FOOTBALL The Most Unsung Safety In The NFL

[MTLynn]

from dallascowboys.com

Shedding Some Light On The Most Unsung Safety In The NFL

FRISCO, Texas – Don’t worry, Kevin Byard – we know who you are.

That seems like it should be a given, considering that Byard was named a first-team All-Pro safety for Tennessee last year after racking up 87 tackles and eight interceptions. Unfortunately for the up-and-comer, the biggest story surrounding him this offseason is that he hasn’t quite reached household name status – not even among some NFL analysts.

Regardless of who knows his name, though, Byard has staked his claim as one of the top safeties in the NFL right now. When the Cowboys welcome the Titans to AT&T Stadium for Monday Night Football this November, he’ll have a big stage to show why.


Name: Kevin Byard
Team: Tennessee Titans
Height/Weight: 5-11/212
College: Middle Tennessee State
Experience: 3rd season
NFL Draft: Selected in the third round, 64th overall, by Tennessee in 2016 Read

• This is a highly competitive player. Plays with tremendous physical and mental toughness. Football intelligence is off the charts.
• Has a feel for how to play around the line of scrimmage. He is able to avoid blocks and get in on plays. Arrives at the ball. Physical tackler.
• Plays with his eyes. Correct angles to the ball. Is able to wrap up the ball carrier in space.
• Fluid moving player. Doesn’t take much for him to react. Can cover quite a bit of ground. Doesn’t labor running to the ball. Smooth, relaxed pedal.
• Will walk down in the slot for coverage. Closes quickly in off coverage. Plays well in transition.
• Plays with ball skills. When the ball gets in his hands, he can finish the play. Creates turnovers.
• Reactionary player. Not often fooled or out of position.
• Shows body control and balance. Lower body flexibility. No stiffness to his game.
• Explosive player. His ability to strike is outstanding. Can bring his man down on the spot.
• Just as good of a player in zone as he is in man. Eyes and reactions help him here.
• Instinctive player. Plays with poise. Doesn’t get rattled. Is a playmaker in every sense of the word.

2018 Outlook: We’ve written a lot about underrated players in this series, but Byard might fit that billing more than anyone else. The Philadelphia native was named a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in 2017, but he’s far from a household name to this point in his career. He’s going to have a chance to change that. The Titans made the playoffs last year, and nothing raises a team from obscurity to notoriety like winning games – just ask the Seattle Seahawks. Byard’s eight interceptions led the NFL last season. If he can even come close to managing that again, he’ll have all the recognition he wants.

 

[MTLynn]

NFL.com:

top players from 2016 draft right now

excerpt:

10

Kevin Byard

S
Titans



He's on an under-the-radar Titans team, one that hasn't lived up to its potential for much of the last few seasons, and that's honestly why most don't recognize him as the All-Pro safety he was in 2017. But he earned that accolade by playing above the coverage. For me, that's what makes a good safety -- playing defense and then acting on his instincts to make a play above the Xs and Os when the situation calls for it, whether that's route recognition, a big hit or an interception. He has that ability and should only get better with new head coach Mike Vrabel in the building.

 

[Noogaraider1]

Hes a great ambassador for us. Love me some Byard