The Arizona Cardinals are at a crossroads with their pass-rushing unit, and their recent offseason moves have left fans wondering about their strategy. After parting ways with Bilal Nichols and Dalvin Tomlinson, and letting Calais Campbell and P.J.
Mustipher test free agency, the Cardinals have brought in Jonah Williams, Andrew Billings, and Roy Lopez III. While L.J.
Collier has been offered a re-signing, the glaring gap in their lineup is a standout pass rusher.
Jonah Williams might be versatile, but with just 5.5 sacks over five seasons, he's not the explosive edge threat the Cardinals need. As it stands, Darius Robinson or Dante Stills are set to line up opposite Josh Sweat, but neither is expected to instill fear in opposing offenses.
Enter Zion Young, a potential game-changer the Cardinals could target in the upcoming NFL draft. Slated as a Round 2 prospect, Young is a Missouri standout with impressive stats: 131 career tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 28.5 tackles for loss. His accolades include a First Team All-SEC nod and a Senior Bowl invite.
Young's strengths are numerous. At 6'6" and 262 pounds, he boasts excellent length and arm reach, making him a formidable run stopper.
His technical prowess is evident with active hands and the ability to shed blocks aggressively. Young's flexibility allows him to play on either side, and he possesses an elite first step that helps him finish plays with authority.
However, Young isn't without areas for growth. He relies more on technique than speed, and his counter moves need refinement.
Consistency in pad level and adding weight to handle bigger offensive tackles are also on his to-do list. A pending DWI arrest from late 2025 could also impact his draft stock.
Despite these concerns, Young's potential to disrupt offenses is undeniable. His frame and strength allow him to collapse pockets and convert speed to power effectively. While his hand usage needs work, his motor for chasing coverage sacks is impressive.
The Cardinals have a chance to bolster their defense significantly by drafting Young. His presence could transform their pass-rushing capabilities, giving them the edge they need to keep offensive coordinators on their toes.