Jesse Minter is fired up to bring Zion Young ‘train wreck’ to Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens added a physical presence to their defensive front on Friday night, selecting edge rusher Zion Young with the 45th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and head coach Jesse Minter did not hide his excitement following the move.

Speaking to Luke Jones of WNST Baltimore Positive, Minter emphasized Young’s impact at the line of scrimmage, particularly in the run game.

“He’s very powerful in the run game, meaning, when he strikes blocks, they go the other way. When people pull on him and he strikes them, it’s a train wreck. Also, I thought he made major improvements this year as a pass rusher.”

Young, a 6-foot-5, 262-pound defender from Atlanta, Georgia, arrives in Baltimore after a productive college career that included stops at Michigan State and Missouri. He emerged as one of the Southeastern Conference’s most disruptive defenders during his final season with the Tigers, recording 16.5 tackles for loss — second-most in the SEC — while consistently generating pressure off the edge.

His pass-rushing production further highlighted his development, as he totaled 53 pressures, including eight sacks, 30 hurries and 15 quarterback hits. The performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors and positioned him as one of the more complete defensive prospects available on Day 2.

Ravens reinforce defensive identity with Zion Young, eye tight end help entering Day 3

The Ravens’ selection reflects a continued emphasis on building depth and physicality along the defensive front, an identity that has long defined the franchise. Young’s ability to set the edge against the run while improving as a pass rusher aligns with Baltimore’s defensive priorities entering the 2026 season.

With Day 2 complete, Baltimore now shifts its focus to the final rounds of the draft. According to Jamison Hensley, general manager Eric DeCosta indicated the team is expected to target at least one tight end on Day 3 following a surge at the position earlier in the draft. Nine tight ends were selected through the first three rounds, tying the most in the common draft era.

The Ravens enter Saturday with eight remaining selections, including picks No. 115, 154, 162, 173, 174, 211, 250 and 253, as they continue to shape their roster heading into the upcoming season.

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