Being An Underachiever Drops Byron Young Out Of First Round

Tennessee edge Byron Young does a lot of good stuff on his 2022 game film, but he also does some stuff that makes me wonder.

Can Young help an NFL team win?

That’s really what this comes down to. Outside of all the scouting jargon that’s the bottom line.

This is a loaded question that I will unpack.

Let me begin by saying, I believe Young will be drafted by a team with a losing record.

Young flashes first-round ability

That is the frustrating part.

Time – – after time – – after time (here and there) Young shows he has it in him.

Then he disappears for a few plays and goes half-speed.

Then he reappears and blows past the offensive tackle to get pressure or make a sack.

He proceeds by looking soft as tissue paper for a couple of plays.

Then there’s a wow play that cuts off Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson at the edge.

Then he gets easily blocked again.

That’s what it’s like watching him on game film.

Young shows he has the speed and raw power to be a nightmare off the edge in the National Football League, but then he shows he will be a headache.

The playmaking ability is there with Young

Playmakers and difference makers only need to apply on First Round Mock’s Big Board.

Against Alabama, he stunted inside and hit quarterback Bryce Young as he threw.

When taking on Florida, Young blew through the back door of the pocket and sacked their passer Anthony Richardson.

He showed he can close fast in the pocket, and he even has some of that coveted burst.

Young sporadically can bull rush pretty effectively too.

It’s all there, it’s just not there enough.

However, that’s what the second round is for. It’s for the guys who have first-round ability, but for whatever reason, it doesn’t show up enough on game film. Taking a defender like this in the second round somewhat mitigates the risk.

End of the Alabama game was concerning

The score between Tennessee and Alabama was tied 49-49 and it was the end of the game. Young didn’t look like he was trying hard.

That is super concerning to me as a former NFL Scout and as an aspiring NFL GM.

There is a lot I like about Young, but giving up when the game was on the line takes him off my board.

NFL teams need players who move the meter.

Young will do enough to get paid, but he’s not the type of player I could send the card in on.

So, the answer to my original question is no – – Young can’t help a team win.

Six game analysis

I am doing something different this year to close the gap even more. I am looking at more games over the span of two seasons (as game film permits). This provides even more perspective.

My headline based on his 2021 game film says it all, “Byron Young is This Draft’s Jekyll and Hyde.”

The same things showed up on his 2021 game film that showed up on his 2022 game film.

I’m good.

#6 Byron Young 6-foot-3, 245 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: Second-Round (I would not select him)

Bust Probability: Medium

Projected by 0.0% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of December 15, 2022 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2022 game film reviewed: Florida, Alabama and Kentucky (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Level of competition: High

2021 stats: 46 tackles (20 solo, 26 assists) 5.5 sacks, 32 pressures (pff.com), 1 pass defended, 1 INT.

2022 stats: 34 tackles (19 solo, 15 assists) 5.0 sacks, 36 pressures (rockytoptalk.com)

Note: Original JUCO transfer and will be in the Senior Bowl

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Unpolished inconsistent pass rusher with upside. Inconsistent motor. Can fire through the back door of the pocket like he was shot out of a cannon, but then disappears for too long of time. Uses hands well. Flashed head fake, but no other pass rush moves. Relies on speed and power. Flashed ability to put offensive tackles on skates. Flashed fast close and burst. More of a pressure than a sack guy. Flashed run stopping ability to fire in unblocked or shed a block, but he is far less interested against the run. Could be seen jogging at times backside. A pass rushing specialist role player.

Final words

Pass rushers are a premium, but finding guys who move the meter is what wins rings.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.