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Tag: Zion Young

  • Detroit Lions Hold Formal Meeting With Zion Young

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    The Detroit Lions continue to cast a wide net at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, and one of the most intriguing names to emerge from their formal interview list is Missouri defensive end Zion Young.

    According to combine reports, the Lions held a formal meeting with Young in Indianapolis, adding real weight to the idea that Detroit could be eyeing an edge rusher early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

    That interest was echoed shortly after when ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projected Young to the Lions with the No. 17 overall pick in his latest first-round mock draft.

    Why Edge Rusher Is Squarely on Detroit’s Radar

    For several seasons now, the Lions have been searching for a consistent, long-term pass-rushing partner opposite Aidan Hutchinson. While Detroit received a surprising boost last season from Al-Quadin Muhammad, who finished with 11 sacks, his future with the team is uncertain as he heads toward free agency.

    Beyond Hutchinson, Detroit’s edge production remains thin. Kiper pointed out that Tyrus Wheat was the next most productive pure edge rusher on the roster, finishing with just 1.5 sacks. That lack of depth has left the Lions vulnerable when Hutchinson is chipped, doubled, or schemed against.

    As Kiper wrote in his analysis, Detroit’s need is clear—even with potential interior line options available in the draft.

    What Zion Young Brings to the Table

    Young, who began his college career at Michigan State before transferring to Missouri, has steadily developed into a disruptive edge presence. During the 2025 season, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 46 total pressures, flashing the kind of hand usage and first-step quickness that NFL teams covet.

    Kiper specifically highlighted Young’s strong hands and burst, traits that would pair well with Hutchinson’s power-based approach. In Detroit’s defensive scheme, Young profiles as a rusher who could win one-on-one matchups while benefiting from the attention Hutchinson commands on the opposite side.

    Draft Connection Worth Monitoring

    While a formal combine meeting doesn’t guarantee draft intent, it often signals legitimate interest—especially when paired with a first-round projection from one of the league’s most recognizable draft analysts.

    Between Detroit’s ongoing search for edge help, Muhammad’s uncertain status, and Kiper’s projection at No. 17, Zion Young has quickly become a name Lions fans should circle as the draft process continues.

    With free agency looming and draft boards still shifting, the Lions appear to be laying the groundwork for a potential first-round investment in their pass rush—one that could shape the defense for years to come.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Big Ten fines MSU $100K, reprimands Mich for tunnel melee

    Big Ten fines MSU $100K, reprimands Mich for tunnel melee

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    ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Big Ten has disciplined Michigan State and Michigan for their roles in stadium tunnel altercations that led to seven Spartans being charged with crimes.

    The conference announced Monday that it is fining Michigan State $100,000 for its players “hitting, kicking or using of their helmet” to hit Michigan players and suspending cornerback Khary Crump, who is facing a felony charge, for the first eight games of next season.

    The Big Ten is also reprimanding Michigan for not providing adequate protection for both teams as they left the playing surface.

    “The Big Ten Conference has a standard of excellence both academically and athletically that has been built over 127 years,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, who attended the game a month ago and has a son, Powers Warren, who is a walk-on tight end for the Spartans. “Our standards require that our student-athletes, coaches and staff members represent the conference, and their member institutions, with the highest level of decorum and sportsmanship.

    “We are taking disciplinary action and will continue to work with our member institutions to strengthen their game day procedures and ensure our honored traditions.”

    The Big Ten said the suspensions that ended the season for seven other Michigan State players was sufficient. The conference also said the schools properly addressed a staff member who violated the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy that was unrelated to the tunnel altercations.

    Last Wednesday, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office charged seven Michigan State football players for their actions Oct. 29 following the game at Michigan Stadium.

    The most serious charge is against Crump, who faces one count of felonious assault, and the other six players are charged with misdemeanors. Crump in one video appears to swing his helmet at a Michigan player. That could account for the more serious charge, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison. State law describes felonious assault as an attack “using knife, iron bar, club, brass knuckles or other dangerous weapon without intending to commit murder or to inflict great bodily harm.”

    Linebacker Itayvion “Tank” Brown, safety Angelo Grose, cornerback Justin White, defensive end Brandon Wright and defensive end Zion Young are each charged with one count of aggravated assault while linebacker Jacoby Windmon faces one count of assault and battery. A conviction for a misdemeanor count of assault carries a prison term of up to one year, while misdemeanor assault and battery carries a maximum sentence of 93 days behind bars.

    “Our institution does not excuse the concerning actions by some of our student-athletes,” Michigan State Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff said in a statement. “At the same time, we challenge ourselves collectively to be thoughtful in how we approach this situation so that further harm isn’t needlessly done.

    “What seems to be missing from the disciplinary outcomes are the learning opportunities that can and should coexist with findings of fault. We must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough, as leaders, to help further safety within our competitions through meaningful actions and education? Or are we risking the opportunities and livelihoods of young people without creating change for success in the future?”

    Spartans cornerback Malcolm Jones, one of the suspended players, is not facing charges, nor are any players from Michigan.

    Following the Wolverines’ 29-7 win over their in-state rivals, social media posts showed Michigan State players roughing up Michigan’s Ja’Den McBurrows in and near a hallway that doesn’t lead to either locker room. Brown, Grose and Young are clearly seen on video getting physical with McBurrows.

    McBurrows skipped into the tunnel after the game and defensive back Gemon Green walked up it alongside Spartans while much of Michigan’s team was waving the Spartans off the field.

    Green, in another post, is seen surrounded by police while shouting across the tunnel at Michigan State players.

    The prosecutor’s office did not provide detail on the allegations, including who is accused of hitting whom. It was not clear when the charged players will make initial appearances in court.

    No. 2 Michigan secured the Big Ten East Division title by beating rival Ohio State, and is preparing to face unranked Purdue in the conference championship game. A win would give the Wolverines a spot in the College Football Playoff.

    Michigan State won five games under third-year coach Mel Tucker, who helped them go 11-2 last season with a second straight win over the Wolverines.

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    AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP—Top25. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://bit.ly/3pqZVaF

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