Dominique Byrd 's potential for a versatile role (TE/KR/FB/HB)

by CardsFan08 on Jun 4, 2009 9:42 AM MDT Comment 28 comments

Whisenhunt said the Cards will try multiple people at kickoff returner in an effort to replace the departed J.J. Arrington, and that includes Wells. …

Tight end Dominique Byrd has shown he can catch the ball, Whisenhunt said, but it will be Byrd’s blocking that will ultimately determine if Byrd can find a role on the roster. That can’t happen until training camp, Whisenhunt added. Byrd could also possibly be worked in as a fullback/H-back, Whisenhunt added, but again, it will hinge on an ability to block.

Source

This is promising news to hear about Byrd who was an invitee to mini camp, who ended up signing a one year offer. If he is a consistant blocker he may be able to become an additional threat if used in three different positions on the already high flying offense. Byrd's chance of securing a roster spot seems to hinge on his abillity to block.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

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WOW!!!

KR?

by hevchv on Jun 4, 2009 9:46 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think that's a bit misleading title

unless I’m reading it wrong, doesn’t it say that Wells is going to try his hand at KR, not Byrd?

by Bezekira on Jun 4, 2009 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im thinking the same thing man WTF?????

by azcardswinez on Jun 4, 2009 12:41 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey guys, I can see your point, but...

Judging on the flow of the article and the fact that they were talking about KR and then added the Byrd has been able to catch the ball, with the addition of Whiz adding that he might see some time at HB.

I took it to mean that there’s a chance. Sorry if it’s misleading, but that’s my reasoning behind it

by CardsFan08 on Jun 4, 2009 9:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Upon further thought...

I don’t know what I was thinking with KR, considering Larod Stephens-Howling being on the roster.
My apologies for getting everyone’s heart racing!

by CardsFan08 on Jun 4, 2009 9:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

that Garvin kid is another candidate for the KR job

He’ll be one of the absolute fastest guys in the NFL if he makes it.

by Bezekira on Jun 5, 2009 7:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

he runs like a 4.2 or something right?

by hevchv on Jun 5, 2009 4:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea he was in the running for the 100 and 200 in the olympics

by Bezekira on Jun 8, 2009 5:57 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

If only it translated into football speed then he would have been drafted.

Unless he was sandbagging to not get drafted so that he could sign with whomever he wanted.
I know that sounds stupid, but I’m bored.

by hevchv on Jun 8, 2009 1:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

well I did read that some thought he didn’t play up to his potential while at FSU and they blamed that on him focusing too much on his track career as well. Apparently he had some deal with the coach so that he wouldn’t have to participate in any kind of spring activities and basically he’d just line up and play. Maybe now that his mind and focus will be on football (hopefully), he’ll finally maximize his potential.

by Bezekira on Jun 9, 2009 6:07 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like this kid

I looked up his stats from 08 and this guy averaged over 30yrds on kick returns and led the NCAA in kickoff returns with a long kick return of 94 or 95 yards. He’s strictly a KR and a bit small, at 180 I think, but if he can add some wait and still run a 4-3 to 4-4 40time we might have our man at KR! It’s a long shot but there’s a chance.

by azcardswinez on Jun 9, 2009 2:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea he's interesting

The Cards are also moving him to receiver, which doesn’t really do much to help his chances of making this year’s squad but it does speak to his talent with the ball in his hands.

by Bezekira on Jun 9, 2009 2:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

it would be nice...

If he can turn into a Devon Hester or Daunte Hall in his prime!! I see Howlings puttin up a good fight for the KR spot though. He’s Sproles mini me!!

by azcardswinez on Jun 5, 2009 5:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd take Byrd's and every other tight end's job one step further

The status of every tight end on the roster will hinge on their ability to block (first) and catch the ball (second). Whiz isn’t looking a ‘slot tight end’ who can stretch the field but doesn’t like to get his hands dirty. That’s another reason why we shouldn’t sleep on Anthony Becht. At 280 pounds, if he’s not the best blocking tight end of the bunch, something is wrong with him.

The H-back role is pretty interesting though and for a guy like Byrd, it could be a nice fit. Maybe a Chris Cooley type of role.

by Bezekira on Jun 4, 2009 10:48 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

agreed

There are at least 5 TE that might make the team but anyone of them could be cut if they are not a consistent blocker in camp and pre-season. That is why I think Becht has the edge at starting. I think they will end up with 4 TE 9 OL and 1 FB if Byrd can block out of the backfield in an H-Back type of setting. Byrd has to be considered a strong candidate for the team given the positive buzz that is coming out of OTA. If they keep Castille or if LSH makes the team then they may keep only 3 TE. Some fun questions going into Camp.

MBN

by mbn on Jun 4, 2009 2:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed about Becht

He seems to be the only proven blocking TE. With the addition of him and Kreider at FB that should be able to improve are running game!

by azcardswinez on Jun 4, 2009 2:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

TE's on the opening day roster

Becht, Byrd, Patrick, Spach if they keep 4 active. If they keep 3 active look for Spach to end up on the practice squad with concerns about his knee.

Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.

by sc464 on Jun 4, 2009 11:22 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Spach will probably enter the season on the PUP list if he isn't healthy in time for reg season.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Jun 4, 2009 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep

although he’s claiming that he’ll be good to go by training camp.

by Bezekira on Jun 4, 2009 11:30 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hope so

by AJ BirdWatcher on Jun 4, 2009 11:32 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt he will be 100%...Unless

He climbed to the top of the Wasatch Range carrying a blue double-bloomed poppy seeking out the guidance of the council of the twelve.

by badmatty53 on Jun 4, 2009 1:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can see the Wasatch from my driveway...

he can stay in my basement while he prepares for his journey.

by AJ BirdWatcher on Jun 4, 2009 6:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

practice squad?

How many games was Spach on the roster? Has he exhausted his PS eligibility? I do agree that Pope is likely gone. If Byrd can block as an H-Back, he might be able to lead block in a pinch and that might mean that the Cards don’t need Castille for depth. Castille is not overly impressive on special teams. My impression is that Byrd will work his tail off just to be on the squad and on the Field and that likely will mean he will be on most of the special teams if he makes the team. Can’t imagine a guy his size back on kick return.

MBN

by mbn on Jun 4, 2009 1:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea Spach isn't p-squad eligible

He’ll either be on the roster or the PUP list. They’re not letting him go and his status will be solely up to his health.

Good point on Byrd taking Castille’s spot. That could actually open them up to carrying even another tight end. Of course Byrd would probably have to at least make an effort to play on special teams but if he understands he’s in NFL-limbo right now, I bet he wouldn’t object.

by Bezekira on Jun 4, 2009 2:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs