Green Bay, Wisconsin

Amid the departure of several key players during the 2026 offseason, Green Bay Packers have found a promising prospect in Zion Young, a talented pass rusher from Missouri. Compared to Za’Darius Smith, a former Packers star, Young has drawn attention as one of the top targets for the team in the NFL Draft 2026, with many experts believing he could become an upgraded version of Smith for Green Bay.

With Rashan Gary leaving the team and Za’Darius Smith no longer with the Packers, the team is facing a tough challenge in replacing key pass-rushing positions. The absence of Gary and Smith has pushed the team to seek out new talent to strengthen their defense. Zion Young, a pass rusher from Missouri, is seen as one of the promising options to fill these roles.

Zion Young has made a strong impression throughout his college career and is one of the standout names in the upcoming NFL Draft 2026. He had an impressive season at Missouri, recording 11.5 sacks, along with 130 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. Compared to Za’Darius Smith, Young offers the Packers a powerful addition at the pass rusher position. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has praised Young, stating that he could make an immediate impact for whichever team drafts him, with his ability to rush the passer and his tough demeanor on the field.

Za’Darius Smith was one of the most feared pass rushers for the Packers, and Zion Young is expected to step into that role. According to experts, Young possesses the ability to attack aggressively with bull rushes and drive through blockers. However, like Smith, Young will need to improve his flexibility in his pass-rush approach and diversify his moves to reach his full potential.

With the Packers lacking a first-round pick in the NFL Draft 2026, the team will need to carefully consider their options if they want Zion Young to join the roster. However, if the Packers are truly impressed by Young’s talent, they could opt for a trade-up to select him in a higher round. While Young may not be chosen in the first round, he remains a promising talent and could make a huge difference in Packers’ defense.

With several key players leaving the team, the Packers are in search of a solution to bolster their defense, and Zion Young is one of the most exciting prospects in the NFL Draft 2026. Compared to Za’Darius Smith, Young promises to be a quality pass rusher for the Packers in the near future. This could be a pivotal opportunity for the Packers to rebuild their defense and re-enter the Super Bowl race in the 2026 season.