Rams' 25 most important players for 2025 – No. 16: OLB Byron Young

Near the end of the 2024 season, the Los Angeles Rams' pass rush was performing at a remarkably high level, recording 16 sacks in two playoff games against the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles.

Byron Young was part of that remarkable resurgence, racking up 1.5 sacks in the postseason after finishing the regular season with 7.5 sacks.Entering Year 3, Young is poised to have his best season yet which is saying something considering he had 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons combined.

It's why he's No.

16 on our list of the Rams' 16 most important players for 2025, continuing our countdown to camp.How he got hereThe Rams selected Young in the third round of the 2023 draft, taking him No.

77 overall out of Tennessee.

He made an immediate impact in Los Angeles, starting 16 games as a rookie and finishing tied with Aaron Donald for the second-most sacks on the team with eight.2024 stats17 games (16 starts): 62 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 12 TFL, 13 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 1 safetyProjected roleYoung will be right back to his usual role as one of the Rams' two starting edge rushers alongside Jared Verse.

Josaiah Stewart could eat into some of Young's snaps, simply as a way to keep everyone fresh, but Young should start every game that he's healthy for.

The Rams move their edge rushers around and flip sides depending on their opponent, but Young rushed from the left side of the defense most often last season.

That will probably continue in 2025, with Verse being a better ROLB rushing against opposing left tackles.

Given the Rams' wealth of pass rushers, Young will be afforded plenty of one-on-one opportunities, which should lead to consistent pressure off the left side.

Why hes importantIt's not enough to have just one quality edge rusher in today's NFL.

Having two can be a huge difference-maker, preventing teams from doubling the opponent's best pass rusher as was often the case with Donald.The presence of Young will make it difficult for teams to send help in Verse's direction, knowing they have to account for No.

0 on the other side.

Young did taper off from a production standpoint as the season went on so he'll need to sustain his production all year, but he's had a strong offseason and always looks to be in outstanding shape from a physical standpoint.Follow Rams Wire on X, Facebook and Threads for more coverage!This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: LA Rams' most important players for 2025: No.

16 OLB Byron Young.

This article has been shared from the original article on yahoo, here is the link to the original article.