Byron Young is about to put on a show, and Rams fans get a front-row seat

Imagine finding out that a two-year friend and teammate was leaving (Jared Verse) and that in his place, the organization was bringing in the best in the business (Myles Garrett). Would you automatically acquiesce your spot atop the totem pole? That is the scenario Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Byron Young now faces.

After leading the team in sacks last season, he will almost cede that position to Garrett, the single-season record holder and reigning Defensive Player of the Year. No shame in that. Playing alongside Garrett will be purely to Young's benefit.

He is not without accolades and honors of his own, such as a spot on the NFL's 2026 edition of the Top 100, clocking at No. 84 overall.

Young hasn't plopped himself into the spotlight via theatrics or drama. He has earned his way to center stage via hard training, pure drive, and a resulting rise in production. His stats won't blow away any leaderboard, but the data displays a consistent trend of development.

And now, he's entering his contract year. Translation: watch out.

Byron Young plays true to his passion

Drafting Young, which the Rams did with the 77th overall pick in 2023, was a gamble couched in his passion-bred upside. He was only the 13th-rated edge rusher in his class. He was too old (25). He had only two years of "real" college experience, having transferred to Tennessee from Georgia Military. That made him too inexperienced for many teams.

Fast forward and his pro production is on par with that of Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., the No. 3 pick that year.

Young defends the run and pass with equal vigor, a testament to his inner fire and a feat that would tire less adamant edge rushers. His value goes beyond volume production. Last season, he was the smoldering hot coal that fueled the Rams pass rush. In 2026, he has even more reasons to step up his game.

Notably, he is entering his final year under contract, with a lucrative extension on the horizon. How well he plays will determine the value of the next deal he signs - a significant motivator. Meanwhile, he will be going head-to-head with Garrett in the race to sack the quarterback - also motivating.

Garrett arrives in Los Angeles at the top of his game. There's only one of him - let's be clear - but he represents what Young strives to become. Of course there will be some friendly but intense competition between the alpha of the pack and the next pup up.

Young has already achieved quite the transformation, going from underwhelming draft prospect to every bit of an NFL star. Expect even bigger things from him this season. Not only does he have a payday on the line, he'll be invigorated by the chance to learn from and compete with the defending DPOY on every snap of the football. Let's see who gets home first.

As always, thanks for reading.

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