Byron Young NFL Draft

Byron Young

  • IDL Alabama
  • Senior
  • #131
  • 6'3"
  • 292lbs
  • Prospect
  • Southeastern

Prospect Summary

Byron Young 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

  • Has been a key contributor since his freshman year 
  • Recorded 39 tackles in 2021

System: 

  • Scheme tendencies: Both odd and even fronts
  • 2022 projected role: Will align in multiple positions along the front 

Pros: Byron Young is a stoutly-built interior defensive lineman whose thick lower half serves as his base for power in his game. Young does a good job of being able to set the line of scrimmage against run plays. At the snap, he does a good job of coming out of his hips and immediately shooting his hands to lock out offensive linemen. Once he has proper hand placement, he has the hand strength to shed offensive linemen when need be. Young is a big body that can be difficult to double team at times. His natural strength and size as an interior defensive lineman make him a prototypical run-stopper that I believe can play NT or the shade in the NFL. 

Cons: For everything Byron Young can provide against the run, there is a lack of presence when rushing the passer. Young appears to lack the overall quickness needed for an interior defensive lineman to create QB pressure quickly. Young is a momentum-building rusher that prefers to bull rush offensive linemen, but the quick pressure is just not there. At Alabama, they run a good deal of twists and stunts and that helps Young find gaps in the defense to create pressure situations. I believe that with Young’s understanding that he may not be a dynamic athlete, he still needs to learn ways to win quickly. If power is his best attribute, he should work on power rush moves so he can have a presence rushing the passer.

Byron Young NFL Draft Scouting Report by Keith Sanchez