Did the Raiders make a massive draft mistake?

Like many organizations, the Las Vegas Raiders have made more than a few mistakes in recent seasons. However, one mistake may have been much more inexcusable than others.

To add depth to their defensive line, Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler selected defensive tackle Byron Young from Alabama with the 70th pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Tennessee linebacker Byron Young was drafted seven picks later by the Los Angeles Rams.

The Raiders cut Young, who they drafted, after one season. On the other hand, the Rams are doing well because Tennessee’s Young has recorded over 60 tackles in each of his first two seasons in the league.

He also recorded over 15 sacks in his first two seasons in the league, raising further questions about the Raiders’ selection. Young explained how the Raiders accidentally contacted his agent on draft night.

“It was hard,” the Rams defensive lineman said. “A lot of people probably don’t know, there’s another Byron Young who went to the Raiders.” So I was sitting there and when I met this guy for the first time, I knew this was going to happen one day. Me and him come out at the same time, I sit down.

“My agent texted me and said, ‘Congratulations.’” He said, “You did drafted to the Raiders.’ I’ll be happy,” Young said. “Then he said, ‘Oh, whatever, You texted the wrong agent.’ So, I’m upset right now and the Raiders are about to show up and my family doesn’t know that.

“So I’m sitting there and they’re just about to say his name. So I said, “Should I turn off the TV for like three minutes or just take that because I knew the day would come?” So, I’m sitting there and they said, “The Raiders Draft Byron Young.’ My family started cheering and I sat there hurt. I thought, “That’s not me, that’s not me.”