Byron Young lands with former Vols teammate in latest mock draft from top analyst
Former Tennessee Vols edge rusher Byron Young hasn't received quite the same level of hype as some of his teammates, but he's still poised to be an early-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young finished his collegiate career with a strong final season, totaling 37 tackles (including 12 tackles for loss) and seven sacks […]
Former Tennessee Vols edge rusher Byron Young hasn't received quite the same level of hype as some of his teammates, but he's still poised to be an early-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Young finished his collegiate career with a strong final season, totaling 37 tackles (including 12 tackles for loss) and seven sacks in 2022.
The South Carolina native also had a strong showing at the combine last month, running a blistering 4.43 in the 40-yard dash. The strong showing solidified Young's status as a potential early-round pick.
ESPN's Todd McShay, one of the more well-respected draft analysts in the business, released his latest mock draft on Tuesday.
And McShay has the Chicago Bears selecting Young with the No. 61 overall selection (second round).
From ESPN: The Bears had just 20 sacks last season, worst in the NFL, and bringing in Young would get them going in the right direction. He had seven sacks in his final season at Tennessee, and his 36 pressures tied for 22nd in the nation. He quickly re-directs and has an explosive lower body, but he's still raw when it comes to technique.
If the Bears draft Young, it would reunite him with wide receiver Velus Jones Jr.
Young and Jones played together at Tennessee in 2021 (Chicago drafted Jones in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft).
Young still has a lot of improvements he can make as an edge rusher — after all, he only played two seasons in the SEC. He has first-round athleticism so the potential for stardom is there.
If Young puts it all together, he could be a massive steal in the second round.
