Most eyes were on pass rusher Jared Verse this season on the defensive side of the ball for the Los Angeles Rams.
The former Florida State Seminole won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and had an impressive game in the 2025 NFC Divisional Round against the eventual Super Bowl winners, the Philadelphia Eagles, and sacked Jalen Hurts twice.
While Verse has earned the right to be named as the best player on the Los Angeles Rams defense, there is one under-acknowledged player on the defensive front.
EDGE rusher Byron Young has been a quiet killer for opposing offenses this season for LA. The defender leads the team in sacks, most tackles for loss and is fourth on the team in total tackles.
One NFL writer believes the player should be named a candidate for an award this season.
Byron Young Named DPOY Candidate
GettyByron Young #0 and Jared Verse #8 of the Los Angeles Rams
Through just seven games in the 2025 season, Byron Young has achieved a career high in sacks in a single season.
In his rookie year with the Los Angeles Rams, the EDGE rusher logged 8 sacks in 17 games. In 7 games this season? Young has logged 9 sacks, currently leading the league.
The former Tennessee Volunteer is on track to register over 20 sacks this season and could surpass Rams legend Aaron Donald’s record of 20.5 sacks in a single season.
Sports Illustrated’s Brock Vierra names the pass rusher (and Jared Verse) as a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award after his hot start to the season.
“Jared Verse had his first sack of the game on the very first play from scrimmage, adding two more QB hits. Young secured 1.5 sacks to retake the lead on the NFL’s sack leaderboards before Nik Bonitto and Brian Burns get their shots to add to their tally,” Vierra wrote.
“Regardless, these two players have been monsters among men and will be gunning for the most important defensive award in the NFL.”
In Contention For Different Accolades
GettyByron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a sack against the Detroit Lions.
As mentioned earlier, Byron Young has achieved a new career high in sacks after seven games.
If Young continues to perform, barring an injury, he will have his name in contention for the Most Improved Player Award.
The player continues to make his name known after each week and could also receive two different honors.
As the sack leader, it should put his name in the draw to become a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro, which would both be career firsts for the defender.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has praised the third-year player various times this season and gave Young his first career game ball memorabilia after a game this season. If Young continues to be a menace to opposing O-lines and QBs, he can get his first award this season.
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