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Tennessee Titans’ 2016 Draft Picks Roundup: Derrick Henry and Kevin Byard

By Dominique Fields

Dec 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans fans cheer the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans fans cheer the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016 draft picks for the Tennessee Titans were something to talk about. Mainly two specific players: Derrick Henry and Kevin Byard. Two players with great potential.

The last time the Tennessee Titans saw the Super Bowl was back in 1999. It was also the only time for them to make an appearance in one. The Titans  achieved a 13-3 record that season. Unfortunately, the Titans fell short to the St. Louis Rams. In a heartbreaking play that we will never forget, Kevin Dyson was tackled one yard away from the end zone.

The same heartbreak was experienced at Derrick Henry’s alma mater earlier this year. His former school, University of Alabama, was defeated by the Clemson Tigers in an insane victory in the National Championship. Derrick Henry was present to witness this shocking loss after his 9-7 season with the Titans.

Henry accomplished a lot in his years at Alabama, but some highlights would be averaging more than 10 yards per carry as a freshman, winning the Heisman in 2015, and accumulating 2,219 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns back that same year. That is only skimming the surface, of course.

Now let’s discuss Henry’s statistics for his first year with the Titans. Henry brought in his rookie year with 13 receptions, 137 receiving yards, and 10.5 yards per reception. The rookie also had 110 rushing attempts in the 2016 season followed by 5 touchdowns, and 490 rushing yards.

It’s no secret that Henry was slightly disappointed in his draft slot (second round), expecting to go in the first round. That just  gave him motivation to go out and prove himself, something that I’m sure we are all excited to continue to see.

Speaking of excited to see someone prove themselves, how about that Safety Kevin Byard?! I have to be honest, I am rooting for him because he came from my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University. With Byard setting a school record with 19 career interceptions, I am excited to see what he accomplishes in his professional career.

Let’s take a look at his achievements so far. As mentioned before, he was drafted from MTSU. Byard completed his rookie year with 58 total tackles, 44 solo tackles, and 14 assists on tackles. He also picked up a sack. He’s yet to pick off his first career pass, but that’s coming soon. His eagerness to go out into the league and make an impact is what makes him a great pick.

With the 2016 draft additions to the team, the Titans are definitely a team to look out for.

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