NFL Draft 2016: Top 8 Safeties New York Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
8. Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
Height: 5 feet 11 inches | Weight: 216 pounds | Projected Round: 5-7
A Director of Scouting in the NFC had this to say about Byard, according to Kevin’s NFL.com Draft profile:
"“Ankle tackler so that’s a concern and I just don’t trust him in coverage. I know he has all the interceptions but I don’t see a player who can match up in space against NFL-caliber receivers. I know some scouts love him because of his football IQ, but that’s not enough for me.”"
Zierlein added that, “Byard is a four-year starter whose ball skills and high interception total has garnered him attention since his freshman season…does his best work as a deep safety.” That’s ideal for the New York Giants who will most likely move Landon Collins to the strong side so he can crowd the box, stuff the run, and jam tight ends off the line.
From WalterFootball, who ranked Byard 17th best among safety prospects:
"“Byard had 61 tackles, four interceptions and five passes broken up in 2015. At the Senior Bowl, he was decent but didn’t impress or hurt himself significantly. Byard did not participate in the combine.”"
Disciplined in zone coverage reading and responding to the quarterback’s eyes, which will come in handy with risk-takers Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at each corner. Byard holds the school record for career interceptions with 19 in 48 games. He also had 300+ combined tackles and 19 passes defended.
CBS Sports NFL Draft Analyst Rob Rang had this to say:
"“A four-time all-conference choice (including back to back first team honors), Byard has consistently stood out, easing concerns about his ability to make the jump to the NFL”"
If the Giants can’t get their guy towards the front end of the draft, Byard would be a solid pick in the later rounds.
Check out his full scouting report on NFLMocks.com.
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