Tennessee Titans: Kevin Byard ranked best safety in the NFL
USA Today ranked Kevin Byard the best safety in the NFL after he racked up 12 interceptions in the last two seasons, eight of those in 2017.
Ronnie Lott is the only player since 1986 to record ten or more interceptions in a single season. Kevin Byard recorded eight in 2017 and was very close to adding his name to that list. Byard’s eight interception performance was the best in a season since Reggie Nelson had eight in 2015.
Byard has proved he is a deep threat ball hawk who also isn’t afraid to come up and make a tackle. Last season Byard totaled 90 tackles with four interceptions and two sacks. In Byard’s three total seasons in the NFL, he has 228 tackles with 11 for a loss, 12 interceptions, and three sacks.
The All-Pro has cemented himself as one of the best defensive backs in the NFL and USA Today believes he is the best safety in the league and it’s hard to disagree with them. He has lateral quickness and can cover the entire field at a high level. Byard also can read a quarterback better than most elite linebackers.
Byard brought what he learned from his four years at MTSU to the NFL, and it’s proving to be very pivotal in his career. Tyrone Nix was a big part of turning around the Blue Raiders defense when he got there in 2012 and most definitely a big reason Byard has become the safety he is. Byard finished his college career with 19 interceptions and 318 total tackles.
Byard wasn’t ranked number one just at his position; he was also ranked the best player to wear his number. This ranking came from Coby Benjamin of CBS Sports. Another notable player that wears 31 is David Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals.
Johnson has shown he can become one of the best running backs in the league, but injuries have ultimately held him back. With Kyler Murray now at the helm in Arizona, Johnson might have a better opportunity to open up his game in 2019.
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With just three years under his belt, Byard is starting to get the recognition he deserves. He’s an NFL All-Pro and a Pro Bowler with much more accolades to come. Byard is the leader of the Tennessee defense and can lead the Titans to a great season in 2019 if the offense can stay healthy.