With the Baltimore Ravens' rookie minicamp occurring this weekend, excitement is further building around this year's loaded rookie class. Second-round pick edge rusher Zion Young is clearly one of the players with the most upside.
Fifth-round pick Josh Cuevas has long been aware of Young's stellar play. While at Alabama, the Ravens' newest tight end faced off against Young and Missouri. During the NFL Combine, Cuevas told coaches that Young was one of the most difficult players to go up against in college. More recently, Cuevas praised Young's skill set and upside when speaking to the media at minicamp.
"Zion Young, he's got so much potential," Cuevas said. "His ceiling is tremendously high. He does everything right. He's got a deep bag – spin move, push-pull, bull rush, everything."
Cuevas' earlier praise for Young proves that he's not simply saying this because they're now teammates. Regardless, Cuevas' comments are certainly a good sign, and Young will be a welcome presence to a Ravens' front-seven that struggled immensely last year.Â
Zion Young should be a key part of the new look Baltimore Ravens' defense
Cuevas' point about Young's deep bag is crucial, as it will help him offer a plethora of counters against opposing linemen. Young has plug-and-play upside, especially as a run-stopper. Notably, he recorded 16.5 tackles for loss last season.
Young can also provide some impact as a pass-rusher, especially with his aforementioned deep bag. Recording 6.5 sacks last season is a testament to his solid pass-rushing chops. He also gets a lot of pressure. Young was widely considered a first-round talent, and the Ravens were fortunate that he fell to them in the mid second-round.Â
While Young should provide an immediate boon to the Ravens' defense, he has room for growth and is nowhere near a finished product. Given his blend of strength, skill, and power, Young has plenty of upside. This blend of upside and ready-made ability should have Ravens fans buzzing about Young. Â
Ravens fans were always happy with the selection of Young, especially after such a poor season for the team's front-seven last year, and the early praise he's receiving in the rookie minicamp should only add to the optimism about the Missouri product.
Eric DeCosta made it a point to upgrade this weakness, adding Trey Hendrickson in free agency. He later doubled down on this by drafting Young and signing Calais Campbell. On top of this, Jesse Minter is a defensive guru. He'll know how to get the best out of those guys.
By all accounts, the Ravens are primed to get back to their historical bread and butter of great defense this season, and Young will play a role in that transformation.Â
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