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Raiders DT Byron Young Could Have Vital Role on D-Line

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Brayden P. Reedy | Last updated 7/11/23

The Raiders are counting down the days to put on the pads as they approach the 2023-24 NFL Regular Season. Many players typically find their roles during NFL Training Camp.

One of those players who could have a vital role on the Raiders' defense is rookie defensive tackle Byron Young.

The Raiders selected Byron Young in this year's 2023 NFL Draft with the 70th overall pick in the third round.

Byron Young played a total of four seasons at the University of Alabama. While with the Crimson Tide, he played 54 career games. He finished with 139 total tackles, with 56 being solo tackles. He finished the 2022 season with 3.5 sacks as well.

Byron Young also can bring a winning mentality to the Raiders' defensive line. While playing in his junior season, he was part of a National Championship team with the Crimson Tide in 2021.

Young is a massive defensive tackle at 6-foot-3 and 292 pounds. He is a true definition of an SEC-built caliber type of player.

General Manager Dave Ziegler shared his thoughts with the media after the 2023 NFL Draft.

Ziegler discussed the traits and the foundation Young can bring to the Raiders.

"Big, physical kid, long arms, he's does a really nice job of being able to create leverage inside and control running lanes," Ziegler said. "A little bit of an early down passer rush too right now, I think he can develop more than that, but he has some first-step quickness and because of his length, it makes it hard for a lot of those guards to handle him inside. ... Also, foundation traits – hard worker, smart, tough, dependable, loves football. A lot of the traits that we're looking for."

Overall, Young could be a steal from the 2023 NFL Draft. If he performs as he did at the University of Alabama, already with a very talented defensive line, he could have a vital role.

This we do know, the Silver and Black are loaded with two sophomore defensive tackles and two rookies (Including Young) with many veterans. The Raiders have talent, and training camp will separate the contenders from the pretenders.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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