From PFT:

RAMS CUT BYRD

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 29, 2008, 3:41 p.m.

After repeated problems both on the field and off, tight end Dominique Byrd has been released by the St. Louis Rams.

 

A good athlete who had a solid college career at USC, Byrd was the Rams’ third-round draft choice in 2006. But he was never productive on the field. In 14 career games he has six catches for 83 yards.

 

Off the field, Byrd has had repeated problems. He is scheduled to stand trial next week on charges of assault and armed criminal action stemming from an incident at a St. Louis bar, when Byrd was accused of hitting someone the face with a glass. In an unrelated incident last year, Byrd pleaded no contest to DUI.

 

Depending on the outcome of next week’s trial, Byrd could face a suspension for violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. But that is probably irrelevant because it’s unlikely that another team would sign him.

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I only bring this up to remind us that even though we may be passionately upset that "our guy" didn't get drafted, it doesn't mean we know any better than the staff. I remember many people were furious that we didn't draft Byrd when TE was considered such a glaring need. Lo and behold, although we thought Clark was the problem, all we needed to do was fix a couple of pieces around him and change our gameplan a little and we found a pretty good TE already on the roster.

 

Is it possible that with an upgraded line and some fresh blood at receivers and hopefully better coaching we discover Rex and Benson are what we'd hoped they'd be? Some may say no, but did you say the same thing about Clark? I don't know the answer but I'm willing to wait and see.

I only bring this up to remind us that even though we may be passionately upset that "our guy" didn't get drafted, it doesn't mean we know any better than the staff. I remember many people were furious that we didn't draft Byrd when TE was considered such a glaring need. Lo and behold, although we thought Clark was the problem, all we needed to do was fix a couple of pieces around him and change our gameplan a little and we found a pretty good TE already on the roster.

 

Is it possible that with an upgraded line and some fresh blood at receivers and hopefully better coaching we discover Rex and Benson are what we'd hoped they'd be? Some may say no, but did you say the same thing about Clark? I don't know the answer but I'm willing to wait and see.

 

Great point. I'd have been thrilled as hell if we'd drafted Byrd in the 3rd round that year. Dvoracek has looked awesome when healthy. I don't think anybody would trade the two.

 

Although I do disagree with your Clark assesment. First off, he'd been suffering through injuries and had some bad drops at critical times. Then all of a sudden we're guaranteed to draft his replacement. Even though we didn't that year, his consistency and health improved dramatically. Just like TJ's health & consistency improved after drafting CB.

 

Which tells me some guys need a fire lit under their asses once in a while.

 

More importantly, I think it's important not to have much faith in any draft pick.

I don't recall too many people wanting Dominique Byrd. I'm pretty sure Leonard Pope and Mercedes Lewis were the only other TE's people were interested in, outside of the obvious in Vernon Davis.

Many were also high on Byrd, but regardless, Pope and Lewis have done nothing either. Has Vernon Davis even done enough to warrant such a high pick?

 

 

As far as Clark needing a fire lit under his ass, it's possible you are correct Bradjock. I personally remember thinking Clark was decent (even before he joined the Bears) but wasn't getting enough opportunity to show what he could do.

I don't recall too many people wanting Dominique Byrd. I'm pretty sure Leonard Pope and Mercedes Lewis were the only other TE's people were interested in, outside of the obvious in Vernon Davis.

Yeah, I remember that debate. I was in favor of Pope. Olsen, though, looks like the real deal, as little as we've seen of him. And I do beleive that a bit of competition at every position only serves to bring out the best in the players. Now, can the new draftee block?