Mississippi State defensive tackle Cameron Young is a dominant presence. Young is a powerful player that defeats single blocks with consistency. Young utilizes core power and natural strength that handles double teams appropriately. Young is versatile enough to play the nose tackle 5-technique positions.

Young recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his imposing skill set, the importance of stuffing the run, and more. Young’s unique abilities are a must-have in today’s NFL.

JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?

Cameron Young: It was a great experience. I viewed the combine as an opportunity to leave a legacy behind at Mississippi State. A lot of Mississippi State guys walked those same walls and that means something to me. To be one of those guys, it’s special to me. It was a terrific opportunity.

JM: You’re one of the most dominant run-stoppers in the 2023 NFL Draft. What do you enjoy about stopping the run?

Cameron Young: I love the physicality that comes with it. I think that stopping the run still takes a physical mindset. It makes offenses one-dimensional. To have the ability to dominate another grown man is something I pride myself on.

JM: Walk me through how you take on single blocks differently from double teams. You saw a ton of double teams at Mississippi State. You dominated single blocks.

Cameron Young: With single blocks, it can be similar to a double team. You’re always trying to beat the first man you engage. You’re trying to gain the upper hand. It’s easy with single blocks. You want to engage and instigate. You’re always trying to beat the first man. It’s very important whether it’s a single or double block.

JM: Did you meet with many teams formally at the combine? Do you have any top-30 visits coming up?

Cameron Young: I had a formal interview with the Seattle Seahawks. I’ve done a ton of Zoom meetings since then. I met with the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and Seattle Seahawks. I visited the Atlanta Falcons in person.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You played a ton of 0-tech and 1-tech at Mississippi State. You’re versatile enough to play 5-tech as well. Do you prefer to attack the A-gap or B-gap? Why?

Cameron Young: For me, that depends on the down-and-distance. If it’s first or second down, I’d rather be in the A-gap. That gives me a better opportunity to disrupt the run. If it’s third down and a passing down, I prefer to be in the B-gap because that’s going to give me a better opportunity to rush the passer.

JM: Talk to me a little about your pass-rush arsenal. Do you feel like it’s being underrated throughout this process?

Cameron Young: Yes sir, I most definitely feel that way. A lot of people think I can’t rush the passer at all. That’s not the case. I’m a power rusher first and foremost. I stay active within my rush even when I’m getting those double teams. Rushing the passer is something I’ve been working on throughout this process. I’m stringing together moves in training. I’m going to change those opinions on my ability to rush the passer.

JM: You measured in at 6-foot-3, 304 pounds with 34.5-inch arms. How do you use your terrific arm length to your advantage?

Cameron Young: My arm length plays a huge role in my ability to stuff the run. Once I start locking guys out, they don’t have the ability to get back into my chest plate. They start leaning, which plays to my advantage. That’s one way I use my length. Another way is my tackle radius. I can make a lot of plays even when they’re going away from me because of my arm length. My tackle radius is huge.

JM: We’ve seen that on tape. We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Cam Young going to make at the next level?

Cameron Young: I’m going to come in and stop the run right away. I’m going to be an asset on the defensive side of the ball. I’m going to be dominant in that aspect of my game. I’m going to contribute as a pass rusher as well.