LB Kenny Young is the centerpiece of a deal that brings depth to the Rams' linebacker room. Here are three things to know about the newest addition to the Rams' defense:
1) Reliable tackler
When active this season, Young has been one of the Raven's most dependable tacklers.
The former UCLA standout's grade of 82.1 this season was second-highest among all Baltimore defensive players who have seen action, per Pro Football Focus.
Young posted a season-high seven tackles, a total which shared with two others for the team lead, in Baltimore's 33-28 loss to Kansas City in Week 3.
Meet newly acquired LB Kenny Young.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kenny Young warms up before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Carson, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kenny Young (40) in action against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked for a 3-yard loss by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kenny Young (40) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kenny Young (40) sprints downfield during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Packers 26-13. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Kenny Young (40) celebrates a play, during the first half at an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kenny Young (40) rushes during an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept.29, 2019, in Baltimore. The Browns defeated the Ravens 40-25. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) fumbles the ball for a turnover during a tackle by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kenny Young (40) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Kenny Young (40) runs during an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Ravens defeated the Eagles, 26-15. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Kenny Young (40) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
2) Explosive athlete
Though Young was projected as either a seventh-round pick or undrafted free agent, according to his draft profile, his NFL Combine numbers were still good enough to beat those expectations by three rounds as a fourth-round pick of the Ravens last year.
Young's 23 bench press reps tied with Indiana's Chris Covington for fifth-most among 33 participating linebackers. His 36-inch vertical shared with three others for seventh-highest among 28 participating linebackers, while his 4.60-second 40-yard dash tied for the ninth-fastest time among 39 participating linebackers.
The Rams are getting an explosive athlete.
3) Mentally tough
Raised by a single mother, Young lived with a friend growing up because his mom had trouble paying the rent, according to his NFL draft profile. During his sophomore season at UCLA, he went through both the death of his grandmother and his father getting diagnosed with cancer.
How did he respond?
By posting a second-team all-conference junior season which included 90 tackles, five sacks, three pass breakups and three fumble recoveries, then following it up with a team-high 110 tackles, one sack and three pass breakups in a first-team all-conference senior season. His strong senior year paved the way for the Ravens choosing him with the 122nd overall pick in last year's NFL Draft.
When adversity has come his way, he's handled it remarkably well.
