Sports Illustrated makes a bold prediction about Titans safety Kevin Byard
Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard is unquestionably one of the best safeties in the league and one of the most valuable defensive players in all of football. In 2021, Byard made his second Pro-Bowl, and earned his second First Team All-Pro selection. He had five interceptions on the season for the Titans, including a touchdown that came […]
Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard is unquestionably one of the best safeties in the league and one of the most valuable defensive players in all of football.
In 2021, Byard made his second Pro-Bowl, and earned his second First Team All-Pro selection. He had five interceptions on the season for the Titans, including a touchdown that came against the Los Angeles Rams.
Heading into a season that is filled with unknowns for the Titans their roster, once thing is certain, Kevin Byard will be a playmaker and leader in the Titans defense.
The All-Pro is already off to an amazing start. He spoke with media following Titans OTA’s on Wednesday about his effort to lead young guys in the locker room and continue improving his game:
“Everything. I like to have reps. I want to be out here playing ball with the guys and then the mentorship of the younger guys – having them see a vet out, here busting his behind. I’m always trying to get better.”
– Kevin Byard on what he needs to work on
As if Byard’s comments weren't enough to get people fired up to watch him this season, a recent article from Sports Illustrated made 100 bold predictions for the NFL season, and the article’s prediction for Byard falls right in line with his work ethic and production:
29. Kevin Byard will deserve the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award
We don’t know what the Titans will look like in 2022. Coach Mike Vrabel will have them competitive no matter what. A big reason will be Byard, the do-everything, playmaking safety who may have been the best player at his position last year. Notice we said “deserve” in the headline. Will voters look past sack totals and give the man his due.
This may have been labeled as a “bold” prediction in the article, but it may not really be a huge stretch. Byard had 5 interceptions last season with an elite “approximate value” rating of 13, according to Pro Football Reference. With the added depth and talent in the Titans secondary, Byard will be spoiled with opportunities to make big plays on the football.
If he's healthy, I anticipate Byard’s numbers to take another massive jump in 2022, and land him among the league leaders in turnovers. It’s about time he finally got the recognition he deserved, and it would be only fitting for him to become a DPOTY candidate next season.
Image via Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
