NFL legend explains why Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard could play in any era
LOS ANGELES — Sports debates break out all the time over which current NFL players are the best at their respective positions. Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard is routinely discussed as a master of his craft. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. When Dallas Cowboys legend Darren Woodson lends his voice to the argument, […]
LOS ANGELES — Sports debates break out all the time over which current NFL players are the best at their respective positions. Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard is routinely discussed as a master of his craft.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
When Dallas Cowboys legend Darren Woodson lends his voice to the argument, it tends to carry more weight. I caught up with the three-time First-Team AP All-Pro on my 104.5 The Zone radio show at Super Bowl 56. The NFL has changed drastically since Woodson retired in 2003, but his praise of Byard's game in Tennessee transcends today's game.
Darren Woodson on Kevin Byard
Woodson is not the first pro football great to be impressed with the Titans safety, who is coming off his second Pro Bowl and First-Team AP All-Pro season.
Considered elite at the strong safety position during his era, Woodson played 12 years in Dallas retired as the Cowboys all-time leading tackler (1,350). He helped Dallas win three Super Bowl championships and recognizes greatness in Byard through his six NFL seasons.
"I have always measured safeties by the ability to do multiple things," said Woodson of the Titans defensive star. "Not just sitting in the middle of the field and reading the quarterback and go getting the interception, not just a guy who is close to the line is scrimmage but you can't put him in positions to cover wide receivers or cover a tight ends or cover a back. One thing about Byard is that he can do it all. He could do it all. You can line him up and play man-to-man and you're not afraid of it. You can put him in zone coverages, and in the middle of the field."
While Pro Football Focus grades are not gospel, it was clear Byard excelled in the rebuilt Tennessee defense.
He was the Titans top overall defender in 2021 (90.5), excelling both against the run (83.9) and in coverage (90.9). After having a down season the year prior and pressing to make up for a lack of pass rush and some secondary deficiencies, Byard bounced back in a big way. The former third-round pick out of Middle Tennessee hauled in five interceptions, broke up 13 passes, forced two fumbles and recovered one for a touchdown.
With Byard on the roster, the Titans have made the playoffs in four of his six seasons, been to the AFC Championship once and won their division twice. Super Bowl wins, much less appearances, are what Byard's resume lacks.
As far as recognition goes from NFL greats that came before him, Byard has that in spades.
Featured Image: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports.
