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NFL Draft guru has Patriots adding ‘big, rugged’ edge rusher with 31st pick
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- NFL Draft guru has Patriots adding ‘big, rugged’ edge rusher with 31st pick
A focus for the Patriots in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft could be on defense, especially if K'Lavon Chaisson reaches free agency.
NFL Draft guru Daniel Jeremiah released his latest mock draft and has New England addressing defense by selecting edge Zion Young out of Missouri with the 31st pick.
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"Young feels like an excellent fit for Mike Vrabel's defense," Jeremiah wrote . "He's a big, rugged edge rusher who capped off a strong Senior Bowl week by winning Defensive MVP honors in the game."
Here is NFL.com's scouting report on Young:
"Long, well-built edge rusher with the size, strength and temperament engineered for trench battles at the next level. Young is a fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room. He majors in block destruction using base power and aggression to play through opponents. He extends and locks out as an edge-setter and sheds when needed, but his pursuit speed and range are average. He has the power to bull rush or drive through edges, but lacks instincts and variety in his rush approach. His NFL pressure production will lag behind without better go-to moves and counters. Young's physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade with average rush."
In his senior year with Missouri, Young amassed 42 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
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It's unclear if Chaisson will return to the Patriots in 2026. He racked up a career-high 7.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits with three sacks and 10 quarterback hits in four playoff games.
He's hopeful to re-sign with New England in the offseason.
Should that happen, it's possible the Patriots target offensive line help with their first-round pick to add some reinforcement for quarterback Drake Maye after Will Campbell struggled in the playoffs .
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