Chase Young
Summary
Chase Young was selected in Round 1 (#2 Overall) in the 2020 Draft out of Ohio State University. Young is a dominant edge rusher who entered the NFL with top‑tier physical traits, elite production at Ohio State, and a complete pass‑rush arsenal. He stands around 6′5″ with excellent length, explosive first‑step quickness, power, and bend around the edge. He projects as a foundational defensive player with capability to impact games through both the pass‑rush and setting the edge in the run game. His ability to disrupt, his hand technique, his production (including 16.5 sacks in 2019) and his presence make him a potential game‑changer. At the same time, questions remain around consistency, durability (neck surgery reported) and maintaining top form against top competition and as teams scheme him differently.
Strengths
Exceptional first‑step and burst off the snap: He closes quickly and immediately threatens the backfield.
Elite length and physical profile for an edge rusher: His 6′5″ frame with long arms gives him a leverage and reach advantage.
Advanced pass‑rush move‑set: Proficient with a variety of rush moves (swim, rip, bend, power) and decent counters.
Speed‑to‑power conversion: Not only does he have speed to the edge, he uses his power effectively when turning the corner or working inside.
High production and demonstrable impact: e.g., 16.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss in his final season at Ohio State.
Weaknesses
Run‑defense strength and sustain against power: He can be driven back or gives up ground at the point of attack.
Occasional gap‑discipline or assignment issues: Particularly when biting on play‑fakes or over‑pursuing, which opens up lanes.
Durability and injury concerns: He underwent a neck surgery in 2024, which raises questions about long‑term availability.
Some limitations in coverage or dropping into space: While primarily a pass‑rusher, his ability to play in coverage or adapt to all‑down edge roles has not been proven at elite level.
Fit & Outlook
Chase Young fits best in a defense that emphasizes the edge‑rusher as a true weapon — a scheme that lets him attack one‑on‑ones, take advantage of his burst and length, and rotate him to maintain fresh legs and high impact. Systems that employ frequent stunts, wide‑9 alignments or use him on the second level to chase quarterbacks and disrupt protections will maximize his value. Given his skill‑set, he is less ideal in a scheme that asks the edge to primarily drop into coverage or play box linebacker‑type roles full‑time. Looking ahead, Young’s outlook is very strong. His baseline is that of an immediate starter who can produce double‑digit sacks and disrupt games. His ceiling is Pro‑Bowl or premier pass‑rusher status akin to the best at his position, given his traits. However, his long‑term trajectory will depend on staying healthy, refining his run‑defense and gap‑control, and maintaining consistency as offenses scheme him away from his strengths. If he continues to develop, he could anchor a defense for years. On the other hand, if the durability concerns or assignment discipline issues persist, he may still be an impact player but with more volatile production. Overall, he remains one of the most promising defensive prospects of his generation.