STRENGTHS
Byron is a strong powerful undersized Defensive lineman. He does a solid job against the run and does a good job penetrating on passing downs to disrupt the rhythm of a passing play. He is smart and explodes off the line using leverage, quick feet, and quick hand usage, timed up with his quick feet, to gain an advantage against the Offensive lineman. Byron’s ability to identify where the ball is in the backfield quicker than most Defensive linemen who are taller than he is surprising. On film, I see a very good run-stuffing Defensive lineman who handles the double team surprisingly well. I also see an out-of-control penetrating Defensive lineman who misses a lot of tackles in the backfield too. Once he settles down and understands his true value, Byron can be a very good player for the team that selects him.
CONCERNS
Byron uses so much energy and leverage off the line of scrimmage it affects his balance and ability to change directions and finish. He misses a lot of tackles in the backfield because he is out of control. The truth is, Byron, when he uses good techniques, is better against the run than he is as a penetrator.
BOTTOM LINE: 2.07
I think Byron wanted to get sacks this year and thought that would be the way to a better draft grade instead of just doing his job as a complete Defensive lineman. Byron can be an Aaron Donald/Ed Oliver, type of defensive lineman but he has to gain more control when shooting the gap and penetrating. He has the overall talent and explosiveness to get more than 5 sacks in the future if he just plays under more control and uses his techniques consistently. Against the run, Byron does a good job and is in total control at the line of scrimmage. When he comes off the line using those quick feet, timed up with his quick hand techniques, he can overpower offensive linemen. I don’t think that he realizes that he doesn’t have to shoot the gap to get into the backfield. Byron can make more tackles in the backfield once he realizes that playing under control is better than getting into the backfield and missing tackles. I believe, changing his style of play this year, to gain sacks, has hurt his draft status more than it has helped. Then again, I’ve been wrong before, maybe Byron will be selected earlier than I have him rated. You just never know when it comes to the draft. I do know this about Byron…he can play better.
