The NFL Draft is often filled with surprises, but one of the most intriguing stories to emerge in recent years involves two players with the same name, same conference, and similar positions. The tale of Byron Young—yes, both of them—has sparked a hilarious theory that the Las vegas Raiders may have accidentally drafted the wrong player in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The speculation began when Qiant “Your Boy Q” Myers, a prominent voice on ESPN Radio, suggested that the Raiders might have mixed up their targets during the draft. “This is just me, I don’t know this for a fact, but I definitely believe they selected the wrong one,” Q said during the broadcast. The theory gained traction after fans noticed the uncanny similarities between the two players.
Hear’s the breakdown: The Raiders selected Alabama defensive tackle Byron Young with the 70th overall pick. just seven picks later, the Los Angeles Rams scooped up Tennessee defensive lineman/EDGE rusher Byron Young at 77th overall. Both players hailed from the SEC, shared the same name, and played in similar defensive roles.The coincidence was too perfect to ignore.
The theory gained even more momentum when fans compared the career trajectories of the two Youngs.The former Tennessee Volunteer has been a standout for the Rams, playing in 34 games over two seasons and recording 61 total tackles in 2023 alone. Simultaneously occurring, the Alabama product has struggled to make the same impact with the raiders. This stark contrast has led many to wonder: Did the Raiders accidentally draft the wrong Byron Young?
The internet has been buzzing with memes and debates about the mix-up. A tweet from ESPN Radio captured the hilarity of the situation, quoting Q’s theory and adding, “Almost two years later, @YourboyQ254 still isn’t convinced the raiders meant to draft Alabama DT Byron Young instead of Tennessee DE Byron Young, who the Rams took seven picks later 🤣🤣.”
While the theory remains speculative, it’s hard to ignore the irony. Both players were highly touted prospects, but their careers have taken vastly different paths. The Rams’ Byron Young has become a key contributor on defense, while the Raiders’ young has yet to make a significant mark.
To add context, let’s take a closer look at the two players:
| Player | Team | Position | Draft Pick | College | Notable Stats (2023) |
|————————–|——————-|——————–|—————-|—————|————————–|
| Byron Young (Alabama) | las Vegas Raiders | Defensive Tackle | 70th overall | Alabama | Limited impact |
| Byron Young (Tennessee) | Los Angeles Rams | EDGE Rusher | 77th overall | Tennessee | 61 total tackles |
The story has become a favorite among NFL fans, sparking debates about draft strategies and the importance of due diligence. While the Raiders have yet to comment on the theory, it’s clear that the tale of the two Byron Youngs will remain a memorable footnote in NFL Draft history.
For more insights into the NFL Draft and player performances, check out the latest stats on Byron Young from NFL.com and Pro Football Focus.
What do you think? Did the raiders make a costly mistake, or is this just a case of hilarious coincidence? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
The Tale of Two Byron Youngs: A Story of NFL Triumph and misfortune
Table of Contents
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, where careers can skyrocket or fizzle out in an instant, the story of Byron Young stands out—not once, but twice. Two players, both named Byron Young, entered the league in 2023, but their paths couldn’t have been more different.One is thriving with the LA Rams, while the other is struggling to find his footing after a rocky start with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Byron Young (The Vol): A Rising Star with the Rams
Byron Young, the former Tennessee standout, has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL. In his first two seasons with the LA Rams,Young has been a consistent force on the field. with 62 tackles in the 2024 season and 7.5 sacks to his name, he’s proving to be a key player for the Rams’ defense. His rookie year was equally extraordinary, with eight sacks in 2023.
Young’s performance has been a radiant spot for the Rams, who seem to have found a gem in the former Vol. As he continues to build on his early success, it’s clear that Young is just getting started.
Byron Young (The Alabama Lineman): A Short-Lived Stint with the Raiders
On the other side of the coin is the other Byron Young,a former Alabama defensive lineman drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.His time with the Raiders was anything but smooth.After playing just six games as a rookie and recording a mere four tackles,Young was cut during the preseason 53-man roster adjustments in 2024.
The Raiders’ decision to draft Young raised eyebrows from the start. Hula Bowl scout Sanjit T. took to X to express his disbelief,stating,“When the Raiders drafted Byron young the DT,it was one of the most shocking picks I had witnessed because I had a (undrafted free agent) grade on him and we took him in round 3. His college tape was really really bad. Tbh I’m now convinced they took the wrong Byron Young.”
Young now finds himself with the Philadelphia eagles organization, though he hasn’t seen any playing time. His journey serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
A Playoff Twist: Rams vs.Eagles
adding an ironic twist to the tale, the two Byron Youngs are set to face off—sort of—in the 2025 NFL Playoffs. The LA Rams, led by the former Tennessee standout, will take on the philadelphia Eagles, where the Alabama Young is currently rostered. Though,the latter has been ruled out for the game,leaving the spotlight firmly on his namesake.
Byron Young’s Lighthearted take
Amid the drama, the rams’ Byron Young has shown a sense of humor about the situation. Taking to X, he quipped, “In all seriousness do I look 292 (pounds)?”—a playful jab at the confusion between the two players.
