Byron Young was a key player on defense last season as a rookie, playing all 17 games and making 16 starts in his first NFL season. Despite experiencing a learning curve from college to the pros, Young still managed to rack up eight sacks and 61 total tackles, landing 19 hits on the quarterback.
Even after the Rams added Jared Verse in the first round and brought back Michael Hoecht in free agency, Young projects to be a starter once again in 2024 and he could be in for a breakout year.
Sean McVay spoke highly of Young on the “Green Light” podcast with Chris Long, calling him one of the most improved players this offseason.
“He’s come a long way. He was a guy that came in, had a good career at Tennessee and I think he’s just continuing to learn how to add some tools to his arsenal, understand those looks to own,” McVay said. “He had a really good spring. He was arguably one of the more improved players on our football team because he’s got stuff in his body and now it’s continuing to say, hey, repetition is the mother of learning. What’s my primary? What’s my complimentary? Let me master that. Let me understand and own where my opportunities are for taking calls, different things like that. Even something as simple as when you’re playing out of a two-point (stance) early on in some of these run downs and it’s not known pass, like, how about not false-stepping and what a difference that makes for your get-off and your ability to affect the offensive line. He’s really done a great job. I’m excited about where he can go and I thought he was one of the bright spots of the spring, for sure.”
Unless Hoecht really stands out in training camp or Verse struggles, Young and Verse are projected to be the Rams’ starting edge rushers this season. It may be a young tandem, but it’s one with sky-high potential thanks to their athleticism, speed and power.
Last season alone, Young had 51 pressures, recording at least three pressures in 10 of his 18 games, including the playoffs. He can improve as a run defender but as a pure pass rusher, the tools are certainly there.
It remains to be seen how much of an impact that absence of Aaron Donald will have on Young and the Rams’ other edge rushers but if Young keeps getting one-on-one matchups, he’ll win more often than not.
Don’t be surprised if he has at least 10 sacks in his second season and becomes a star for the Rams.