Chris Olave made an All-Pro team for the first time in his career in 2025. Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker believes Chase Young could accomplish the same thing. If he does, the New Orleans Saints defense will exceed expectations.
There's questions on just how good the Saints defense can be in 2026. An All-Pro edge rusher can completely change the fortunes of the unit. That pass rush has ripple effects to coverage as well. It all works hand in hand to raise the defense. Locker leaned on Young's instant production in 2025 as faith of a jump in 2026.
"Although Young didn’t play until Week 6 because of a calf issue, he racked up 49 pressures and 35 hurries across only 10 games. More specifically, Young’s 86.3 PFF pass-rush grade ranked eighth among qualified edge rushers, and his 15.2% pass-rush win rate placed in the 79th percentile."
Chase Young has trended the right way since joining the Saints but...
The next step for Chase Young is staying healthy, and injuries have been an issue for him during his career. Young reached double digit sacks for the first time in his career. Without that accomplishment, we aren't even having this conversation. However, it's hard to not wonder what conversations we're having if he plays the entire season.
Young missed the first five games due to an injury. It was frustrating for the fans and had to be frustrating for him. Fan frustration was erased by Young's impact once he stepped on the field. Now, we need to see it for an entire season.
A torn ACL at the end of his second season cost Young the majority of his third campaign. He had to power through a neck stinger problem in 2023, with solid results. He played every game in 2024 for the first time. The ACL surgery does the heavy lifting in Young's injury report, so maybe it's unfair to monitor his health so closely. If he stays healthy though, things could be special.
Young has been taking the correct steps since arriving in New Orleans. He was one of the top players in the league in pressures Year 1. He didn't turn those quarterback pressures into sacks often enough, but the Saints saw the vision and signed him to a new contract. Young delivered with a career season in just 12 games.
The hype train has clearly left New Orleans. It doesn't take much when you're a former second overall selection. Young looked like the player the Saints pursued and envisioned after re-signing him. An extra five games with the same efficiency could push Young's sack total into the teens.
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