Solomon Byrd, EDGE, USC
Size:
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 255 pounds
Arm Length: 33 5/8"
Hand Size: 9 3/4"
Accomplishments:
First Team FWAA Freshman All-American (2019)
“Solomon Byrd lacks the play strength and athleticism to make a consistent impact at the next level but is an athlete who should garner interest from teams in need of depth at the position.”
Strengths:
Pass-rush repertoire
Creating turnovers
Motor
Lateral agility
Eyes vs. run
Concerns:
Play strength
Twitch
Hand usage
Film Analysis:
Solomon Byrd is a well-framed athlete whose motor is apparent on tape. Explosive off the snap but currently lacks the twitch and bend to threaten offensive tackles with consistency. A diversified pass rush plan is evident. He will look to win to both inside/outside shoulders with an occasional bull rush. Two hand swipe and inside spin are “A” rush plans. Long strides eat up ground, but he can be jolted off balance due to overextension in his lower half. Shortening his gate will allow for more sudden movements. He also has a knack for jarring the football loose inside the pocket (five forced fumbles last two seasons).
As a run defender, Byrd is a slasher who can quickly cross the face of the opponent to reach the backfield. Also does a nice job of shedding blocks with excellent eyes to disengage as ball-carriers arrive in his gap. Play strength is below average at this point in his evaluation but length (33 ⅝ arm) presents the foundation to set the edge with some consistency. His motor constantly runs hot and he has recorded snaps at 5-tech, 4i, and 3-tech.
Overall, Byrd is a late-round prospect with tools to refine as he evolves as an athlete. His current role could be limited to a ‘DPR’ early in his career, but he has the chance to progress into a core rotational piece due to a nuanced rush plan and the blend of length and evident explosiveness, along with his ability in the run game and knack for creating turnovers.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific
Exposures: Utah (2023), Arizona State (2023), Colorado (2023)
