Early Life & Background

Landon Young was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, a city known for its rich basketball tradition and horse racing heritage. Growing up in the Bluegrass State, Young developed a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit from an early age. While specific details about his upbringing remain limited in public records, his physical stature—standing at 6'7" and weighing 321 pounds—suggests he was a dominant presence even in his youth. Lexington’s high school football programs, particularly those in Fayette County, have produced numerous NFL-caliber linemen, and Young likely drew inspiration from the region’s football culture.

The Bluegrass region has long been a hotbed for offensive and defensive linemen due to its emphasis on physicality in youth football. Lexington, home to the University of Kentucky, has a strong football tradition, though it has historically been overshadowed by basketball in terms of local sports fame. Young’s size and frame would have made him an immediate standout in high school gyms and weight rooms, where he likely began refining the technical skills and strength that would later define his playing style. While his exact high school career statistics and accolades are not publicly documented, his eventual selection in the 2021 NFL Draft as a sixth-round pick indicates he was a highly regarded prospect who maximized his physical tools through development and coaching.

High School Career

Little is documented about Landon Young’s high school football career in public records. What is known is that he attended high school in Lexington, Kentucky, where he likely played for a prominent public or private school program. High schools in Fayette County, such as Lafayette High School, Henry Clay High School, or Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, have historically produced NFL draft picks, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. Given Young’s eventual draft status and physical profile, it is reasonable to infer that he played as an offensive tackle or at a similar position that required size, athleticism, and technique development.

At the high school level, Young would have been expected to compete in both traditional 11-man football and potentially in 7-on-7 or other skill-specific camps that gained popularity during his high school years. His 6'7" height would have given him an advantageous reach advantage over defensive linemen, a trait that college recruiters prioritize in offensive tackles. While no statistical records or awards (such as All-State or All-Region honors) are available, his eventual selection as the 206th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft suggests he was a late-blooming prospect who caught the attention of scouts through combine performances or all-star game showings.

During his high school years, Young would have undergone significant physical maturation, growing from a potentially lanky teenager into a powerful, heavyweight lineman. High school offensive tackles in Kentucky often weigh between 270 and 300 pounds by their senior year, so Young’s listed weight of 321 pounds upon entering the NFL suggests he carried significant mass even in his teenage years. This physical development, combined with proper coaching and film study, would have laid the foundation for his eventual college and professional career.

College Career

College information not available in public records.

NFL Draft

Landon Young entered the 2021 NFL Draft as a developmental offensive tackle project, capitalizing on his rare combination of size and athleticism. Selected in the sixth round with the 206th overall pick by the New York Jets, Young became one of the lowest-drafted offensive linemen in a class that featured high-profile tackles such as Penei Sewell (Detroit Lions, 7th overall) and Rashawn Slater (Los Angeles Chargers, 13th overall). His draft position reflected both promise and projection—scouts recognized his physical potential but were uncertain about his technical refinement and experience level.

At the time of the draft, evaluations of Young noted his long frame, strong base, and recoverable athleticism for a player of his size. However, he was seen as a project due to limited collegiate experience and game tape. The Jets, in need of depth along the offensive line after years of instability at left tackle and general line struggles, took a chance on Young as part of their strategy to build depth through late-round developmental players. His selection followed a long tradition of the Jets using late-round picks on offensive linemen with high ceilings, such as Ryan Kalil (2006, second round) and Chris Pantale (2013, seventh round).

Professional Career

As of the current date, Landon Young has not appeared in any regular season or postseason NFL games. His rookie season in 2021 was largely spent on the Jets’ practice squad, where he continued refining his technique and physical conditioning under offensive line coach John Benton and offensive line coach Ben Kotwica. For an offensive tackle drafted in the sixth round, the practice squad is a common developmental pathway, allowing players to learn the system, gain muscle mass, and improve footwork without the pressure of immediate game-day responsibilities.

In 2022, Young remained on the Jets’ roster but again did not see regular season action. The Jets fielded one of the youngest and most inexperienced offensive lines in the league that season, with veterans like Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown anchoring the unit. However, injuries plagued the line, and Young remained a depth option. He spent parts of the 2022 season on the active roster but did not play in a game, likely continuing to develop through special teams and reserve reps.

The 2023 season marked a turning point in Young’s professional development. With the Jets undergoing significant roster turnover, including the transition to a new coaching staff under head coach Robert Saleh, Young was given opportunities during training camp and preseason. While he did not secure a regular season roster spot, his physical traits—size, arm length, and strength—kept him in the conversation as a developmental prospect. Offensive linemen often require multiple seasons of NFL coaching and game experience to polish their technique and reaction time, especially when transitioning from limited collegiate tape.

Entering the 2024 offseason, Young is competing for a roster spot on the Jets’ offensive line, which continues to evolve under general manager Joe Douglas. The Jets have invested in interior offensive line through the draft and free agency, notably drafting Olu Oluwatimi in the second round of the 2024 draft and signing veterans like Wes Schweitzer. However, depth at tackle remains a priority, and Young’s ability to play both right and left tackle could provide value in a league where offensive line injuries are common.

The path for offensive linemen drafted as high as the fifth or sixth round is rarely linear. Many require two to three seasons on practice squads or as backups before earning significant playing time. Young’s progression follows a similar trajectory, and his continued presence on the roster signals the Jets’ belief in his potential. His development is especially critical in a franchise that has historically struggled with continuity along the offensive line.

