Zion Young Shines at Senior Bowl, Vaults Into First-Round Draft Conversation
Zion Young came into Senior Bowl week with something to prove - and he didn’t just prove it, he put it on tape for every NFL scout in Mobile to see. The former Missouri edge rusher had already been dominating practices in one-on-one drills, flashing the kind of raw power and polish that gets front offices talking. But when the lights came on for the game itself, Young didn’t just maintain that level - he elevated it.
Young capped off a standout week with a performance that earned him American Team Player of the Game honors. He recorded two tackles and recovered a fumble, which he returned for eight yards to set up a key score that helped extend his team’s lead. It was the kind of heads-up play that scouts love - not just the physical tools, but the awareness to capitalize on a broken play and flip momentum.
After the game, Young spoke with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, reflecting on the moment and the journey to get there.
“I wanted to have fun with the guys,” Young said. “I never want to forget this moment.
I credit these coaches and these players. My dad always told me, ‘Take pride in your work,’ and that’s what I came out here to do.”
That mindset - pride in the process, joy in the competition - has clearly fueled Young’s rise. He entered the week projected as a Day 2 pick, a high-upside edge defender with tools worth developing.
But after a week of consistently winning reps against top-tier offensive linemen and delivering in the game itself, Young’s name is now being mentioned in first-round conversations. He’s not just a developmental guy anymore - he’s a prospect with momentum.
And that momentum isn’t just built on one strong performance. Young wrapped up his season at Missouri with 6.5 sacks, showing flashes of the pass-rushing ability that’s now getting national attention. What he’s done in Mobile only reinforces the idea that his best football is still ahead of him - and that he’s ready to contribute sooner than expected.
Of course, there’s still work to do. The NFL Combine and his pro day will give teams another chance to evaluate his athleticism and technique in a controlled setting. But with the Senior Bowl now in the books, Young has already made one thing clear: he belongs in the conversation with the top edge rushers in this draft class.
He wasn’t the only Missouri product looking to make noise in Mobile. Wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. and defensive tackle Chris McClellan were also on hand, hoping to boost their own draft stock.
Coleman Jr. hauled in a short pass for three yards, while McClellan recorded one tackle during the game. While they didn’t have breakout performances, the exposure and experience of competing against elite talent will still serve them well as they continue through the pre-draft process.
But the headline out of Mobile is Zion Young. He came in as a player to watch. He left as a player teams can’t ignore.