Kevin Byard Snubbed in ESPN Safety Rankings as Patriots Bank on Bounce-Back
Was it a dose of reality for New England Patriots fans or a major slight by the coaches, executives, and scouts of the National Football League?
The final installment from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler in his annual summer series ranked the safeties in the league. Neither Patriots free-agent pickup Kevin Byard nor rookie surprise Craig Woodson garnered much love around the NFL.
Woodson, who started 19 of 21 games, including playoffs, and delivered 99 total tackles with eight behind the line of scrimmage, did not receive a vote.
Where's the love for Byard?
A first-team All-Pro with the Chicago Bears last year, the third time he earned the honor in his career, Byard did not crack the top 10 safeties or Fowler's honorable mention list. He was listed in the "also receiving votes" category, placing Byard between the 16th- and 27th-best safeties in the game.
Byard, sneakily building a borderline Hall of Fame career, comes to New England on a one-year deal after leading the NFL with seven interceptions a year ago.
He is expected to step into the void left by Jaylinn Hawkins' exit to Baltimore. Both Byard and Woodson play a big and physical style, meaning that one of the two could be asked to play out of position a bit in the free safety role.
Fitting in quite nicely
The two are eager to make it work, and the entire safety room has embraced the challenges of the spring.
"It's funny because a lot of these guys, whether it's Dell Pettus or even (special teams ace Brenden) Schooler … They're still helping me a little bit," said Byard at the recent June minicamp.
"I've been a part of this defense (in Tennessee), been a part of this team. At the same time, there are some unique things we're doing now vs. what we were doing then. I'm asking all these guys questions. We're all kind of helping each other … It's a collaborative group, a very close group. It's been pretty cool so far."
Finding his spot in the room
Byard, with the cachet he has gained in 10 pro seasons, will certainly take on a leadership role.
"I'm not trying to overly do anything, I'm coming in, bringing my uniqueness, but at the same time continuing to earn (their) trust," he said.
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This story was originally published July 16, 2026 at 12:49 PM.