The Baltimore Ravens’ defense looks like it’s poised to be one of the better defenses in 2026. At least, they should be. They have all the pieces in place now, and most importantly, the defensive coaching staff looks to be elite.
Still, it’ll be up to the players to prove themselves. Most starters on defense disappointed in 2025, and while there are major reinforcements with the signings of Trey Hendrickson and Jaylinn Hawkins, the Ravens will need bounce-backs and breakouts from several players. That includes some members of this year’s rookie class.
Maybe the most intriguing rookie on the defensive side is Zion Young. He was the 20th-ranked player on Baltimore’s draft board, and they got him at 45. He comes in looking to help steady a defensive front that was horrendous last year. And with a similar player in Tavius Robinson playing beside him, he was the perfect mentor to help unleash his potential.
Baltimore Ravens could see top rookie have early breakout thanks to perfect mentor
Zion Young is going to be a versatile piece in Charm City. He’s an absolutely elite run defender, racking 16.5 tackles for loss with Missouri in 2025. And while the production as a pass rusher wasn’t entirely there in college (11.5 sacks in 46 games), he can still get consistent pressure on the quarterback. He had 57 pressures last season.
That mold of player probably reminds fans a lot of Tavius Robinson. Across his three-year career thus far, Robinson hasn’t been a fearsome pass rusher, but he’s gotten timely sacks, finishing with a career-high 4.5 sacks last year. More than anything, though, Robinson is a stout run defender and can set a firm edge. He can present himself as the backbone of the defensive line at times, showcasing some versatility to play on the outside and inside, as well.
In addition to their playstyles, the two have eerily similar builds. Per the Ravens’ website, Robinson is listed at 6-foot-6, 262 pounds, and Young comes in at 6-foot-5, 262 pounds. Clearly, Robinson should be a shoulder that Young leans on as he adjusts to the NFL level.
Robinson might just be 27 years old, but he plays like a seasoned veteran, too. He’s been praised for his leadership over the past year, and undoubtedly will help Young find his footing early on. That'll be critical for the rookie's development.
And yes, while the duo might be battling each other snaps, head coach Jesse Minter is a defensive genius. There’s immense talent between the two of them, and just as he did with the Los Angeles Chargers, he’ll be able to get the most out of every single one of his players, especially on the defensive line.
With both Minter and Robinson in his corner, there really couldn’t be a better situation for Young to be in.
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