Dominique Byrd TE 6'2 252 USC
By: Robert Davis

When he's been on the field, Domonique Byrd has been one of the best tight ends in the country. As a sophomore, he missed six games, but still caught 14 passes for 268 yards. In 2004, he hauled in 37 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns, despite missing four games due to injury. This season he has not been utilized as much, but was still someone to be accounted for as he caught 29 passes for 306 yards.

Byrd is arguably the top receiving tight end in the draft. There aren't many tight ends that can beat you vertically, but Byrd can. He is a terrific natural athlete, and is a threat intermediately or down the field. With the ball in his hands, he has the elusiveness to make you miss, and the strength to break tackles. Byrd has excellent hands and can make the difficult grab.

The biggest issue with Byrd has been his health. At USC, he has missed time due to torn knee ligaments, torn toe ligaments, and a broken knee cap. You have to be on the field to produce. He also lacks ideal height at tight end. Despite his bulk, he is more of a finesse blocker, and is only average in this area.

Dominique Byrd is a second round player based on his talent and the impact he has had on the field, but his injury issues may drop him a bit. The TE class is deep this year, but Byrd's big showing at the Senior Bowl will get him taken on Day One, with a shot at landing in the second round.