NFL Draft: Redrafting the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft
player. 44. . LB. Atlanta Falcons. Kevin Byard. 17
NFL Draft: Redrafting the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft 17. Kevin Byard
Originally selected 64th overall (+47)
The Atlanta Falcons are a rare case of a team that will actually be worse off after this redraft. Their original pick in Keanu Neal was one of the best picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, and with him off the board, the Falcons will look to find a similar player to fill that spot.
Thankfully, this list had a very even level of talent to choose from, so they’ll have another good safety option a bit later in the draft.
At the 17th spot, they’ll pick up Kevin Byard, who was originally taken in the third round. That said, he has played well beyond the title of third-rounder, giving the Titans First-Team All-Pro and Second-Team All-Pro seasons.
The only reason that he falls behind Keanu Neal and Justin Simmons in this redraft is that it seems like his best days could be behind him. That said, a single off-year in 2020 doesn’t mean much, as this may be another steal in the redraft.
Byard will fill the same role that Neal did for the Falcons, hopefully helping his team avoid a Super Bowl collapse that comes to mind anytime fans think of the team in Atlanta.