Notes: College and pro baseball player who signed a pro baseball contract early last summer that allowed him to finish his college football career. Hit .275 for the St. Louis Cardinals' Class A team in Johnson City, Tenn., after hitting .393 while starting every game in centerfield for Missouri in the spring of '96. Had also been drafted by the San Diego Padres out of high school. On the gridiron, Byrd was a Prop 48 in '93 and did not catch a pass in '94. In '95, he started every game and caught 48 passes for 604 yards and five touchdowns while returning seven punts for 46 yards. Last year he caught 53-840-7.

Positives: Good all-around athlete. Generally catches the ball nicely and, at times, will make the tough catch outside the frame of his body. Has good ball skills and body control. Is pretty quick getting into and out of his breaks.

Negatives: Narrow, with a narrow frame. Is not very big or physical. Does not have great explosive speed like Kevin House had. Marginal blocker. Lacks top strength. Can be inconsistent catching. Will do some body-catching and will also drop some. Does not stand out as a return man. Has a baseball option.

Summary: May have a better future in baseball than football. Is not worth a draft pick unless he commits to football. Is no House or Deion Sanders.

Information provided by Pro Football Weekly