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Another member of the “Big Blue Wall” with get a shot at the next level, as Landon Young was drafted 206th overall by the New Orleans Saints in Round 6. He’s the fifth Wildcat to be drafted this year, joining Jamin Davis (Washington Football Team), Kelvin Joseph (Dallas Cowboys), Quinton Bohanna (Dallas) and Brandin Echols (New York Jets).
Young, a Kentucky native, was part of a 2020 senior class that won 37 games, went to five consecutive bowl games, and won some of the biggest games in school history. That included snapping a 31-game losing streak against Florida, and winning at Tennessee for the first time since 1984.
The Lafayette High School product was a fixture up front for the Wildcats and appeared in 49 career games with 26 starts that included 24 straight at left tackle. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder was a three-time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week and was part of an offensive line that helped Benny Snell Jr., become the first player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
Prior to the draft, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projected Young as a sixth-round selection.
“Will likely be viewed as a right tackle or could be kicked inside to guard. Young possesses NFL size and strength but his athleticism is average. He plays with good toughness and can handle physical battles that are in front of him, but his waist-bending and inconsistent base tend to create imbalance through contact. He needs to create better block positioning after contact to open running lanes and keep them open. The pass protection fundamentals are good enough, but he will need help against faster, more athletic rushers if teams plan to keep him at tackle.”
Despite missing all of the 2018 season with a torn meniscus, Young has shown the skills and athleticism to carve out a spot on an NFL roster. At Kentucky’s Pro Day in March, Young ran a 4.91 40-yard dash and knocked out an impressive 34 reps on the 225-pound bench press.
Young, a five-star prospect at Lafayette High School, was named the top offensive lineman in the U.S. Army All-American Game prior to enrolling at Kentucky. He has also had some memorable moments off the field, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in animal science in 2019 and then got married to his wife, Haleigh in June, 2020.
Best of luck to Young in New Orleans!