Pro Football Focus is slowly releasing its list of the 50 best players ahead of the 2022 campaign, and Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard has made the cut.
Byard lands at No. 35 on the list, which was compiled by Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner. The Titans safety lands one spot behind former Titans and current Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, A.J. Brown.
Byard is arguably the best safety in the game right now and has been remarkably consistent while playing a position that is very dependent on outside factors. He posted a career-best 90.9 PFF coverage grade last season, notching six pass breakups to go along with his five interceptions (including the playoffs).
As of this writing, PFF has only revealed Nos. 21 to 50, so it’s very possible more Titans will make the list once fully revealed. We expect to see at least running back Derrick Henry and defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons make the cut.
Byard had a sensational 2021 campaign in what was a bounce-back year, and he once again remined everyone why he’s an elite safety. The veteran notched five picks and a pair of defensive touchdowns, and he was voted a First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler.
He also saw a vast improvement in coverage, going from a completion rate allowed of 73.3 percent in 2020 to 51.7 percent in 2021, and his passer rating against went from 112.6 to 68.7.
That improvement led to Byard earning the top PFF grade in coverage among safeties, and the outlet recently ranked him as the No. 1 coverage free safety in the league.
Looking ahead, Byard will once again be a major piece in a Titans defense that saw a revival in 2021 and figures to be elite in 2022, and he’ll make up one of the best safety duos in the NFL, along with 2019 fourth-round pick, Amani Hooker.