For the second time in his career, Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard is officially a First-Team All-Pro.
The Associated Press, which is responsible for choosing the official All-Pro Team, revealed its list of players to make the cut, and Tennessee’s safety was one of them. He was the only First-Team All-Pro from the Titans.
With 41 out of 50 votes, Byard led the way among safeties by a wide margin, tallying 29 more than the next closest player, the Buffalo Bills’ Jordan Poyer. Byard received his first First-Team All-Pro selection back in 2017.
After a down year in 2020, Byard has returned to form. His five picks were tied for the fourth-most in the NFL, he had a pair of defensive touchdowns, and added 13 passes defended while also being the team’s leading tackler.
Byard finished as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded safety, both overall and in coverage.
Jeffery Simmons, who received 10 votes, did get selected as a Second-Team All-Pro. Simmons had a career year in 2021, notching 8.5 sacks. He was also a key member of a Titans front four that revived the team’s pass-rush.
Other Titans who receiving votes at their respective positions were left guard Rodger Saffold (one), and long snapper Morgan Cox (four).
Of all the players chosen, only five were unanimous selections: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt, and Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald.
