Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is likely one of many who regret not drafting Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard out of Middle Tennessee State in the 2016 NFL draft.
Since being taken by the Titans in the third round that year, Byard has become a team leader and one of the best safeties in the NFL.
The Mayor of Murfreesboro’s best season came in 2017 when Byard notched a league-high eight interceptions and was voted to his first Pro Bowl and named a First-Team All-Pro.
After a down year in 2020, Byard is back to his elite ways in 2021. His five interceptions are tied for third in the NFL, and his coverage numbers are among the best at his position.
On Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed regret that he didn’t take Byard when he came out of college, per Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot:
“Can’t say enough about [Byard] at safety,” Tomlin said. “He was a ball guy when he came out of [Middle Tennessee State]. I kicked myself often. When you think about a guy like him that’s played the way he’s played since he’s been in the league. He was a non-combine invite with 19 career interceptions at Middle Tennessee. I know better. A guy that has double-digit interceptions in college, usually the ball is not hitting him in the face. They have some skills that are displayed. They’re going to get it.”
Making that pill even tougher to swallow is the fact that the Steelers drafted safety Sean Davis a handful of picks before Byard was taken. Davis was a starter for Pittsburgh for three seasons but has not come close to having the career Byard has, and he’s no longer with the team.
Tomlin continued his praise of Byard:
“He’s continued to go get it since he’s been in the league,” Tomlin said. “He’s got five this year. He’s got a caused fumble, he’s got a fumble recovery. He’s good in deep defense. He’s good down in the box. He’s good in man coverage. He’s a good blitzer. He’s just one of those all-situations guys that’s really playing at a Pro Bowl level for them.”
Byard’s great season hasn’t gone unnoticed around the league, and Tomlin’s comments are just one example of that.
Not only is he in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year, but he leads all safeties in the Pro Bowl voting and is likely heading towards All-Pro recognition.
Most importantly, Byard’s standout season has helped the Titans revive a defense that was an absolute dumpster fire in 2020.
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