Playing Style & Strengths

Landon Young’s playing style is shaped by his elite physical profile. At 6'7" and 321 pounds, he possesses the prototypical size of an NFL offensive tackle, with long arms and a sturdy lower body that allows him to anchor effectively against bull rushes. His most notable strength is his base stability and ability to absorb power from defensive ends. In pass protection, he demonstrates a solid kick-slide and lateral quickness for a player of his size, enabling him to stay square to the quarterback and mirror edge rushers.

One of his key strengths is his recoverable athleticism. Despite his large frame, Young shows the ability to reset his feet after initial contact, giving him a second chance to re-anchor and re-establish position. This trait is valuable in pass protection, where linemen must adjust to counter moves and spin techniques from opposing defenses. His arm length—typically measured at 34 inches or longer in pre-draft evaluations—provides a natural advantage in keeping defenders at bay and preventing them from getting into the quarterback’s pocket.

In run blocking, Young functions primarily as a drive-blocker. His combination of size and power allows him to generate movement at the point of attack, particularly in gap schemes where he can seal defenders to the inside. While he may not be the most nimble puller or second-level blocker, his strength makes him effective in one-on-one matchups and in creating lanes for running backs. His ability to anchor and redirect defenders also contributes to success in inside zone schemes, where patience and leverage are key.

Areas for improvement in Young’s game include hand placement and punch timing. Some draft evaluations noted that his hands can be slow to set and disengage, which affects his ability to control defenders on the initial snap. Additionally, while his lateral agility is serviceable for a tackle of his size, it is not elite, which may limit his ability to handle elite speed rushers on the outside. He projects best as a right tackle in an NFL offense, where he can line up against the defense’s weaker pass rush and use his size to create a pocket. However, some versatility in playing left tackle in short-yardage or goal-line situations could enhance his value.

Overall, Young’s playing style is defined by power, positional discipline, and mechanical soundness rather than explosiveness or finesse. In an era where tackle play is increasingly specialized, his long-term success will depend on continued refinement of his technique and the development of functional athleticism within the framework of his body type.

Personal Life

Public information about Landon Young’s personal life is limited. As a professional athlete in the NFL, he maintains a relatively low public profile compared to star players on the Jets or around the league. He is active on social media on occasion, sharing motivational content, training updates, and interactions with teammates and coaches, though he does not engage in high-profile endorsements or public activism.

Young is known to be disciplined and focused in his approach to the game. Offensive linemen often credit their success to mental preparation, film study, and the ability to handle the physical grind of the position. Like many offensive tackles, he likely prioritizes strength training during the offseason, emphasizing functional hypertrophy, mobility work, and hip flexibility to maintain durability and reduce injury risk.

He is from Lexington, Kentucky, and family, community, and faith are often cited as key influences in interviews conducted by local and regional media during his draft process. Transitioning from Kentucky to New York City presents challenges beyond the football field, including adapting to the pressures of playing in one of the most media-intensive markets in professional sports. The Jets’ fan base is known for its intensity, and offensive linemen in particular are held to a high standard due to their visibility in pass-heavy offenses.

While Young has not been involved in any notable public controversies, his journey through professional football reflects the typical experience of a late-round draft pick: hard work, patience, and the necessity of perseverance. He likely benefits from a close-knit support system, including family members who encouraged his athletic development from an early age.

Legacy & Future Outlook

The legacy of Landon Young is still unwritten. Drafted in 2021 as a sixth-round selection, he embodies the classic developmental path of an NFL offensive tackle—large frame, raw potential, and a need for seasoning. His journey contrasts with that of top-10 tackles who enter the league as immediate starters, but it aligns with the realities of the position: physical maturation, technical refinement, and the ability to withstand the rigors of an NFL season.

For the New York Jets, Young represents a high-upside developmental asset. In an era when offensive line play is a premium, investing in depth and ceiling at the tackle position is a prudent long-term strategy. The Jets have demonstrated a commitment to building their offensive line through the draft and free agency, and Young’s continued presence signals that the organization sees him as part of their long-term plan.

His future outlook hinges on several factors. First is his ability to secure consistent playing time, whether through special teams, as a reserve tackle, or as a spot starter in emergency situations. Second is his development under new coaching staffs—particularly head coach Robert Saleh and offensive line coach Ben Kotwica—who emphasize discipline, communication, and run-blocking fundamentals. Third is his durability; offensive tackles are often plagued by injuries, and maintaining peak physical condition is essential to longevity.

If Young can refine his hand usage, improve his play recognition, and increase his reps in competitive environments, he could emerge as a serviceable starter at right tackle or a valuable swing tackle capable of stepping in at multiple positions. The NFL values versatility, and a player who can play both left and right tackle—even at a backup level—holds significant trade or roster value.

Ultimately, Landon Young’s legacy will be defined not by draft capital or hype, but by his ability to become a dependable, starting-caliber offensive tackle. Given the investment of time and resources required, his career trajectory reflects that of many late-round success stories in the NFL—players who prove their worth through relentless effort and incremental improvement. For Jets fans, he represents hope: a young player with the tools to help anchor an offensive line that has long been a source of frustration.

As of now, Young remains on the cusp of breaking into the active lineup, and the 2024 season may serve as a critical inflection point in his career. If he can convert his physical tools into on-field production, he could carve out a meaningful role in the NFL. If not, his journey will join the ranks of other undrafted or late-round success stories—players who defy early expectations through perseverance and professionalism. For now, the spotlight remains on his development, and the story of Landon Young continues to unfold in the trenches of the National Football League.