NFL Draft Profile: Byron Young, Defensive Lineman, Tennessee Volunteers

NFL Draft profile scouting report for Tennessee iDL Byron Young

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#6
Pos: EDGE
Ht: 6022
Wt: 250
Hand: 0928
Arm: 3248
Wing: 7918
40: 4.43
Hometown: Georgetown, SC
High School:
Eligibility: 2023

Byron Young
Tennessee Volunteers

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One-Liner:

A speed rusher with measurables, if Young becomes a consistent three-down player, his name will be rousing up draft boards. 

Evaluation:

Fits the bill in terms of height-weight-speed. Subtle mass with adequate length on a frame that wears his pads well. Primarily a finesse player, looking to make plays with his movement skills and athleticism. Attacks from wider alignments, using space and get off to push pocket depth and pressure the quarterback. Lower body agility to scrape gaps and bend into action. Will bat the ball down if engaged by a chop block. Used as a looper on games, gaining a head of steam into the pocket. Can diagnose motion, shed and out-angle receivers on orbits and sweeps, causing tackle for losses. Knows how to read and contain the option. Lacks the functional power to play the run or utilize a bull rush against bigger tackles. Too often washed out or just pushed around at the point of attack. Lacks any real variety in his rush moves, using speed and dip moves to create his plays. Young can play from wide alignments or as a designed looper using his speed and movement patterns to impact the passing game. His current repertoire is devoid of power and therefore presents challenges for him as a three-down player.                                           

Grade:

5th Round

Background:

One of the top returning edge rushers in the SEC in his second and final season at Tennessee. He made an immediate impact in his first season on campus in 2021 after establishing himself as one of the top junior college recruits in the nation at Georgia military college. Committed to the Vols on National Signing Day in December 2020 and chose UT over multiple SEC programs. He prepped in South Carolina before pursuing a junior college career. He played in 23 games with 20 starts and logged 80 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hurries. This past season he started all 12 games and led the Vols with five sacks, 10 TFLs and 14 QB hurries this season. He finished tied for sixth in the SEC with 36 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.