Cameron Young has been on NFL radars for a long time. I heard his name for the first time on the sideline of the 2019 Music City Bowl two hours before the game in a conversation group between Mississippi State’s defensive line coach, Deke Adams, and several NFL scouts. He was ranting about Young then! I remember him comparing Young to Fletcher Cox and saying he was the best he’d had since then. Young hasn’t disappointed NFL scouts, but his lack of pass-rushing ability will probably prevent him from going very early.
Cameron Young
DT – Mississippi State Bulldogs
HT: 6032
WT: 315
Year: Super Redshirt Junior
High School: Franklin (Meadville, MS)
Rating: 3-star (0.8355)
Projected Draft Grade: Future Starter
Projection: 5th/7th round.
Cameron Young scouting notes
Pros:
- Has some lateral quickness. Was asked to stunt a lot in the Mississippi State scheme and it’s not exactly his strength.
- Very solid upper and lower body coordination.
- Contained double teams when he drew them, but most of the time didn’t demand them.
- Has good hand placement, especially off of the snap, but isn’t as quick as some of the guys in this class.
- Good strong hands.
- Decent wrap up tackler when he can get hands on the ball carrier.
Cons:
- Not a great athlete. Won’t contribute much as a gap defender.
- Doesn’t handle contact well, looks like he plays too upright.
- Young doesn’t generate a lot of power through his lower body.
- Average first step.
- Very average explosion, just doesn’t show it on tape.
- I don’t see Young doing anything other containing double teams. Has no idea how to work around them.
- Lacks the athleticism to be remotely effective in space.
- Not a good pursuit defender.
- Has the ability to impact the pocket at times, but isn’t going to be a heavy pass rusher.
Check out the rest of our Senior Bowl scouting notes here.
