Byron Young 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Began college career in the JUCO ranks before transferring to Tennessee ahead of the 2021 season

• Will turn 25 ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft 
• Was an assistant manager at Dollar General before taking a JUCO tryout in 2019. He did not play football in 2020 due to COVID and the cancellation of the season. That said, his team still practiced and video of his practice highlights went viral, prompting offers from Georgia, LSU, Auburn, and Tennessee. The Vols offered him first and he chose them. 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Multiple, 4-2-5 
• 2022 projected role: Starting LEO  

Pros: Byron Young has an inspiring story and it’s clear that football means a lot to him. He very quickly and unexpectedly gained momentum, earning the chance to play at Tennessee, and had some impressive flashes in 2021. He showcases good athleticism and outstanding flexibility. I really like his ability to change directions and how loose he is when getting to the edges of the blocks and cornering. There is a slipperiness to him when he’s able to soften angles and get around blocks. Young plays with a motor that is always cranked and makes his share of plays off of his hustle. His rush plan is built off a one-arm stab and flexibility and he does well to maximize his length. There is an apparent rawness to his game, but his trajectory as a player is highly intriguing. 

Cons: Byron Young is still finding his way as a player. He needs to play quicker and develop his recognition skills. He is often tardy off the ball and he needs to clean up his footwork when releasing from his stance. There is wasted movement and false steps that take away from his ability to maximize his quickness. He has notable room to develop his hand usage, rush plan, and overall variety with technique. He is a bit of a short stepper and can develop his footwork to expand his rush plan and complement his efforts with his hands. Young needs to continue adding functional strength to get stronger and be a more effective run defender when tasked with squeezing gaps and setting the edge.

Byron Young NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino