Bills could flip the Byrd to safety

By Anthony Bialy  |   Monday, May 04, 2009  |  Comments( 125 )

Buffalo Bills
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Jairus Byrd is either switching or sitting. The college cornerback joins a Buffalo Bills team that’s bursting with players at the same position, which means his transition from college to the pros will probably coincide with a transition to safety. The upside is that it looks as if he has to skills to pull it off, especially considering he played cornerback with a safety’s mentality as an Oregon Duck.

The second-round pick's best skills can’t be measured at pre-draft events. Observers have noted both his good sense for the ball and fine route anticipation. It’s nice that this team didn’t merely lean on dull, occasionally irrelevant combine numbers; instead, the Bills prudently watched him play.

The Bills honed in on him just like how he hones in on footballs. His 17 interceptions certainly appealed to a pro team that annually lacks a consistent turnover threat. The 42nd overall pick also makes stops when he’s not gaining possession, as he’s good at bringing down rushers or receivers. He’s reportedly a better tackler than hitter; while some fans understandably want safeties vaporizing bones and making relatives cry every time the player strikes an opponent, good technique ultimately does more good for a defense.

Despite the fact he started for three years in the Pac-10, Byrd’s greatest strength may not even be as a defender; after all, he mustered a fine punt return average of 12.3 yards per try last season. That’s bad news for a new teammate. Namely, the pick could make Roscoe Parrish redundant, as a decent showing by Byrd on punts this camp means management can trade or release the wideout without fear.

The problem is that Byrd could find himself in a similar predicament to fellow second-rounder Parrish where he settles for getting most of his playing time on special teams. The rookie will find himself either battling a legion of fellow cornerbacks for snaps or working at learning a new position.

On the other hand, the Bills could start him at safety if he’s a fast learner. Donte Whitner is consistently sturdy when not handcuffed, but who will play alongside him? Fellow offseason arrestee Ko Simpson is floating near bust territory. Bryan Scott has emerged as a no-nonsense contributor alongside Whitner who seems to enjoy smacking his enemies, but it’s reasonable for Buffalo to consider an upgrade.

Byrd’s turnover-generating ability may get him playing time; he might see the field during obvious passing situations even if he doesn’t win a starting role. He’d be interesting as a safety functioning like a borderline nickel cornerback. Either way, he can be a good kick helper. That should be comforting for a player who still doesn’t know with certainty where he’ll play.
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