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. 

The upside is that Cameron Young can learn to be anything more than an average power guy. If he can, he’s got some upside – which is learning to use his hands better, developing a plan through double teams, and building his power back to be a suitable power guy. Until that point, it’s hard to see there being much realized upside with Young. 

Look at the quick get off and HEAVY hands from Miss St NG Cameron Young here!

Some shock power right there. Then sheds and scrapes down the line to make the tackle. Great length in those limbs of his. pic.twitter.com/oVUBpb9f2F

— Alex King (@AKing_Evals) October 29, 2022

Stayed healthy throughout most of his career. 

Cameron Young’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (45)

Athleticism: 15 

• Speed (4/7) – Not a great athlete. Won’t contribute much as a gap defender. 
• Lateral Quickness (5/8) – Has some lateral quickness. Was asked to stunt a lot in the Mississippi State scheme and it’s not exactly his strength. 

Strength/Power: 20 

• Upper Body Strength (5/7) – Doesn’t handle contact well, looks like he plays too upright. Struggles with his upper body outside of his heavy hands. 
• Lower Body Strength (4.5/7) – Young doesn’t generate a lot of power through his lower body. Struggles to drive through players. 
• Brute Power (3/6) – Not much of a brute. 

Explosion/Burst: 10 

• First Step Burst (3/5) – Average first step. 
• Explosion (3/5) – Very average explosion, just doesn’t show it on tape. 

Lineman Mechanics (20)

Containment: 10 

• Double Team Consistency (3/5) – Contained double teams when he drew them, but most of the time didn’t demand them. 

Double Team Win (2.5/5) – I don’t see Young doing anything other containing double teams. Has no idea how to work around them. Tends to sort of fling his body at them. 

Hand Technique: 10 

• Hand Placement (3.5/5) – Has good hand placement, especially off of the snap, but isn’t as quick as some of the guys in this class. Doesn’t work well after his first initial move. 
• Hand Strength (4/5) – Good strong hands. Heavy hands through his attack. 

Defender Ability (30)

Tackling/Pursuit: 15

• Tackling Ability (5.5/8) – Decent wrap up tackler when he can get hands on the ball carrier. Not as often in position to do it. 
• Space Defending (1.5/3) – Lacks the athleticism to be remotely effective in space. 
• Pursuit Angles (2/4) – Not a good pursuit defender. 

Instincts: 10 

• Recognition (4/5) – Recognition is average. Doesn’t often position himself well for plays. 
• Natural Instincts (3/5) – Instincts aren’t great. 

Pass Rush Ability: 5

• Pass Rush Consistency (3/5) – Has the ability to impact the pocket at times, but isn’t going to be a heavy pass rusher. 

Overall: (69) – 6th/PFA