This safety class lacks any surefire first round prospects, but all hope is not lost. For safety-needy teams, there are tons of valuable role players who could be drafted on day two and develop into starters.
1. Kamren Kinchens, Miami
What he does well: Kamren Kinchens is a highly instinctive, ballhawking safety. He played all over the field for Miami but did his best work as a free safety. In the deep middle of the field, Kinchens tracks the eyes of the quarterback exceptionally well and closes on the ball to make plays. He picked off 11 passes in the last two years because of his pro-ready instincts.
Where he can Improve: Kinchens is only an okay athlete, relying mostly on his smarts and not necessarily on physical gifts. This may concern some teams. He will have to prove he can hold up against NFL speed.
Pro Comparison: Jairus Byrd
2. Jaden Hicks, Washington State
What he does well: Jaden Hicks started college as a cornerback but moved to safety where his physical playing style was more of an asset. At 6’2” and over 210 pounds, Hicks has an impressive build that allows him to thrive as a box defender. His athleticism is impressive for his size, as he looks great firing downhill to attack the run or closing on the ball covering the middle of the field. As a tackler, he packs a huge punch.
Where he can Improve: Hicks might be a pure strong safety in the NFL. He is instinctive, but lacks the long speed or range to regularly play over the top of a defense.
Pro Comparison: Kyle Dugger
3. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
What he does well: Aggressive, ballhawking safety who can punish teams with his ability to take the ball away or lay out a big hit. He is Minnesota’s all time interception leader with 13 picks. He is a well built player who was deployed all over the field in the Minnesota defense.
Where he can Improve: Nubin’s aggression is a double edged sword. He can run himself out of plays or miss a big tackle looking for a kill shot. He is also only an okay athlete. If he can continue to hone his instincts, he will be a playmaking starter in the NFL.
Pro Comparison: Reggie Nelson
4. Javon Bullard, Georgia
What he does well: Javon Bullard was a swiss army knife in the Georgia defense over the last two years. In 2022, Bullard was primarily a slot defender where he thrived. He is an aggressive, press-man coverage defender when paired up on slot receivers and tight ends. Against the run, he brings a ton of energy and great instincts. In 2023, Bullard played a lot more as a deep safety where he still played solid football.
Where he can Improve: Bullard is a bit small for an NFL safety and might be best as a slot defender in the NFL.
Pro Comparison: CJ Gardner Johnson
5. Calen Bullock, Southern California
What he does well: Calen Bullock is arguably the most impressive pure coverage safety in this class. He has great range and closing speed as a single-high defender and pairs that with great instincts to find the ball on a regular basis (9 INTs in three years).
Where he can Improve: Bullock is a liability as a run defender and tackler. He is a sub-190 pound safety with a slender build, so ball carriers can shrug him off way too easily. His tackling technique is poor and effort is lacking at times. His coverage ability keeps him on the field, but his tackling problems might make it hard for defensive coordinators to trust him.
Pro Comparison: Marcus Williams
The Rest
6. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech
7. Tykee Smith, Georgia
8. Sione Viaki, Utah
9. Cole Bishop, Utah
10. Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State
11. Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
12. Josh Proctor, Ohio State
13. Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
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