Alabama defensive lineman Byron Young is going pro. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Young in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, making him the 70th overall draftee and sixth from the Crimson Tide.

Young is the third player to hear his name called on Friday, joining Brian Branch (45th) and Tyler Steen (65th). Alabama had three selections in the first round of the draft on Thursday night: Bryce Young (1st overall), Will Anderson (third) and Jahmyr Gibbs (12th).

The No. 8 defensive tackle in the 2018 recruiting class according to 247Sports Composite, Young was a standout four-star recruit from From his enrollment ahead of the 2019 season, Young was a consistent part of Alabama’s defensive line rotation. He increased the number of tackles he recorded each season, finishing with 139 total stops, 22.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks in 45 games.

The 6-foot-3, 292-pounder saved his best season for last, tallying 20 solo tackles, two passes deflected and one forced fumble, each a career-best. His high point was a two-week stretch in November where Young made 15 combined tackles and three sacks against LSU and Ole Miss. The latter contest was a homecoming game for the Laurel, Mississippi native. As a senior, Young was named to the first-team All-SEC team by the Associated Press.

It should be noted that there’s another defender named ‘Byron Young’ that’s part of the 2023 draft. Byron Young is an EDGE linebacker from Tennessee and Georgia Military College who had yet to be picked as of Friday night.

Alabama’s Young has been knocked as a defensive end prospect due to his lack of quickness but his strength and size make him a formidable run-stuffer and intriguing pass-rusher should he develop a better burst at the next level.

Young becomes the 20th defensive lineman drafted in Nick Saban’s tenure, which began in 2007. Young will join former Alabama players Josh Jacobs and O.J. Howard in Vegas.

Alabama 2023 NFL draft picks

Round 1

• 1. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
• 3. Will Anderson, Houston Texans
• 12. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Round 2

• 45. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions

Round 3

• 65. Tyler Steen, Philadelphia Eagles
• 70. Byron Young, Las Vegas Raiders

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].