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Byron Young

Byron Young Player Profile

Summary

Byron Young was selected in Round 3 (#77 Overall) in the 2023 Draft out of University of Tennessee. Young entered the NFL as a high‑motor edge rusher with strong first‑step burst, bending potential and collegiate production behind him (he recorded 5.5 + sacks in limited 2021–22 work). As a rookie for the Los Angeles Rams he made an immediate impact, recording 8 sacks and earning PFWA All‑Rookie Team honors, which validated the projection that his upside could be significant. The key questions for his long‑term outlook involve refining his technique, consistency, and how he holds up as opponents schematically adjust to his strengths.

Strengths

  • Explosive first step and suddenness off the snap: Young’s burst allows him to quickly penetrate gaps or attack the edge before blockers are fully set. Los Angeles Rams

  • Strong bend and ability to get around the edge: His tape shows him using speed and leverage to turn the corner and threaten the quarterback from outside. SI

  • High motor and relentless effort: Young plays with consistent effort, pursuit and finishing attitude—traits that translate well to the professional level. Los Angeles Rams

  • Solid athletic profile for his role: Ranks strongly among his position group in athleticism metrics (e.g., burst and agility) for an edge rusher. PlayerProfiler

  • Versatility in alignment and role: He has the ability to play both as a traditional outside rusher and work inside on stunts or sub‑packages, which gives defensive coordinators flexibility. SI

Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent pass rush win rate and technique refinement: While his counting stats have looked good, deeper metrics (e.g., pass‑rush win‑rate) placed him lower in the class early on, suggesting further development is needed. Turf Show Times

  • Size and anchoring limitations against bigger blockers: At roughly 6′2″ and 258 lbs (as listed), he may lack ideal length or bulk compared to some power‑edge rushers, which can impact his ability to handle double teams or anchor on inside draws.

  • Needs improvement in run‑defense and gap integrity: While his pass‑rush impact is promising, there were instances where his run‑defensive play and edge‑contain responsibilities were less consistent. Turf Show Times

  • Ceiling linked to scheme fit and usage: Without being in a system that maximizes his rush opportunities and limits his exposure in roles where his physical disadvantages may be exposed, his impact could plateau. SI

  • Potential durability and workload concerns: As his role expands, the physical toll on an edge rusher with high effort and moderate size could raise durability questions over multiple seasons.

Fit & Outlook

Byron Young fits best in a defensive scheme that emphasizes edge‑rush opportunities, third‑down pass‑rush packages, and uses rotation to keep players fresh. He thrives when asked to play off the edge, attack gaps, use speed and bend to disrupt, and where the scheme provides him freedom rather than confining him to heavy two‑gap or pure run‑defensive anchor roles. A defense that deploys him frequently in sub‑packages, allows him to attack, and pairs him with complementary rushers will maximize his upside. Looking ahead, Young’s outlook is very positive. His floor is that of a high‑quality starting edge rusher who regularly gets to the quarterback and impacts games—something he has already begun to demonstrate. His ceiling, if he continues to improve his technique, refine his run‑defense, and stays healthy, is that of a dominant multi‑year starter who could be one of the better edge rushers in his class. The key variables will be his continued technical progression, how well he adapts to opponent adjustments, and whether his role and usage remain optimized within his scheme.