Solomon Byrd gets his big chance at NFL scouting combine

Solomon Byrd likely needs a high-impact combine to boost his NFL draft stock.

USC senior edge rusher Solomon Byrd just wrapped up his pre-draft season by playing in the East-West Shrine Bowl. Now he gets to prepare for the NFL combine with his recent invite announced days ago.

Byrd was productive in his two years at USC, transferring from Wyoming after the 2021 season.

In 2022 and 2023, Byrd recorded 77 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two passes defended, four fumble recoveries, and five forced fumbles.

Byrd played in the final game of the 2023 season, a win over the Louisville Cardinals in the Holiday Bowl. In his last game as a Trojan, Byrd recovered one fumble and recorded four total tackles.

Byrd should benefit from having been coached by Shaun Nua at USC. Nua, at Michigan, developed Aidan Hutchinson into an elite pass rusher and difference-maker for the Detroit Lions. Hutchinson helped the Lions make the NFC Championship Game. Byrd’s football IQ should stack up well against a lot of other defensive linemen.

The problem for Byrd is that on a USC defense coached by Alex Grinch, he and his teammates on the defensive line didn’t get much help from the Trojan linebackers or defensive backs. It wasn’t easy for Byrd to stand out. He was also overshadowed in 2023 by Bear Alexander. How this will affect his overall draft standing remains to be seen, but that’s why the combine is so hugely important for Byrd. We will see what he does with this opportunity.

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