Why Agent 0 could be the 1 Rams pass rusher to claim the spotlight in 2024

The LA Rams do not have much experience at rushing the passer this season. But what this team lacks in terms of seasoned wisdom from many years of chasing down opposing quarterbacks, they more than make up for in energy, passion, and a gnawing hunger to play well this season. The odd thing about this pass rush is that second-year players like OLB Byron Young and NT Kobie Turner must flip the switch from rookie to veteran mentor.

That is a tall order.

But don't discount this pair of preeminent pass rushers. After all, they led the entire rookie class of 2023 in sacking opposing quarterbacks. NT Kobie Turner put up 9.0 QB sacks, and his teammate OLB Byron Young was just one behind with 8.0 QB sacks last season. But it's safe to say that both rookies were thrown into the deep end of the pool, and were forced to swim through the season, learning how to become efficient along the way.

In Year 2, the Rams are looking for more out of their two defensive stars, and they will not be disappointed.

As much as NT Kobie Turner caught the eye of NFL analysts in 2023, Byron Young was not in the spotlight. The Conductor was the focus on the Rams roster, while Houston Texans OLB Will Anderson IV caught the spotlight on the national stage. Even though Young did not play for the spotlight nor for recognition, the level of utter neglect of his incredible production last season is mind-blowing.

But it serves to fuel his passion for 2024.

OLB Byron Young had an outstanding rookie season for the Rams in 2023. He had 61 tackles and 8.0 quarterback sacks in his first season. How does that compare with the top outside linebackers in the past? Let's compare and find out:

As you can see from the data table above, rookie OLB Byron Young held his own in terms of putting up solid numbers, even when compared to veterans who led the team in QB sacks in the past. So if he was that good in 2023, how good can he be in 2024?

Much much better.

Using the chart above, I would put Young's second season on par with the 2019 performance of veteran OLB Dante Fowler Jr., namely approximately 850 defensive snaps, 11.5-13.0 quarterback sacks, and from 65-70 tackles this season.

Young will improve dramatically for two reasons. First of all, he knows what to expect and how to train for the 2024 NFL season, which makes every OTA, mini camp, training camp, and even solitary drills that much more effective. But the second reason for his uptick this year is the fact that the will have a more frequent rotation this season to keep him well rested.

Young knows how to put in the work, and is already doing exactly that. In 2024, the work pays off as he roars right out of the gates to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Opposing offensive lines will focus on Kobie Turner, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and finally Byron Young in that order. But Young will cause the most damage, as he has a chip on his shoulder this season.

Young has bulked up with 10 more pounds of muscle for 2024, making him even more powerful and dangerous as a pass rusher. With more strength and power at the point of attack, Young should be even more effective this season. Of course, the team has to compensate for the loss of Aaron Donald this year. But if everyone picks up a little of the slack, perhaps this defense will shock some nay-sayers.

Why will Byron Young, a.k.a. Agent 0 be the top Rams pass rusher in 2024? He is roaring back with a vengeance, and he has the experience and traits to become a top pass rusher this season. In the end, the Rams will need every defender to take up the slack. But Byron Young is determined to do more than that.

Thanks for reading.