Like the linebacker class, the 2024 safety group doesn’t come with a lot of flash.
However, Minnesota‘s Tyler Nubin could sneak into the back of Round 1 as the first safety off the board. After him, it feels like it will be a specialized class, with teams drafting certain types of safeties who fit specific roles somewhere in the middle rounds.
Here are the top safeties in the class.
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1. S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 31
Nubin possesses the athleticism, football IQ and run-defense potential to be a versatile and impactful safety in any scheme, though he would likely make the most plays in a system that consistently uses two-deep coverages, allowing him to play free, robber and box safety roles.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
2. S Javon Bullard, Georgia
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 47
Bullard is a versatile secondary player with a fearless mentality. Though he isn't an elite athlete, his competitiveness, quickness and tackling ability project him to a starting role as a nickel defender.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
3. S Jaden Hicks, Washington State
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 54
Hicks is a well-built strong safety who can play at all three levels of the field. He is a tone-setting tackler and has starting potential in two-safety systems, especially as a strong safety/robber over the middle.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
4. S Calen Bullock, Usc
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 81
Bullock's lack of strength will limit how much an NFL team can trust him to play early in his career. But if he can get stronger, he possesses elite range as an impactful single-high safety for any defense, especially in Cover 3 and Cover 1.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
5. S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 94
Taylor-Demerson sees the back end of coverage with excellent vision and anticipation. However, his overall play speed must improve if he is to make plays at the NFL level.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
6. S Kamren Kinchens, Miami Fla.
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 109
Kinchens is a solid all-around athlete with a good eye for where quarterbacks are going with the ball. He possesses great ball skills to come down with interceptions when he anticipates throws. A little lighter in size, he is projected as a potential starter at free safety.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
7. S Tykee Smith, Georgia
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 118
NFL teams that like to stack the box and be more aggressive on the line of scrimmage will be drawn to Smith's power when setting the edge in run defense. Ultimately, his lack of long speed could cause him to have issues in coverage.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
8. S Sione Vaki, Utah
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 124
If he is fully committed to playing running back in the NFL, he has the physical gifts, athletic ability and playmaker's vision to be a contributing player out of the backfield.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
9. S Cole Bishop, Utah
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 132
Bishop has starting potential as a strong safety and slot defender, but he must work on his overaggressive tendencies and lack of patience in zone.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
10. Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 148
Mustapha has a tone-setting skill set and mentality as a throwback strong safety. He does not have the fluidity or long speed to be relied upon in single-high roles, but his toughness, power and motor make him an ideal depth safety to draft and develop.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
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