Explodes out of his stance and has brilliant initial burst
Accelerates into his first step
Good length for his size
Has a decent frame which can add weight
Fantastic character and background
Is tough and physical
Has enough flexibility to bend the edge
Has good change of direction and resets his base quickly
High motor
Wins as a pure speed rusher
Is instinctive and is always around the ball.
Best working when in space
A strong tackle in the run game. Has the athleticism to attack and the power to wrap up runners
WEAKNESSES
An older prospect
Could still add more strength to his game
Needs to have more awareness. Needs to read and react a lot more sharply in the NFL. He tends to be around the ball but if he reacted quicker he would be able to make more plays
Is still quite raw for an older prospect. Turns 25 in March 2023
Has some impulsive, wasted footwork which he will need to cut out, especially when defending the run
Lacks a defined pass rush plan. He wins with his athleticism but that is it. Needs to become more diverse in his plan
Has a tendency to play too high meaning he sacrifices leverage
SUMMARY
Byron Young is an explosive, athletic defensive lineman who plays with flexibility and physicality. On film, he is always around the ball and if he can anticipate better then he will only become more productive. Young will be an older prospect when drafted at 25, but with his back story, from working at Dollar General, to walking on in JUCO, before getting a transfer to Tennessee, NFL teams will love his character and if they can refine some of his tendencies, Byron Young should see the field immediately as a rookie.
