The Miami Dolphins are meticulously preparing for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, with their scouting efforts zeroing in on promising collegiate talents. Among these, Zion Young, a robust pass rusher from Missouri, has emerged as a significant prospect. The team's active engagement in pre-draft visits underscores their commitment to securing impactful players to enhance their roster. Young's impressive physique and on-field presence have positioned him as a player of interest for several franchises, including the Dolphins, who are looking to strengthen their defensive capabilities.
Miami Dolphins Eye Missouri's Zion Young for Defensive Reinforcement
As the 2026 NFL Draft draws near, the Miami Dolphins are diligently conducting pre-draft visits, notably engaging with Zion Young, a distinguished pass rusher from the University of Missouri. On a recent Tuesday, the Dolphins hosted the 22-year-old athlete, who boasts an imposing stature of 6'6" and 262 pounds. Young has reportedly attracted interest from numerous teams, particularly those with selections in the latter half of the first round. Given the Dolphins' possession of both the 11th and 30th overall picks, his potential inclusion in their draft strategy is a topic of considerable speculation.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has provided a comprehensive evaluation of Young's capabilities, highlighting his attributes as a "long, well-built edge rusher with the size, strength and temperament engineered for trench battles at the next level." Zierlein further describes Young as a "fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room." His proficiency in block destruction, utilizing sheer power and aggressive play to engage opponents, is particularly noted. While he excels at extending and locking out as an edge-setter and shedding blocks effectively, his pursuit speed and range are considered average. Young's capacity for bull rushes and driving through edges is evident, though he currently exhibits a lack of instinct and variety in his pass-rushing techniques. Zierlein suggests that for Young to achieve significant NFL pressure production, he will need to develop more refined go-to moves and counters. Despite these areas for development, Young's physical tools and rugged demeanor position him as a potential immediate asset for run-stopping, alongside average pass-rushing contributions.
Young's collegiate journey included two years at Michigan State before his transfer to Missouri for his final two seasons. Throughout his four-year college career, he accumulated 131 combined tackles, with 28.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. However, his record is not without blemish, as he faced off-field issues, including a DWI arrest in December 2025. This past season saw the Dolphins trading Jaelan Phillips and parting ways with Bradley Chubb, coupled with a less-than-stellar performance from Chop Robinson in 2025. Consequently, the team is in pressing need of robust reinforcement in their pass-rushing department. The football community eagerly awaits to see if the Dolphins will choose Young to infuse their defense with the much-needed alpha-dog energy when the NFL Draft commences on April 23rd.
The Miami Dolphins' keen interest in Zion Young signifies a strategic move to address critical defensive needs. His blend of raw power and imposing presence could be exactly what the team requires to revitalize its pass rush. While his past off-field incident presents a concern, his on-field potential remains undeniable. This draft decision will undoubtedly shape the Dolphins' defensive landscape for seasons to come, and the integration of a player like Young could bring a new dynamic to their performance.
