The Los Angeles Rams struck gold when they selected Tennessee's edge rusher Byron Young in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Fast forward to his third season, and Young has truly come into his own, leading the Rams with a career-high 12 sacks. But his impact goes beyond just those numbers-he's also set personal records in pressures and tackles.
While Jared Verse and Kobie Turner have been causing havoc on the defensive line, Young has emerged as the Rams' most formidable pass-rushing threat from the linebacker position. His performance hasn't just turned heads in LA; it's earned him recognition across the league, culminating in his first Pro Bowl selection in 2025. Tying for eighth in the league with his 12 sacks and ranking 13th among 115 edge rushers in pressures according to Pro Football Focus, Young's 84.9 overall PFF grade places him ninth.
But Young's game isn't just about the sacks. NFL.com's Tony Holzman-Escareno highlighted a remarkable stat: among players with 10 or more sacks last year, Young led the league with 56 run tackles. This speaks volumes about his all-around dominance.
Here's how he stacks up against other top performers:
- Byron Young - 56 run tackles
- Maxx Crosby - 55
- Jeffery Simmons - 49
- Aidan Hutchinson - 36
- Danielle Hunter - 35
These names are no strangers to the elite tier, with Crosby, Hutchinson, and Hunter all being standout defensive ends. Hunter and Hutchinson even finished in the top four for sacks this season. Young's ability to excel in both pass rushing and run stopping sets him apart.
As a linebacker, Young naturally finds himself in more situations to tackle ball carriers, which partly explains his high run tackle numbers. However, this doesn't diminish his status as a dual-threat game-changer. Only a few players at his position, like Brian Burns, Nik Bonitto, and Tuli Tuipulotu, had more sacks.
When it comes to tackles among sack leaders, only Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson surpassed Young in total tackles (115), despite Wilson having fewer sacks.
Young's versatility is truly something special. Among edge rushers, he ranks first in solo tackles, assists, and stops, while also placing fifth in quarterback hits. His all-around ferocity cements his status as the league's most versatile pass rusher.
For those who watched him last season, Young's dominance is no surprise. It's a testament to his unique ability to impact the game in multiple ways, making him an invaluable asset to the Rams and a player to watch in the league.