Carolina Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Strike it lucky edition
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers select Byron Young
- Defensive Line | Tennessee Volunteers
Although Byron Young has yet to officially declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, there is a growing belief that the versatile defensive lineman will take his chances at the next level. The Tennessee product has already accepted an invitation to the Reece’s Senior Bowl and is among the invitees to the NFL Scouting Combine later this year, so it would be a shock if he went back to college all things considered.
Young has a unique set of skills that should translate well into almost any NFL defensive scheme. His versatility to line up on the edge or as a three-technique on the interior is a tremendous asset to call upon and something that contributed significantly to the Volunteers’ success in 2022.
In just 23 college games, Young racked up 83 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 23.5 tackles for loss. His violence at the point of attack is superb and there is enough explosiveness to ensure a prominent rotational spot at the very least as a rookie.
He displays good patience and instincts against the run. Adding more weight would strengthen Young’s chances of making an instant impact in the NFL, but this is a true “tweener” prospect that can be utilized in multiple ways immediately.
Whether Young can emerge into a productive starter over time is the big question. However, versatility is a trait valued highly by the Carolina Panthers under general manager Scott Fitterer – a trend that could continue without Matt Rhule’s influence this time around.