Why Mike Vrabel compared Hunter Henry to a former All-Pro defensive back
Vrabel said Henry's personality reminds him of one of the standouts he coached with the Titans.
Hunter Henry has been a steady contributor during his time with the Patriots.
Henry has played in 16 or more games in three of his four seasons in New England. He led the team in catches (66) and receiving yards (674) last season. He was selected as a team captain last season.
Coach Mike Vrabel said Henry’s confidence, dependability, and attitude remind him of Kevin Byard, a two-time All-Pro safety whom he coached during his time in Tennessee.
Comparing a tight end to a defensive back can be like comparing apples to oranges. Tight-ends catch passes, safeties tackle pass catchers. Tight-ends spring teammates open with blocks, and safeties are often the last line of defense between a receiver and the endzone.
Henry is 6-foot-5-inches tall. Byard is 5-foot-11. Henry played SEC football at Arkansas. Byard played at Middle Tennessee State. Byard is a two-time Pro Bowler, Henry has not made a Pro Bowl appearance.
“I’m not big on comparisons, just talking about personalities,” Vrabel said. “Kevin was really confident and comfortable. He never looked stressed. You would look and see some younger players maybe at the same position and they’d be sweating before the play would start.”
“They were making checks and everything else and running,” he added. “And Kevin just always had a very calm, confident demeanor and was an excellent player for us. I feel the same about Hunter. I think that he’s, anything that you ask him to do, it comes very easy and he’s very instinctive and he’s got a good feel for the game. So, those are all positives, and I think that leads to his consistency.”
Byard was a leader and a key cog in the Titans’ defense when Vrabel was there in Tennessee. Henry said the praise was meaningful and added that he believes his religious faith helps him keep a level of perspective that drives his consistency.
“It means a lot that he would say that,” Henry said after practice. “I try to bring that every single day. I try to be the same guy, in the building, out here, at home with my wife and kids. It can be hard. I feel like I’m deeply rooted in my faith … that’s something that keeps you grounded no matter the circumstances.”
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