Power Ranking the Tennessee Titans: Part 3

2 of 7

Oct 23, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) and teammate Titans strong safety Daimion Stafford (24) break up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts tight end Erik Swoope (86) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Indianapolis won 34-26. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 15: Kevin Byard

S – #31 – 5’11 212lbs – Exp. 2 – MTSU – 2016 Draft 3rd Round Pick

A single year ago, Kevin Byard was the local safety (from Middle Tennessee State) who didn’t even get a combine invite that the Titans reached on in the 3rd round. All we knew was that he had allegedly good ball skills but he played at such a small school, so really, all that surrounded Byard were question marks. In his rookie season though, he was around the ball on every single play he took part in. In my opinion, he was the best player in the Titans secondary last season.

And for this year, he says he will be a Pro Bowler. I believe him. According to Pro Football Focus, Byard had the third-fewest yards allowed per coverage snap for a rookie safety since 2006 and he was the third-most efficient pass rusher amongst rookie safeties during that time span as well. On top of it all, he stops the run very well, too. I expect Byard to be a stud at the safety position for the Titans long term. He may end up being the biggest steal of the 2016 draft for the Titans.

Stat Projection: 84 Tot. Tackles, 2 Sacks, 8 PD, 3 INT, 1 FF, 1 TD

Home/Titans News