Entering the 2026 season, life has never been brighter for Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young. Having been selected to his first Pro Bowl last season, Young led the team in sacks and was a multi-use player who was able to effectively perform every aspect of his job.
Young is in the final year of his rookie deal, and as he establishes himself as one of the NFL’s premier three-down defenders, he does so in a rapidly emerging pass-rusher market that is seeing specialists earn nine figures alone. That has only amplified his value. Despite the looming reality of generational wealth, Young has remained focused on the tasks at hand, controlling the things he can control.
Head coach Sean McVay spoke about Young recently, detailing what makes his star edge defender so special.
“He’s got a great way about himself,” McVay said. “All he’s done is just get better and better from his first year to second year to his third year. He’s just got this great way about himself. You want to talk about a guy that’s mentally and physically tough? He looks like the statue of David out here, but he’s awesome. I love everything about him. Told him the other day, too. His attention in the meetings in terms of his nonverbal communication, he just stares a hole right through you in the best way. I love everything about this guy. He had a great day today. He’s awesome for our defense and for our team as a whole.”
During practice on Wednesday, Young made such a good play in coverage that McVay ran across the field to him, according to Greg Beacham of the Associated Press.
Young is hitting his peak at the perfect time. With a rising market for defenders comes expectations of producing sacks. With NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett expected to draw the attention of the defense, along with their stout defensive tackles, Young should find himself continuously in a position to make plays.
With McVay’s words, it appears that the team has full confidence in Young to get the job done.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay shares what makes Rams OLB Byron Young so special
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
