Adding to the trenches was a major goal for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, not only on the offensive line, where they allowed 59 sacks this past season, but they even wanted help on the defensive front.
While the Rams sat back in free agency, opting not to spend money on adding veterans, they instead used the NFL Draft to fill out their roster. This strategy landed them Tennessee's Byron Young, who has been named the Rams' most "dangerous" addition of the offseason by Bleacher Report.
"The 6'2", 250-pound Young can be an effective edge complement to star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and he should have a clear path to playing time, ..." Bleacher Report writes. "After purging a large chunk of the roster the Rams might not be particularly good this season. However, the tandem of Donald and Young will at least give some teeth to the pass rush."
That roster purge, as Bleacher Report calls it included the release of Leonard Floyd, the Rams' sack leader this past season. Floyd, an edge-rushing hybrid outside linebacker, wasn't the only big name to be let go, as inside linebacker Bobby Wagner was also released after finishing behind Floyd in sacks with six.
Young enters the NFL with a proven resume after transferring from Georgia Military College. The ex-Volunteer was productive in two years playing against SEC competition. Young finished with 83 total career tackles, 23.5 for a loss, and 12.5 sacks.
If the Rams hope to get back into playoff contention, they'll need Young to step up in a major way as a rookie and be among the team leaders in sacks.
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