Is Zion Young Lions' Defensive End of Future?

The Detroit Lions are viewed as a team that could be in the market for help at the defensive end position.

On one end of the defense, the Lions boast one of the NFL's most exciting pass-rushers in Aidan Hutchinson. The Michigan native produced a career-best 14.5 sacks in 2025, showing that the injury he suffered in 2024 didn't slow him in the slightest.

However, the team has struggled to find a consistent running mate for Hutchinson over the past three seasons. Marcus Davenport has been in and out of the lineup due to injuries in his two years with the team, and Al-Quadin Muhammad is entering free agency after a strong 2025 season in which he talled a career-high 11 sacks.

While the Lions' defensive line got a boost with the news that defensive end Josh Paschal and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike will remain under contract for the 2026 season, general manager Brad Holmes could certainly see fit to add to the position this offseason.

Free agency certainly remains an avenue the Lions could take, but with the value of the position being so high, the team could benefit from going the younger route instead and target a premium option early in the NFL draft.

The Lions will have their highest draft selection, No. 17 overall, since the 2023 draft, and as a result could be in the market for a top-end talent. One option to monitor is Missouri's Zion Young. The defender was recently linked to the Lions, as NFL analyst Lance Zierlein mocked Young to the Lions in the first round.

"Bully deluxe!" Zierlein wrote. "When it comes to energy, attitude and block destruction, Young is that guy-- and he has rush upside with more development."

Young is a name who may be familiar with fans in the state of Michigan, as he began his collegiate career with two seasons at Michigan State before transferring to the SEC. At first glance, his career total of 11.5 sacks won't jump off the page. However, there is much more than what meets the eye with this player.