Byron Young DRAFT PROFILE – 2023 NFL DRAFT

Byron Young NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT INTRODUCTION

Byron Young, a former 3-star recruit from Carvers Bay High School, has taken a unique path to becoming a promising NFL prospect at an SEC program. After starting his football career in the JUCO ranks, Young made the decision to transfer to the University of Tennessee ahead of the 2021 season. But before his football journey began, Young worked as an assistant manager at Dollar General, showcasing his perseverance and dedication to achieving his goals.

Young’s talents were quickly recognized by football scouts when his practice highlights went viral, despite not playing in the 2020 season due to COVID-19. With offers from top-tier programs like Georgia, LSU, Auburn, and Tennessee, Young ultimately chose the Volunteers and has since become an impactful defender for the team.

 

Byron Young DRAFT PROFILE

Young’s athleticism and flexibility are key factors in his playmaking ability, allowing him to change directions seamlessly and get around blocks with ease. He also possesses a strong motor, consistently making plays with his hustle. Young’s rush plan is built around a one-arm stab and his flexibility, which he maximizes to his advantage. His ability to string together counters improved in 2022, and while he may lack size and strength, he competes fiercely in the run game.

Despite his strengths, Young still has areas for improvement. His recognition skills and play speed need development, as he tends to be tardy off the ball and his footwork can be cleaned up. Young also needs to work on his hand usage and overall technique, as well as adding functional strength to be a more effective run defender.

Despite these areas for improvement, Young’s immediate appeal as a designated pass rusher and gap shooter in a rotational role cannot be ignored. His evolution in terms of functional strength and play speed will determine if he can become a prominent starter at the next level. At 25 years old, Young still has time to develop and hone his skills to become a valuable asset to any NFL team.

 

Byron Young 40 YARD DASH- 4.65 SECONDS

 

SCOUTING REPORT- STRENGTHS

Byron Young possesses a versatile skill set that allows him to excel as a rangy run defender, using his instincts to quickly locate the ball and beat blockers to the second level. His speed and agility are evident in his ability to pursue ball carriers from the backside, showcasing excellent balance and a strong, flexible core that keeps him on his feet.

Young’s pass-rushing abilities are equally impressive, with his quickness and flexibility allowing him to consistently dip and bend around the edge. He has the classic frame of a dominant edge rusher, with long arms, explosive power, and the ability to close in on quarterbacks with ease.

When it comes to hand usage, Young is solid and instinctive, making him a formidable opponent for offensive linemen. He has the ability to counter effectively, using his hands to disrupt opposing players and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Young’s excellent motor and stamina are also key attributes that make him a valuable asset to any team. He has the ability to maintain his high level of play deep into the fourth quarter, never letting up or giving less than his best effort.

While Young has a wide range of skills that make him a standout player, there is still room for improvement. He will need to continue developing his technique and refining his abilities to reach his full potential. With his natural talent and dedication to the game, however, it is clear that Young has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL.

SCOUTING REPORT- WEAKNESSES

Byron Young’s physical attributes are a topic of discussion when evaluating his potential as an NFL player. While he may lack ideal length for an edge rusher and may be considered small for the interior, there is still potential for him to add weight and size to his frame.

However, there is a risk that adding weight and strength could compromise his speed and athleticism, which are key components of his game. If caught in a phone booth with NFL linemen, Young may struggle to come out on top unless he can increase his strength and size without sacrificing his agility and quickness.

Young’s speed and agility are also factors when considering his potential as a chase-and-tackle player. He may lack the quick-twitch reflexes needed to excel as a pass rusher and may not possess the feet and flexibility required to threaten around the edge.

 

Byron Young DRAFT SUMMARY

Despite these potential limitations, Young’s strengths as a versatile defender cannot be overlooked. He has shown the ability to excel as a run defender, using his instincts and quickness to locate and pursue ball carriers. He also has the potential to develop his pass-rushing skills with continued development and refinement of his technique.

Overall, while Young may have physical limitations that could impact his potential as an NFL player, his natural talent and versatility make him a valuable asset to any team. With dedication and continued development, he has the potential to carve out a successful career in the league.

He’s our 49th ranked prospect overall on our 2023 NFL Draft big board. 

Plus Side:

• Excellent run defender
• Solid use of hands
• Great motor

Negatives:

• Needs refinement as a pass rusher
• Lacks quick-twitch reflexes
• Needs to add to his frame to be a real run stuffer