Rams Coach Sean McVay: Rookie Byron Young Has 'Long Way to Go'

Los Angeles Rams rookie outside linebacker Byron Young has done plenty of positive things during training camp, but both coach Sean McVay and defensive tackle Aaron Donald noted the team's second-highest draft pick still has lots of work to do.

When the Los Angeles Rams drafted outside linebacker Byron Young in the third round of April's draft, they did so hoping he could help ignite a pass rush that ranked No. 21 league-wide in sacks with 38 a season ago.

And while Young certainly looks the part, donning the newly approved No. 0 on his 6-2, 250-pound frame that led coach Sean McVay to proclaim that he looks like he's "chiseled out of granite," he's still working on turning those expectations into on-field production.

That's not to see Young hasn't impressed - McVay noted he's "doing a good job" - but there's still another level the Rams are hoping to see the former Tennessee star reach sooner rather than later.

"You can see the physicality, the athleticism, the turn and run ability, but he's got a long way to go," McVay said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Rams' star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who noted that Young has lots of room to improve but has also had plenty of positive moments this summer.

“Obviously he can do some good things and (there are) some things we need to work on," Donald said. "That's with anybody out here, obviously they have those flashes, that's what they're here for. And at times you be like, 'he's a rookie,' you know? So, it's a process.

"Still got some work to do, but again, that's what camp is for - to continue to get better, to continue to push guys and got a lot of time before week one."

The Rams feel that Young, 25, is in good hands with outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio, who McVay said has "done a really good job" developing the young talent at the position.

There's also the element that the staff is quite fond of what Young can become - during OTAs, McVay hailed his athleticism, motor, conscientiousness and coachability while stressing that he believes Young is "going to only continue to get better."

And so, while Los Angeles is certainly hoping to see Young elevate his play soon, there's a level of confidence present that he can still become an impact player at some point in the coming years.

The question now becomes how soon Young reaches that level - and the answer could prove sooner than some expect, starting with the Rams' preseason opener against the cross-town Chargers on Saturday night, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. PST.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @ByDanielFlick

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