Tennessee Titans: 5 Players set for breakout seasons in 2017

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) looks on as the San Diego Chargers celebrate a running back Melvin Gordon (28) touchdown during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 43-35. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

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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 /

1. Kevin Byard, FS

Byard isn’t just ready to fill the role of starting free safety, he is ready to thrive in it.

Being a third-round pick from Middle Tennessee State, not a whole lot was expected of Byard in his rookie season. But he vastly exceeded those expectations, finishing 10th on the team in total tackles and starting the last seven games of the season. Out of all NFL rookie safeties since 2007, Byard allowed the fewest yards per snap in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.

The arrival of Johnathan Cyprien allows Byard to be the true centerfielder-type safety. In theory, the two are fantastic complements. Cyprien is truly underwhelming in coverage. However he had his best year by far last season thanks to playing the role of a run-stopping strong safety, often setting up in the box. Pro Football Focus gave him an 87.8 rating thanks to this specialized role he played. Dick Lebeau certainly knows how to tailor his guys to their strengths and be aggressive against the run.

Byard’s duties will be that of a true free safety. His need will most definitely be helping the corners on long routes over the top, especially against bigger receivers that will tower over Adoree’ Jackson, LeShaun Sims and Logan Ryan.

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As Dale Lolley wrote last month, some of the biggest improvements in NFL players come between the first and second seasons. After going above and beyond in his rookie season, Byard’s Pro Bowl aspirations just may come sooner rather than later.

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