If this story is true, it would be considered one of the most idiotic and amusing blunders ever made by a professional sports franchise. I for one really hope this is the case.
It wouldn't be too surprising for a fan or even a member of the media to mix up two players with the same name who play the same position in the SEC. But for an NFL front office to make that mistake is a whole different level of incompetence.
It's unlikely that anyone involved in such a colossal mistake would ever admit to it, especially if they want to remain employed in football. However, it seems more plausible that there was a mix-up rather than the Raiders intentionally drafting a defensive tackle with a UDFA grade in the third round when they needed an edge rusher. Either scenario would be equally incompetent.
The Tennessee DE Byron Young revealed that the Raiders initially contacted his agent during the draft before realizing they were actually drafting the other Byron Young, the D lineman from Alabama.
Tennessee’s Young was drafted by the 49ers later in the draft and went on to have a stellar rookie season. As for the Raiders Byron Young, he had a rookie season one would easily like to forget.
For Raiders fans, it's a tough choice between having their team mistakenly draft a subpar player instead of a good one or knowingly selecting a player with a low grade who ends up being cut a year later.
Tough look for the Raiders.
