Kansas City needs to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks if they want to get back to the top of the division. Ashton Gillotte had a fine rookie season, but he doesn’t scare anyone, and Jeff Bassa as a starting outside linebacker would be a mistake. Looking to get an edge rusher that can actually rush the passer, the Chiefs take Zion Young out of Missouri.

Young has a long frame (6’6 and 260 pounds) and showed good athleticism in workouts (4.75 forty and 31″ vertical). His game jumps off the tape for 2025, where he recorded nine sacks, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and an interception. Pro Football Focus (PFF) credits him with 37 hurries last season, en route to an 85.0 overall grade. As good as he is at rushing the quarterback, he’s actually even better at stuffing the run. That kind of versatility would be a huge boost to the Chiefs’ defense.

He can line up as a defensive end or an outside linebacker and move all over the field. He plays through the whistle and has a scary competitive streak in a good way. He doesn’t explode out of his stance, but he features decent counter moves against offensive linemen. He is the second starter the Chiefs get in this draft, in as many picks.