Raiders DT Byron Young's "Time Will Come"

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Ezekiel Trezevant IV | Last updated 12/5/23

On cut-down day, the Las Vegas Raiders kept more defensive linemen than any other position group. This move showed how vital the defensive line was to the Silver and Black.

The Raiders filled the line with veterans and talented young players. This put players such as rookie Byron Young in a position to learn as a rookie while transitioning to the National Football League.

Defensive Line Coach Rob Leonard spoke about Young's growth.

"Byron [Young] is a pretty sound player," Leonard said. "I know he wants his shot to play; I know he wants to play more."

Leonard says Young's lack of playing time is more of a compliment to Las Vegas' defensive line than it is an indictment of Young or his play. By all accounts, Young has continued to develop at the pace expected of him at the start of the season.

"I think the best thing for Byron this year that he's benefitted from is watching Jenk [John Jenkins], watching Adam Butler, how they go about their business every day. Not that he's far off at all, but this league is all about the details."

"I am getting to watch them. Those two have played at a high level. It's a competitive deal," Leonard said. "Byron's time will come, I told him this morning. He's going to be a great player in this league. His opportunity is going to come."

For Leonard, rushing the process would harm the rookie defensive lineman's growth.

"Can't rush the process. You're looking for consistency. It's like batting percentage. Jenk does it at a pretty high level. He doesn't miss a back block, ever. He plays the double team right, pretty much at a high level."

Las Vegas' coaching staff values players who execute at a high rate, as any coaching staff would. Leonard says that comes with time and expects it to come even sooner for Young, who has multiple veteran linemen around him, such as Jenkins, to help show him the ropes.

"You look at other guys, and they're maybe one for five. That's kind of what you're looking at as a coach. I know he's going to do his job and at a pretty high level. I think they are pushing him to be even better."

Las Vegas expects Young to become more prominent on their defense as time passes.

The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.

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

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