5
Career Tackles for Loss: 28.5
Career Pass Defenses: 5
Career games: 46
Accolades: First Team All-SEC, Senior Bowl invite
Positives:
- Good length and long arms
- Excellent run stopper
- Active, technical hands
- Lineup flexibility to play either side
- Nasty streak
- Sheds blocks with violence
- Elite first step
- Finishes with contact
- Polished swim moves, effective rip, adequate swim move
Negatives:
- Has to win with technique rather than speed
- Counter move needs improvement
- Inconsistent pad level
- Needs to add weight to deal with meatier Ots
- Pending DWI arrest from December 2025
Expert Draft Site Analysis
Bleacher Report
Young has a good frame and build, and has good arm length. Solid strength at the point of attack and the long arms help him get extension on blocks from offensive tackles. Good power and leg drive as a pass-rusher to occasionally collapse the pocket when bull rushing or turning speed to power. Good pass-rusher motor to get coverage sacks. Use of hands when rushing the passer is still a work in progress; his timing is off, which limits his ability to take advantage of his long arms.
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