2026 Dane Brugler The Beast Draft Info

[dbair1967]

Zion Young, 8th Edge, 37th, 1st/2nd rd pick

STRENGTHS ● Built like an NFL defensive end, with broad shoulders and sculpted definition ● Uses full extension to set a firm edge or create leverage (see run game reps vs. Kadyn Proctor on 2025 Alabama tape) ● Beats up blockers to separate and uses push-pull techniques to yank them off balance ● Physical swipe and chop moves to clear hands of blockers Back to table of contents 343 ● Quality bull rusher who can barrel through gaps ● Good lateral quickness to bounce between gaps ● Can work back inside after selling outside arc path ● Rangy vs. the run, with long-striding speed to close space in pursuit ● Developed love for the weight room at a young age — that fire is still there ● Voted a team captain in 2025 and a vocal leader in the locker room (NFL scout: “Energy for days. … You hear him before you see him.”)

WEAKNESSES ● High waisted and plays tall ● Too easily pinned or rocked off balance by angle blocks ● Inconsistent leveraging the point and can be moved by double teams ● Mediocre burst and arc speed ● Inconsistent rush plan; not overly skilled with sequencing ● Average change-of-direction twitch; late to react to mesh points ● Four offside flags in 2025, including on a crucial third down that led to an Alabama touchdown ● Arrested and charged with suspicion of DWI, speeding and failing to properly affix a license plate to his vehicle (Dec. 2025); one of seven Michigan State players suspended for final four games of 2022 season and charged with assault following a postgame altercation at Michigan — pleaded guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault (Aug. 2023) and received probation.

SUMMARY A two-year starter at Missouri, Young lined up as the boundary edge defender (three-point stance) in defensive coordinator Corey Batoon’s four-man front. He showed steady on-field development each of his four years at the college level and played his best football as a senior, finishing No. 2 in the SEC in tackles for loss (16.5) and No. 3 in pressures (53). The coaches and support staff speak highly of his energy and presence in the program, although two off-field incidents will be scrutinized by NFL teams. Young is a tad rigid as a pass rusher and doesn’t have ideal cornering speed, but he is long, strong and determined with hand usage to force his way through blockers. As a run defender, his play recognition and full-extension physicality blossomed as a senior. Overall, Young doesn’t have the pass-rush quickness or diversity that will scare NFL offensive tackles, but he sets a firm edge in the run game and uses his NFL-caliber measurables and heavy hands to open pathways to the pocket. He has the floor of a quality backup and the ceiling of a starting base end for a physical NFL front.

 

[dbair1967]

Anthony Hill, 5th LB, 50th overall

STRENGTHS ● Good-sized athlete who is well put together and no stranger to the squat rack ● Covers a ton of ground in run pursuit or when carrying tight ends downfield ● Has twitch in his movements for hasty direction changes ● Decisive working downhill to disrupt intended play design ● Fires into gaps with quickness to avoid blocks or bounce off contact ● Missed too many tackles in 2024, but that wasn’t an issue on his 2025 tape ● Has a knack for jarring the ball loose (eight career forced fumbles) ● Fast and skilled as two-point blitzer from depth ● Plays with temperament required for the NFL ● Made his presence felt the moment he arrived in Austin; fell one tackle shy of 250 for his career

WEAKNESSES ● Average instincts and tends to react to first movement, leading to missteps ● Has good length but doesn’t consistently use it to lock out and shed ● Take-on technique lacks NFL-level consistency ● Can be late to react, drive and challenge throws in coverage ● Wasn’t asked to play special teams much in college ● Missed final two games of his junior season because of a left hand injury (Nov. 2025); limited to six games his senior year of high school by a severe bone bruise in his leg (Sept. 2022)

SUMMARY A starter for two-and-a-half years at Texas, Hill was the Mike linebacker in former defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s 4-2-5 base scheme. A five-star recruit, he made an immediate impact in Austin and became a key piece of the Longhorns’ defense (wore the green dot as both a sophomore and junior). His production and impact took a slight dip last season compared to 2024, but he still filled up every category on the stat sheet. An impressive size-speed prospect, Hill brings athletic versatility to the field with his range versus the run, speed as a blitzer and change of direction in coverage. Though he shows a feel for play development around him, he is more of a decisive “see-ball, get-ball” player than a defender who relies on anticipation. His stack-and-shed efficiency must improve, but he plays with the toughness to evade blocks, carom off contact and continue his pursuit. Overall, Hill needs to play with better control in his movements and take-on attempts, but he is a long, rangy athlete with the closing speed to impact the game in different ways. He has three-down starting potential, although volatility should be expected as he continues to develop.