VFL Byron Young Getting First-Team Reps With Rams
NFL training camp is running full-speed, currently. Evaluators are gauging which players could potentially impact NFL rosters, and, of course, the University of Tennessee has been well-represented in these conversations. Many of those conversations revolve around the offensive side of the football, as is the norm under head coach Josh Heupel. However, former Tennessee outside linebacker Byron Young could be in the best position of any Tennessee rookie.
The Los Angeles Rams took Young at No. 77 overall, their second draft selection. The VFL logged 83 tackles and 12.5 sacks during his time in Knoxville, Tennessee, making second-team all-conference in 2022. Young's story is even better, as he fought through adversity, battled for playing time after transferring, and even worked at Dollar General to make ends meet. Now, the Rams have him listed as a first-string outside linebacker a few weeks before the season kickoff.
In their post-draft interviews, the coaching staff was adamant that they fell in love with Young's athletic ceiling and personal character. The Rams like to play young players and let them develop on rookie contracts, even if it isn't the best move in the short term. They believe that Young's playing could give their defense the best chance to maximize itself this year, especially after a down 2022. He gets to work alongside legendary Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, another added benefit early in his career.
Los Angeles Rams OLB Byron Young during NFL training camp in Irvine, California, on July 26, 2023. (Photo by Kirby Lee of USA Today Sports)
You Might Also Like:
- Array of Tennessee Pass Catchers Show Out In NFL Training Camp
- Tennessee TEs Coach Alec Abeln Earns National Recognition
- In-State QBs Define Tennessee's Early 2025 Efforts
Join the community:
Follow Evan Crowell on Twitter: @EvanVCrowell
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @VolunteerCountry & follow us on Twitter at @VCountryFN.
