This is a generally weak NFL Draft class, but edge rushers may be the most gifted position group, and could dominate the first round.
Whether it’s Arvell Reese, Reuben Baine, or David Bailey potentially all being chosen within the top-10, or value picks who could become starters immediately despite being chosen sometime between the second or third round, don’t be surprised if pass rushers steal the show throughout the NFL Draft.
NFL Draft 2026: Pass rush sleeper to watch revealed
NFL Draft
Nov 15, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) attempts the sack during the second half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Over at Pro Football Focus, top analyst Bradley Locker put together a list of prospects who could sneak into the first round, including Missouri edge rusher Zion Young.
“In his second season at Missouri,” Locker writes for PFF. “Young blossomed into a dominant force. He earned a career-high 85.0 overall PFF grade, powered by an 82.7-plus mark against both the pass and run. Likewise, Young’s 17.4% pass-rush win rate tied for 19th among qualifiers at the position.
“Following both a great year and an impressive Senior Bowl, Young has seen his stock skyrocket over the last three months. With franchises always desiring more help rushing the passer, it wouldn’t come as a shock if Young were nabbed in the first round. The 49ers, Patriots and Seahawks all make sense for the former Tiger.”
NFL Draft
Dec 27, 2025; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) looks on before a play against the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
Contenders looking to add quality pass rush depth, could absolutely be the sweet spot for a player like Young, especially if a defense is looking to bolster its pass rush, replace an edge rusher or two who departed via free agency, or believes he can be the missing piece to lift a dominant defense into the realm of Super Bowl contenders.