Kevin Byard Given Absurdly Low Ranking in ESPN's List of Top NFL Safeties

Kevin Byard has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since he came into the league in 2016, but somehow he remains criminally underrated. In a recent ranking of the top safeties in the NFL, Byard didn't even crack the top five.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans best and most consistent player since 2016 has been safety Kevin Byard. Byard has racked up 27 interceptions and has two first-team all-pro selections. Combining ball production and a physical style that has led to multiple seasons of over 100 tackles should have Byard at the top of the league's rankings at his position, but somehow it doesn't.

ESPN puts out a top-ten ranking at each position each summer. Recently, they released their safety rankings and in a stunner, Kevin Byard is not ranked in the top five. Byard comes in at spot seven in what can only be describe as a travesty. Here is the tidbit about Byard's ranking.

"One of the game's most consistent performers, Byard promises ball production every year. He averages about four interceptions per season (27 picks in seven seasons). He's the only player on the list with five seasons of at least four interceptions."

Ahead of Byard, in order from first to sixth, are Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James, Justin Simmons, Budda Baker, Jevon Holland and Jessie Bates. It would be understandable if Byard wasn't in the top four, but falling behind Holland and Bates is absurd. 

 Bates and Byard both had four interceptions last year, but Byard had 37 more tackles. Not to mention Byard played on a team ravaged by injury when Bates had the complete opposite. An incredible healthy Bengals team with help all around Bates.

Holland couldn't beat out Byard in the box score either. Byard had two more interceptions and 12 more tackles than Holland in 2022. Not to mention, Byard was making first-team all-pro and leading the league in interceptions when Holland was still attending classes and focusing on Econ 101. Where is the benefit of the doubt?

Byard has out performed both of these players for years. In 2021, Byard was the best safety in the NFL making first-team all-pro. Last year Byard was ranked third on this list, a much more acceptable ranking. 

Speaking of unacceptable, Byard's lowest ranking was out of the top ten entirely. How can you take anyone serious who doesn't think Byard is a top-ten guy at his position? What are they watching every year?

For lack of a more affluent term, this ranking is stupid. Hopefully, Byard sees this and uses it as fuel to collect his third all-pro selection. Either way, the trend of Tennessee Titans not getting the credit they deserve continues. 

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