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The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2026 NFL draft determined to add depth and explosiveness to the edge-rusher room, and the organization believes it landed one of the biggest steals of the second round after selecting Missouri standout Zion Young with the No. 45 overall pick.
On the latest episode of Ravens Wired, Baltimore's excitement over the selection was evident after behind-the-scenes draft audio revealed just how highly the franchise valued Young. One year after selecting Mike Green at No. 59 overall, general manager Eric DeCosta once again targeted a disruptive pass rusher early, but this time Baltimore landed a player it viewed as a first-round talent.
The Ravens reportedly graded Young as the No. 20 overall player on their draft board, making his availability at pick No. 45 almost impossible for the organization to ignore. Detroit attempted to trade ahead of Baltimore, offering picks No. 50 and 128 for the Ravens' selection, but the front office stayed patient after seeing Young continue to slide out of the first round.
As the draft room tension built, DeCosta and the Ravens brass monitored every selection closely.
Baltimore officials also discussed possible landing spots for Young before the selection.
When Detroit traded ahead of Baltimore and selected Michigan edge rusher Derek Moore at No. 44 overall, the Ravens immediately realized Young would still be available.
The Ravens quickly turned in the card, with DeCosta later telling Young on the phone, “Never really thought he’d have been there. Easy for us to turn that card in.”
The excitement inside the building continued after the pick became official.
Young arrives in Baltimore after a breakout season at Missouri following his transfer from Michigan State. He started all 13 games at the JACK position and totaled 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high nine sacks while adding an interception. His 0.69 sacks per game ranked 19th nationally and fourth in the SEC. According to Pro Football Focus, Young finished as the 34th-ranked pass rusher in college football with an 80.9 grade while ranking 13th nationally among edge defenders in Pass Rush Productivity. PFF credited him with 37 quarterback hurries and nine quarterback hits, showcasing the consistent disruption Baltimore covets in its defensive front.
Young also earned Second-Team All-SEC honors from league coaches and now joins a Ravens defense that prides itself on physicality, toughness, and relentless pressure. Based on the reaction from Baltimore's draft room, the Ravens believe they landed far more than just second-round value.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Eric DeCosta reveals Ravens’ excitement over drafting Zion Young
Continue reading...
On the latest episode of Ravens Wired, Baltimore's excitement over the selection was evident after behind-the-scenes draft audio revealed just how highly the franchise valued Young. One year after selecting Mike Green at No. 59 overall, general manager Eric DeCosta once again targeted a disruptive pass rusher early, but this time Baltimore landed a player it viewed as a first-round talent.
The Ravens reportedly graded Young as the No. 20 overall player on their draft board, making his availability at pick No. 45 almost impossible for the organization to ignore. Detroit attempted to trade ahead of Baltimore, offering picks No. 50 and 128 for the Ravens' selection, but the front office stayed patient after seeing Young continue to slide out of the first round.
As the draft room tension built, DeCosta and the Ravens brass monitored every selection closely.
Baltimore officials also discussed possible landing spots for Young before the selection.
When Detroit traded ahead of Baltimore and selected Michigan edge rusher Derek Moore at No. 44 overall, the Ravens immediately realized Young would still be available.
The Ravens quickly turned in the card, with DeCosta later telling Young on the phone, “Never really thought he’d have been there. Easy for us to turn that card in.”
The excitement inside the building continued after the pick became official.
Young arrives in Baltimore after a breakout season at Missouri following his transfer from Michigan State. He started all 13 games at the JACK position and totaled 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high nine sacks while adding an interception. His 0.69 sacks per game ranked 19th nationally and fourth in the SEC. According to Pro Football Focus, Young finished as the 34th-ranked pass rusher in college football with an 80.9 grade while ranking 13th nationally among edge defenders in Pass Rush Productivity. PFF credited him with 37 quarterback hurries and nine quarterback hits, showcasing the consistent disruption Baltimore covets in its defensive front.
Young also earned Second-Team All-SEC honors from league coaches and now joins a Ravens defense that prides itself on physicality, toughness, and relentless pressure. Based on the reaction from Baltimore's draft room, the Ravens believe they landed far more than just second-round value.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Eric DeCosta reveals Ravens’ excitement over drafting Zion Young
Continue reading...
