The Las Vegas Raiders were hopeful when they selected defensive tackle Byron Young in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as the club was in need of improving the interior of its defensive line.
The Raiders signed Young to a four-year, $5.6-million rookie contract.
Despite Young being the second highest-paid defensive tackle on the roster, he played just six games in his rookie season.
Young played a combined 62 defensive snaps in the Raiders' first three games of the season despite having missed his first two weeks of training camp after being placed on the physically unable to perform list. He was then inactive for Week 4 and after that, played just three more games, taking just eight, 13, and 16 defensive snaps. Young was inactive for the rest of the season after his final game in Week 7.
While third-round picks are typically expected to be utilized a fair amount in their first year, Young was part of a defensive tackle room that just happened to get better across the board this season, making for a lot of competition. John Jenkins and Jerry Tillery each had very strong 2023 campaigns, and even defensive end Tyree Wilson showed he might just belong inside rather than on the edge.
Jenkins is a free agent this offseason, and if he chooses to leave after turning in what was a career season, it would open up a great opportunity for Young. Even if Jenkins re-signs, though, Young will be getting some very valuable experience learning from the veterans in front of him. His time will come.
Young played four seasons at Alabama and was a member of its 2020 National Championship team. In his final year with the Crimson Tide, Young was named to the American Football Coaches Association All-America Second Team.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr, and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.
More must-reads:
- Which NFL rookies will be difference-makers next season?
- Super Bowl champion coach shares advice for young QBs after Shedeur Sanders' draft slide
- Legendary Hall of Fame athletes who only played for one franchise
- The best selection each NFL team made in the 2025 draft
- Packers Discussing Reconciliation With CB Jaire Alexander To Keep Him In 2025