Byron Young Is Quietly Becoming One of the NFL’s Most Disruptive Edge Rushers - And the Rams Are Reaping the Rewards
As the Los Angeles Rams sit at 10-3 with four games left in the 2025 regular season, there’s plenty to celebrate - from Matthew Stafford’s steady command of the offense to Sean McVay’s continued brilliance on the sideline. But one of the biggest stories flying under the radar? The emergence of Byron Young as a force on the edge, and the unlikely rise of a pass-rushing duo that’s quietly driving turnovers at a league-best rate.
According to the latest data from NFL Research and Next Gen Stats, the Rams lead the NFL in quarterback pressures that directly lead to turnovers - and it’s not just one guy doing the damage. Both Byron Young and rookie Jared Verse rank No. 1 and No. 2 in that category, a testament to just how disruptive this front seven has become.
From Draft Day Sleeper to Defensive Star
Let’s rewind. When the Rams selected Byron Young in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he wasn’t supposed to be the guy.
He was the fallback plan, the contingency after the team failed to land Panthers star Brian Burns in a trade. But Young didn’t just fill the role - he’s redefining it.
Through three seasons, Young has already compiled 26.5 sacks, including 11.0 this year alone - and he’s done it with a mix of relentless motor, improved technique, and a knack for showing up in big moments. After a midseason lull, he’s bounced back with sacks in back-to-back games, proving he’s not just a flash-in-the-pan pass rusher. He’s evolving into a complete player.
What stands out even more than the sack numbers, though, is the total body of work. Young has already posted career highs in tackles, quarterback hits, pressures, and even in his missed-tackle rate - a sign of improved discipline and finishing ability. He's not just getting to the quarterback; he's affecting the game on every down.
Draft Class Dominance
When you stack Byron Young’s production against his fellow 2023 draft classmates, the numbers speak volumes. Consider this:
- Will Anderson Jr. (3rd overall): 125 tackles, 28.5 sacks
- Tyree Wilson (7th overall): 79 tackles, 10.0 sacks
- Will McDonald IV (15th overall): 67 tackles, 200.5 sacks (note: likely a typo in original data)
- Byron Young (77th overall): 188 tackles, 26.5 sacks
Young wasn’t a top-10 pick. He wasn’t even a Day 1 selection.
But he’s outproducing most of the edge rushers taken ahead of him - and doing so with consistency and impact. It’s no stretch to say he’s been one of the best value picks of his entire draft class.
More Than Just a Football Player
What makes Byron Young’s story even more compelling is where he came from. Before he was chasing down quarterbacks on Sundays, he was managing a Dollar General store. That’s not just a feel-good anecdote - it’s a window into the kind of work ethic and humility that defines him.
This year, Young partnered with Dollar General to give back to the community, donating school supplies and resources to local kids. It’s a full-circle moment for a guy who’s never forgotten where he came from. And while his impact on the field is measurable in sacks and pressures, his impact off it is just as meaningful.
A Star in the Making
The Rams needed someone to step up after parting ways with their veteran pass rushers. They needed a new face on defense - someone who could anchor the edge, create chaos in the backfield, and spark turnovers. Byron Young has answered that call and then some.
Alongside Jared Verse, who’s making an early case for Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration, the Rams now boast a young, hungry, and highly productive edge duo. And as the playoffs near, this defense is peaking at the right time.
Byron Young’s journey from retail manager to NFL game-wrecker is the kind of story that reminds us why we love this game. It’s about more than just stats and highlight reels - it’s about grit, growth, and proving the doubters wrong.
And for the Rams, it’s about having a player who’s not only producing at an elite level but doing it with the kind of leadership and humility that sets the tone for the locker room.
So yeah - keep doing what you’re doing, Byron Young. Because right now, you're not just one of the best stories in the league. You're one of its best players.