Ram defensive coaches were impressed by the play of rookie defensive tackle Robert Young in Sunday's 21-10 loss to the Detroit Lions. The 6-foot-6 Young, a fifth-round draft choice from Mississippi State who started at right defensive end, had five solo tackles and two assists.

Lion tailback Barry Sanders ran at Young's side 10 times and totaled minus two yards on those carries, causing Ram defensive line coach John Teerlinck to compare Young with past late-round defensive line stars. "Richard Dent, Clyde Simmons . . . Robert Young is next," Teerlinck said.