Key Comparisons: byron Young vs. Byron Young
| Aspect | Byron Young (Rams) | Byron Young (Eagles) |
|————————–|———————————|———————————|
| College | Tennessee | Alabama |
| Draft Position | Undisclosed | 3rd Round (2023) |
| 2023 Stats | 8 sacks | 4 tackles |
| 2024 Stats | 62 tackles, 7.5 sacks | Cut during preseason |
| Current Team | LA Rams | Philadelphia Eagles |
The bigger Picture
The story of the two Byron Youngs is a fascinating case study in how NFL careers can diverge dramatically.For the Rams’ Young, the future looks bright as he continues to make an impact on the field. For the Eagles’ Young, it’s a reminder of the challenges that come with professional sports and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.
As the Rams and eagles prepare to clash in the playoffs, all eyes will be on the Byron Young who’s making waves—and perhaps a few will wonder what could have been for the other.
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The Tale of Two Byron youngs: A Story of NFL Triumph and Misfortune
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, where careers can skyrocket or fizzle out in an instant, the story of Byron Young stands out—not once, but twice. Two players,both named Byron Young,entered the league in 2023,but their paths couldn’t have been more different. One is thriving with the LA Rams, while the other is struggling to find his footing after a rocky start with the Las Vegas Raiders. To dive deeper into this engaging tale, we sat down with Marcus Thompson, an NFL analyst and draft expert, to unpack the story of the two Byron Youngs and what it means for their respective teams.
Byron Young (The vol): A Rising Star with the Rams
Senior Editor: marcus, let’s start with the Byron Young who’s been making waves with the Rams. What’s been the key to his success so far?
Marcus Thompson: It’s been amazing to watch. Byron Young, the former Tennessee standout, has been a revelation for the Rams.His versatility as an EDGE rusher,combined with his relentless work ethic,has made him a cornerstone of their defense. In 2023, he recorded 61 tackles and 8 sacks, and he’s only gotten better in 2024. His ability to disrupt plays and pressure quarterbacks has been a game-changer for the Rams.
Senior Editor: Do you think his success is a result of the Rams’ system, or is it more about his individual talent?
Marcus Thompson: It’s a bit of both. The Rams have a history of developing defensive talent, and they’ve clearly put Young in positions to succeed. But you can’t overlook his raw talent. His speed off the edge, combined with his football IQ, makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.He’s the kind of player who elevates the entire defense.
Byron Young (The Alabama Lineman): A Short-Lived stint with the Raiders
senior Editor: Now, let’s talk about the other Byron Young—the one drafted by the Raiders. What’s gone wrong for him in Las Vegas?
Marcus Thompson: it’s been a tough road for him. The Raiders drafted him as a defensive tackle out of Alabama, but he’s struggled to make an impact. Weather it’s adjusting to the NFL’s pace or finding his role in the Raiders’ system, he hasn’t been able to replicate the success he had in college. It’s a reminder of how difficult the transition to the NFL can be,even for highly touted prospects.
Senior Editor: There’s been a lot of speculation that the Raiders might have accidentally drafted the wrong Byron Young. What’s your take on that theory?
Marcus Thompson: [Laughs] It’s a hilarious theory, and I can see why it’s gained traction. Both players were drafted within seven picks of each other, both played in the SEC, and both had similar positions.But I think it’s more about the Raiders’ evaluation process than a mix-up. They saw something in the alabama version of Byron Young that they thought would translate to the NFL, but it just hasn’t panned out. Meanwhile, the Rams hit the jackpot with their Byron Young.
The Draft Dilemma: Lessons Learned
Senior Editor: This story has sparked a lot of debate about the NFL Draft process. What lessons can teams take away from the tale of the two Byron youngs?
Marcus Thompson: It’s a great case study in the importance of due diligence. Teams spend months scouting players,but sometimes,even the best evaluations can miss the mark. The Raiders and Rams both saw potential in their respective Byron Youngs, but the outcomes couldn’t be more different. It’s a reminder that the draft is as much about fit and development as it is about talent.
Senior Editor: Do you think the Raiders made a mistake by not targeting the Tennessee version of Byron young?
Marcus Thompson: Hindsight is 20/20, right? At the time, both players were seen as solid prospects. the Raiders likely thought they were getting a disruptive interior lineman, while the Rams were looking for an EDGE rusher.It’s easy to say now that the Raiders should’ve gone with the Tennessee version, but the draft is always a gamble. Sometimes, you win big, and sometimes, you don’t.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Two Byron Youngs?
Senior Editor: Let’s wrap this up by looking to the future. What’s next for both Byron Youngs?
Marcus Thompson: For the Rams’ Byron Young, the sky’s the limit. He’s already established himself as one of the league’s rising stars, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could be in line for a Pro Bowl nod or even Defensive Player of the Year consideration. As for the Raiders’ Byron Young, it’s a bit more uncertain. He’s still young,and there’s time for him to turn things around,but he’ll need to make significant strides to carve out a role in the NFL.
Senior Editor: Thanks, Marcus, for breaking this down for us. It’s been a fascinating conversation, and I’m sure our readers will enjoy your insights.
Marcus Thompson: My pleasure! The tale of the two Byron Youngs is one of the most intriguing stories in recent NFL history, and it’s been fun to dive into it.
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