Cardinals Really Like LaRon Byrd

Were there any surprises among the Cardinals’ cuts? “Not really,” one team source said. “I thought (veteran OLB Clark) Haggans could be in trouble, and they figured to keep all three of their drafted offensive linemen (fourth-round OTBobby Massie, fifth-round OG Senio Kelemete and seventh-round OT Nate Potter). I was a little surprised they cut (second-year WR) DeMarco Sampson, but they really like (undrafted rookie) LaRon Byrd, who’s a good, level-headed kid and another really big target to go along with Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd.”

The Cardinals drafted receiver Michael Floyd in the first round with visions of Andre Roberts moving to the slot and flourishing there.

The plan called for Floyd to start opposite Larry Fitzgerald, allowing Roberts to join Early Doucet among the inside receivers.

Four days before the regular-season opener, Roberts remains listed as a starter on the outside. The Cardinals list Floyd as a backup. Undrafted rookie LaRon Byrd has arguably outperformed Floyd to this point. It's early -- far too early to worry about Floyd -- but the Cardinals' plans for Floyd and Roberts might not take full effect in Week 1.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Byrd is both grateful for his opportunity and confident in his ability to succeed. Urban: "After watching Byrd in the preseason, with his Fitz-like dreads and big (6-foot-4) body, it’s hard to believe someone like him at a big school like the University of Miami wouldn’t be picked. But such are circumstances like Byrd’s, after he fell off the radar of new coach Al Golden’s staff last season in Coral Gables."


(espn.com)