It’s draft season! I’ve been busy watching a bunch of these prospects, so in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft, I’ll be releasing my rankings. Before you read ahead, please keep in mind the following!
- I have ranked these players based on the Eagles’ needs and scheme fits. Therefore, the round grade I have given considers that. For example, I may have had a 2nd round grade on a player like Trey Benson if the Eagles badly needed a running back, but I have pushed him down the board after the signing of Barkley.
- Please focus more on the tiers rather than the list. I use tiers when I have similar grades on players, and there might not be a lot of difference between players if they are in the same tier.
- I try to watch as much film as I can on these guys, but I also rely on others for stats and other data. Huge credit to PFF and Dane Brugler for some of the stats and measurables used in the pieces.
- I may mention off-the-field and injury issues in the reports, but I don’t really factor that in when ranking these prospects. However, I may mention it in the summaries.
- If I haven’t ranked someone, that’s because I haven’t watched them! If you’d like me to watch someone in particular, feel free to comment and I’ll try to get to them before the draft.
Previously
Running Backs / Wide Receivers / Tight Ends / Offensive Line / Defensive Line / EDGE / Linebacker / Cornerback
Last but not least, it’s time for safety. There aren’t many in the top 100 in this year’s class!
Safety
Tier 1
1. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota, 6-1 1/4, 199
Summary: Nubin is an extremely smart and instinctive deep safety who excels when the game is in front of him, and is outstanding at the catch point. However, he’s a limited athlete and a little tight, so his man coverage abilities are questionable.
Eagles Thoughts: I really like the thought of Nubin in a quarters-based system, and I think he can be a strong split-safety. The lack of athleticism and concern over whether he can handle man coverage responsibilities, push him down to round 2 for me.
2. Cole Bishop, Utah, 6’2, 206
Summary: Bishop is a long strider who can cover ground quickly and excels when coming downhill in run defense and as a robber. He is slightly limited in man coverage and can be overly aggressive in coverage at times.
Eagles Thoughts: I like Bishop, and I think he fits the Fangio defense well where he can play split-safety and come downhill as the ‘robber’ in more single-high stuff. I would have interest around rounds 2/3.
Tier 2
3. Javon Bullard, Georgia, 5’10 1/2, 198
Summary: Bullard is an aggressive fiery competitor who plays with an edge despite being undersized. He is strong in zone coverage and instinctive but may struggle in man coverage due to his size and length.
Eagles Thoughts: I expect the Eagles to have interest in Bullard, as he could excel as a split-safety where he can read crossers and receivers coming into his zone. However, I think his value will be determined by whether he can play the slot and line up in man coverage or not. I like him around rounds 2/3.
4. Calen Bullock, USC, 6’2, 188
Summary: Bullock has cornerback traits (and might even end up there) but also shows outstanding range as a single-high safety. However, some of his film in run defense is poor and teams will have to decide how to use him best.
Eagles Thoughts: I think he would struggle in a Fangio defense where he is asked to fit the run from deep, but the Eagles don’t have a safety who can play single-high with as much range as he can right now on the roster. I would be interested in rounds 2/3 as someone who can play in specific passing situations and potentially develop as a starter if he can improve his run defense.
Tier 3
5. Jaden Hicks, Washington St, 6-1 7/8, 211
Summary: Hicks is a strong, physical safety who runs and moves well. He handled a number of roles and can play as a deep safety, split-safety, or over the slot but he’s at his best closer to the LOS. He can be a little over-aggressive and isn’t always instinctive, but he should be a really solid starter.
Eagles Thoughts. The ability to cover the slot and matchup to tight ends is important in Fangio’s defense, and I would have interest in Hicks in the 3rd round as I think he can do this.
6. Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest, 5’10, 209
Summary: Arguably the best tackling defensive back in this class, Mustapha will excel in coming downhill in run defense, and has the ability to play split-safety, but he doesn’t have man coverage traits.
Eagles Thoughts: I really like Mustapha for the Eagles. He isn’t a playmaker, but he’s a solid safety who can provide some physical run defense and will be fine when asked to play quarters. Ideally, I like him in round 3
7. Kamren Kinchins, Miami, 5-11 1/4, 203
Summary: Kinchins has outstanding ball skills, and his ability to create big plays and jump routes is outstanding. However, he has below-average athleticism for the position and he is unable to recover from any false steps. I like the film and think he could be a starter, but I worry about the lack of speed and athleticism.
Eagles Thoughts: I would take a chance on Kinchins at the start of day 3, although I think the big-play potential will push him to the 3rd. I think he could be a starter but I’m concerned about his athleticism and speed.
As always, thank you for reading. If you want more detailed notes on each player (strengths and weaknesses) then I’m thinking of releasing my entire document this year. Keep an eye out for this…
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