STRENGTHS
Byron is a quality comer back who can play in any style of defense. He shows on film decent hands to make the interception and does an excellent job working with his teammates in the defensive back field. Byron has a high football IQ and this along with the fact that he is quick to support the run and make tackles that limit run after the catch yardage, makes him one of the better defensive backs in this draft. He can play inside in the slot or, outside against those dangerous wide receivers. He is tough mentally and will fight for the ball in the air. Because of his high football IQ, he reads offenses and routes very well and will anticipate plays both in the run game and passing game. Byron might be one of the smartest corners I have seen in a long time coming out from the college level and one of the most complete also.
CONCERNS
Bryon has to get a lot stronger to be able to be used in bump and run coverages and not get moved around by those big brutish receivers when they run their routes at the next level. He also has to get stronger tackling although he does a good job at the college level for a sixteen-game schedule he will need to bulk up without losing any of his speed and gain more strength in his hands. On film it’s hard to tell if Byron has the pure speed to handle in single coverage those pesky speed receivers at the next level because of his high football IQ and anticipation skills, that will be answered at the combine but let me say this… if he lacks a little of that needed speed I wouldn’t worry about it. He more than makes up for it in his ability to anticipated.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.72
Byron is one of the best cornerbacks in this draft at limiting run after the catch yardage. In my book that is big because, all corners can get beat but, those that tackle right a way and limit run after the catch yardage stop third down plays into turning into first downs and that is one of the keys to having a dominating defense. If Byron can get a little stronger and gain more strength in his hands he could also be moved to one of the safety positions and adding that to his existing resume of being able to play in the slot or outside makes Byron a valuable player to have in any team’s defensive backfield. His size right now might deter some teams from rating him high in this draft but those that see his film will not worry about that because Byron is a quality football player and good teams always select quality football players.
