Colts Stun Fans by Selecting Promising Pass Rusher in Mock Draft

Colts eye dynamic defensive boost with Zion Young in mock draft spotlight.

The Indianapolis Colts are on a mission to bolster their defensive line, and the latest mock draft has them zeroing in on a potential game-changer. With the 47th pick in the second round, the Colts have their sights set on Missouri pass rusher Zion Young.

Young is an exciting prospect, standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 262 pounds. His final season at Missouri was nothing short of impressive, racking up 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. This performance has made him a standout candidate to compete for a starting role alongside 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu.

In 2025, Young truly made his mark, recording 56 pressures and eight sacks. Among 100 eligible defensive ends, he ranked 19th in pass rush win rate, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Not only is he a force in the pass rush, but he's also graded highly by PFF as a run defender, making him a versatile asset on the field.

When it comes to expert rankings, Young is catching eyes. Mel Kiper lists him as the second-best defensive end, while PFF ranks him seventh among edge defenders and 40th overall. These rankings underscore his potential impact at the professional level.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein provides a glowing scouting report, describing Young as a "long, well-built edge rusher" with the size and strength to thrive in the NFL's trenches. Known for his fiery demeanor and leadership qualities, Young excels in block destruction with power and aggression. While he boasts impressive edge-setting skills and power, Zierlein notes that his pursuit speed and rush variety could use some refinement.

The Colts have already made strategic moves in free agency, adding Arden Key and Micheal Clemons to their defensive end rotation. However, these additions are more about depth. The team is still on the lookout for a high-impact player to pair with Latu, and Young could be the perfect fit to elevate their defense to new heights.