Demetrius Byrd going pro? 35 catches, 621 yds, 7 TDs. Came in JUCO, and will be a senior next year... made some clutch catches this season. While he is not a first rounder, he is 6'2, 195 lbs, and has the tools to be a good NFL receiver in the future. Anyone think he declares after just 1 year at LSU. to compare Michigan's Adrian Arrington had 67 catches, 882 yds, 8 TDs... and declared his intention to enter the NFL draft this year. What do you guys think?
I think his stock can go up a LOT between now and next year. No reason he can't be a 1st rounder in 09.
If he does he is getting some bad advice, he would benefit greatly from another year playing big time ball to convince a team to draft him. That's 2.5 catches a game for 44yds and one touchdown every other game. Although he was an important part of the Tigers run, that's not stats that are going to leave pro scouts drooling. He could really have a breakout season next year now that he knows the SEC and the Tiger offense.
Man, why does everyone think the whole team is going pro all of a sudden??? Mark it, from a very reliable source, no one from LSU is leaving early. Byrd would be ranked well outside the top 25 for WR as far as the NFL is considered this year and would probably go undrafted....barring a freakish combine....which isnt worth the risk to lose college eligibility.
Truth is... a lot of players stock value hits a peak when their team competes and wins the National Championship. With the depth of our receivers and the fact that Demetrius if given 60 + catches would have had some sick numbers... I think scouts would have him ranked higher, especially after his performance all season. Scouts don't just go by the stats on the page. Whether you want to see it or not... a ton of talent leaves a school after a National Championship... I hope our team keeps its Juniors... but if I'm Byrd, Francois and Jackson... I would probably think seriously about entering early if I have a good chance of 3rd round and up...
However they usually like to see them have more than just one respectable season before they use a draft pick on them. No doubt byrd has potential but he had what most would call an average to slightly above average season. His potential is far greater than what he showed this season, which would make leaving a very poor decision IMO.
2006 at Pearl River he had 42 catches, 703 yds, and 7 TDs... I think, while it is JUCO, his numbers are great for the amount of touches he gets. He has been timed at 4.4/40 and has the size and physicality to compete. I am just throwing it out there for discussion sake.
Don't know if you guys noticed it or not, but I think several of our guys from this year would have gone pro had (I believe) CLM intervened and probably talked them out of it. He's a very easy going guy, and a coach that these kids obviously love to play for. My point is, I think we'll see a great deal of them staying through their Sr year!
