Byrd Submits Papers to Enter NFL Draft

The University of Oregon announced this afternoon that junior cornerback Jairus Byrd has submitted papers to formally enter the National Football League’s Draft and forego his final year of eligibility. The release did say that Byrd admitted he will use the next few days to re-evaluate that decision.

Under NFL rules, players declaring early for the draft have 72 hours to withdraw their intent and remain in school, providing they do not enter into an agreement or retain the services of an agent. The 72-hour window officially begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16.

If he stands by his original decision, Byrd would become Oregon’s second player in as many years to exit early for the NFL Draft, and the program’s sixth player in seven seasons.

Jonathan Stewart left for the NFL early last year and was subsequently taken with the 13th pick in the first round by Carolina.

Byrd is a three-year starter earned first-team Pacific-10 Conference all-league honors this season after finishing as the team’s fourth-leading tackler (83) and sharing the team-leading in interceptions (5). Byrd also finished second in the conference in passes defended (19) and third in punt returns (12.3 avg.). Included was an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown at Purdue.

His 17 career interceptions stand only one shy of Oregon’s career record (18, George Shaw, 1951-54).

The release indicated Byrd would have no further comment until he has finalized his decision.