A Closer Look at Green Bay Packers UDFA IDL Akial Byers
By Paul Bretl
Up next in our Green Bay Packers UDFA deep dive is interior defensive lineman Akial Byers from Missouri.
In this series, we will be taking a closer look at each UDFA signing made by the Packers, beginning with the current state of each player’s respective position, what you need to know about them, and what the pre-draft scouting report has to say.
The current state of the Green Bay Packers’ interior defensive line position
On paper, it would certainly appear that this will be the best interior defensive line rotation that the Green Bay Packers have had in several years.
There really isn’t even any question marks about what the rotation will look like either. The five-man rotation will consist of Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, TJ Slaton, Devonte Wyatt, and Jarran Reed. The real question, however, will be how many interior defensive linemen the Packers choose to keep on the 53-man roster–for reference, they kept six in 2021.
If they are only keeping five, well, then the roster is set. But if they choose to keep six, then there is going to be a bit of a battle for that final spot. The front runners for that sixth roster spot will likely be Jack Heflin, a second-year UDFA, and Jonathan Ford, a seventh-round pick this year.
Current UDFAs Akial Byers and Hauati Pututau will fight for that roster spot as well — again, if it is available — but given the lack of bodies at this position, the practice squad is a viable landing spot for both players.
What to know about Akial Byers
Byers has five years of playing experience with 1,471 career snaps, according to PFF ($$). His most single-season snaps came in 2021 with 435, and he has averaged 348 snaps per year over the last four.
Byers was a steady presence against both the run and the pass during his career at Missouri and played up and down the defensive front, showcasing some positional flexibility.
His most productive year as a pass-rusher came in 2021, when Byers tallied 17 pressures and a sack–although it’s worth noting that missed tackles have been an issue for him at times. Byers was also on the field for 183 career special teams snaps, primarily on the field blocking unit.
From an athletic standpoint, Byers did not test well at all. He measures in at 6’3″ – 308 pounds but posted a RAS of 0.30 out of 10. This includes a 5.69-second 40-time, a 27″ vertical, and 5.1-seconds on the shuttle.
What the pre-draft scouting report says
Tony Pauline – Pro Football Network
"“Positives: Once-highly rated defensive tackle who plays with proper pad level, gets leverage on opponents, and is quick with his hands,” wrote Pauline. “Fires off the snap with an explosive first step, keeps his feet moving, and possesses a closing burst. Flashes power.Negatives: Easily turned from his angle of attack by a single blocker. Was not a consistent starter at Missouri until last season. Poor pass rusher who has just 2 sacks in five years.Analysis: Byers looked like an up-and-coming defensive tackle prospect after his sophomore season in 2018. Nonetheless, his game has since leveled off, and he’s shown little improvement. He possesses the size and athleticism to be used on the inside of a four-man front. But Byers must really develop a complete game and quickly produce in camp this summer.”"