Rookie Steps Up in Spotlight for the Las Vegas Raiders

In the high-stakes race for an AFC playoff spot, the Las Vegas Raiders have turned to an unexpected hero: rookie defensive tackle Byron Young, who has emerged as a critical contributor amid injuries to the team’s defensive line. Young, a third-round pick out of Alabama in the 2024 NFL Draft, began the season as a rotational player but was thrust into a starting role in Week 15 after veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins suffered a knee injury. What followed was a breakout performance that not only helped the Raiders secure a key win over the Denver Broncos but also solidified Young’s place as a rising star in the league. Rookie Steps Up in Spotlight for the Las Vegas Raiders explores Young’s journey from a developmental prospect to a game-changer, his standout moments in the spotlight, and how his emergence has boosted the Raiders’ playoff hopes.

Rookie Steps Up in Spotlight for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with Young’s career-defining performance in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, a 22-16 Raiders win that kept their playoff dreams alive. Making his first career start, Young recorded six total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble—stats that earned him AFC Defensive Rookie of the Week honors. His first sack came in the second quarter, when he beat Broncos offensive guard Quinn Meinerz with a quick inside move and dropped quarterback Jarrett Stidham for a 7-yard loss, forcing Denver to punt. His second sack came in the fourth quarter, with the Broncos driving to tie the game; Young bull-rushed his way through the line and sacked Stidham again, this time forcing a fumble that the Raiders recovered to seal the win. “Byron played like a veteran out there,” Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said after the game. “He didn’t let the moment overwhelm him—he stayed disciplined, executed his assignments, and made plays when we needed them most. That’s the kind of rookie you dream of drafting.” Young’s performance was even more impressive considering he’d played just 35% of the Raiders’ defensive snaps before Week 15; he stepped into the starting role with little preparation but quickly proved he belonged.

A key part of Young’s success in the spotlight is his work ethic and willingness to learn from veterans, which has accelerated his development throughout the season. From the moment he joined the Raiders in May, Young spent extra time with Hankins and fellow defensive tackle Bilal Nichols, studying film and refining his technique. Hankins, a 10-year NFL veteran, took Young under his wing, teaching him how to read offensive linemen’s tendencies and adjust his rush moves mid-play. “Byron’s a student of the game—he asks questions, he listens, and he applies what he learns,” Hankins said before his injury. “A lot of rookies come in thinking they know it all, but Byron’s humble. He knows he has a lot to learn, and he’s willing to put in the work to get better.” That work paid off in Week 15: Young used a spin move that Hankins had taught him to record his first sack, and he relied on Nichols’ advice about maintaining leverage to force the game-sealing fumble. Young’s ability to absorb knowledge and apply it in high-pressure situations has set him apart from other rookies, and it’s a big reason why the Raiders felt confident giving him the starting job so early.

A critical aspect of Rookie Steps Up in Spotlight for the Las Vegas Raiders is how Young’s emergence has addressed a longstanding need for the Las Vegas Raiders—depth and playmaking on the interior defensive line. Entering the 2024 season, the Raiders’ defensive line was considered a weakness, with questions about whether they had enough talent to pressure opposing quarterbacks from the inside. Hankins and Nichols were solid, but the team lacked a dynamic pass rusher at defensive tackle—until Young stepped up. His two sacks against the Broncos marked the first time a Raiders rookie defensive tackle had recorded multiple sacks in a game since 2016, and his forced fumble was the team’s first by a defensive tackle all season. “Byron has given us something we’ve been missing: a guy who can push the pocket and make plays in the backfield,” Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said. “Before he stepped up, we were relying too much on our edge rushers to generate pressure. Now we have a balanced pass rush, which makes us a lot harder to game-plan against.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, Young’s rise isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s a long-term solution. At just 22 years old, Young has the potential to be a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defensive line for years to come, and his early success has validated the team’s decision to draft him in the third round.

Another important factor in Young’s ability to step up is the Raiders’ coaching staff’s willingness to trust rookies and give them opportunities to succeed. Pierce and Graham have a history of developing young players—dating back to their time with the New York Giants—and they’ve brought that philosophy to Las Vegas. Instead of keeping Young on the bench to “learn the ropes,” the coaching staff gave him rotational snaps early in the season, letting him gain experience and build confidence. When Hankins got injured, they didn’t hesitate to promote Young to the starting lineup, even though he was a rookie. “We don’t hold players back because of their age or draft status,” Graham said. “If a guy can play, we’ll put him on the field—simple as that. Byron earned this opportunity with his work in practice, and he didn’t let us down.” This trust has meant a lot to Young, who has spoken openly about how the coaching staff’s confidence in him has boosted his own self-belief. “Knowing the coaches trust me to start in a playoff game? That means everything,” Young said after the Broncos win. “I didn’t want to let them down, so I worked extra hard to make sure I was ready.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this approach to developing rookies has paid off not just with Young, but with other young players like edge rusher Tyree Wilson—proving that giving rookies a chance to play can be a winning strategy.

Wrapping up Rookie Steps Up in Spotlight for the Las Vegas Raiders is what Young’s breakthrough means for the Raiders’ playoff push and their future. With Young in the starting lineup, the Raiders’ defense has become more balanced and dangerous: in the two games since he became a starter, they’ve recorded seven sacks and forced three turnovers, compared to just four sacks and one turnover in the two games before. This improved defense has helped the Raiders stay in the playoff hunt, and they currently sit tied for the final wildcard spot in the AFC with two games left. Beyond this season, Young’s emergence gives the Raiders a young, talented defensive tackle to build around—a key piece as they look to rebuild their defense into one of the league’s best. “Byron is just getting started,” Pierce said. “He has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl player one day, and we’re excited to watch him grow. This is just the first chapter of what we think will be a great career in Las Vegas.” For Young, the spotlight is just beginning to shine, but he’s already proven he can handle it. Rookie Steps Up in Spotlight for the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately tells the story of a young player who seized his opportunity, a team that trusted him to succeed, and a future that looks brighter because of it. As the Raiders head into the final stretch of the season, Young will continue to be a key part of their defense—and a player to watch for years to come.