Where Byron Young Slots Into LA's Defense

Former Tennessee Volunteers edge rusher Byron Young has an excellent opportunity to get impact snaps with the Los Angeles Rams in his rookie season.

Byron Young was selected in the third round with the No. 77 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams. He was the 5th Volunteer off the board and was one of four Vols taken in the third round. 

The former Tennessee edge rusher on getting drafted, "It was a dream come true. I knew who it was and I broke down crying. I had a Zoom call with the outside linebacker coach, and it was a great conversation." He was the Rams' second pick of the draft, making him a valuable addition. So what does Los Angeles exactly want to do with him? 

L.A. is now two seasons removed from their Super Bowl 56 title that featured dominant defenses. In 2022, they took a slight step back being ranked right in the middle of the pack at 19th overall for defensive rating. They had a relatively good rushing defense that ranked 13th overall. They gave up an average of 115.1 yards a game. However, the dip in defensive skill made them address it in the draft by using one of their early picks on Young. 

Young can impact the game off the edge at any time. He can get into the backfield quickly, getting tackles for losses and sacks. He had 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks last season with Tennessee. This can be used to help bolster a Rams defense that already has talent within its front seven. He also has the chance to learn under experienced members of the Rams' defensive front in Los Angeles, like Aaron Donald, Bobby Brown III, and Marquise Copeland. He is truly set up for success early in his NFL career with the Rams. 

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