BOCA RATON, Fla. – Two Middle Tennessee State seniors are legitimate NFL draft prospects and one of them could be drafted in the first four rounds, an NFL Network analyst said Wednesday.
Safety Kevin Byard and guard Darius Johnson both accompanied coach Rick Stockstill to the Conference USA media day Wednesday, where they were given a chance to interact with media members and analysts from across the country.
In attendance was NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger, who said both Byard and Johnson have what it takes to play at the next level.
Baldinger said Byard, who is three interceptions from breaking the school career record, could hear his name called in the first four rounds.
“(Byard) has got ball skills and has the numbers,” Baldinger said. “He can take the ball away, he can hit, and he’s got the size.
“I think he’s a natural right now.”
Baldinger said the need for safeties in the NFL could help Byard’s stock rise come May.
Johnson will play guard for the first time this season after playing offensive tackle his entire career.
The senior and four-year starter is on a number of preseason watch lists and was named to the preseason All-Conference USA team.
Baldinger said the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder also impressed him.
“Just look at him; he’s got the size,” he said. “What I always like are tackles who make the switch to inside the line.
“They have a certain toughness and are sometimes ahead of others.”
Johnson said the transition to guard has gone smoothly, although he added he has plenty to work on before the Sept. 5 home opener against Jackson State.
“I’m going to have my hand in the ground and deal with bigger and more powerful guys,” he said. “But really it is a challenge that I have to accomplish and will make me a stronger player and person.
“I’ve got to be nasty and let the dog out inside me.”
Johnson said he was grateful for the preseason accolades and the potential of being drafted but said improving the team’s record from last year is his ultimate goal.
“I want us to come together more as a team,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to stay focused, protect the quarterback and, hopefully, build toward an undefeated season.”
Byard said although the thought of breaking the school record of 17 interceptions and getting drafted is on his mind, his focus is directed elsewhere this season.
“The way I look at (it) is that if we don’t have the season we want to have, it means nothing,” Byard said. “My focus is on the team, and at the end of the day, I’m not really concerned about preseason accolades.
“It’s all about grind and work.”
Courtesy of: Aldo Amato, Gannett Tennessee