Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young had a breakout season for the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, being named to his first Pro Bowl. Young started all 17 games for the Rams in the regular season and led them with 12 sacks to go along with 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 29 QB hits.
Coming off that strong of a year, Young has made his debut on the NFL’s annual Top 100 list going into the 2026 season, coming in at No. 84:
No. 84 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@RamsNFL LB Byron Young! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/zVXYm10kpX
— NFL (@NFL) July 2, 2026
Young took to social media to express his gratitude for the recognition:
Thankful 🙏🏾 https://t.co/qjiI8QelXt
— B.Y. (@byron_97) July 2, 2026
The Rams originally drafted Young in the third round out of Tennessee in 2023. That draft class not only included Young, but also Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, Steve Avila and Warren McClendon, among others. It is widely considered one of the best NFL draft classes in recent memory, especially since L.A. didn’t even have a first-round pick.
Young has improved in each of his three seasons with the Rams and that is expected to be the case once again in 2026 now that he is playing alongside Myles Garrett. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year should demand double teams on almost every snap, which will give Young plenty of one-on-one pass rushing opportunities to take advantage of. He had a similar setup during his rookie season when he played with Aaron Donald, who may also be considering a return to the Rams.
The 2026 season will also be a big one for Young because it is a contract year before he reaches free agency for the first time next offseason. He is eligible to sign an extension with the Rams now and that’s something the organization may look to do during training camp. If they don’t though, then Young will be looking to have another career year so he can cash in on a big deal a year from now.
Other Rams to make NFL Top 100 list
So far, the only other Rams player to make the NFL Top 100 list is Kyren Williams, who came in a little behind Young at No. 89.
As the list continues to be released, the Rams will be well-represented as Garrett, Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua should all be in the top 10. Trent McDuffie, Kobie Turner and Davante Adams should also be on the list as well.
