The college football regular seasons come and gone, we’re approaching bowl games, and the transfer portals are hot and heavy but here at Draft Countdown, it’s always draft season! Today I wanted to look at my top safeties heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.
I know I’ve seen plenty of folks concerned this isn’t as strong a safety class but I would argue this class has better depth than most years, even if they don’t have elite top-level talent. Make sure to check out the guy’s rankings, as well as all our mock drafts to get an idea of where we see these safeties landing in the draft this upcoming year.
2024 NFL Draft: Safety Rankings!
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Kamren Kinchens – Miami (FL)
Steady producer the last two seasons, racking up 162 total tackles, 14 pass deflections and 11 interceptions. Good awareness, and ability to read and react during the play. A physical hitter who’s unafraid to come up and be a big part of the run support. Quite a few of my top 15 are players that need to dial back the aggressiveness, as NFL QBs will make overly aggressive players pay. Kinchens needs to use that good awareness/physical profile to play smart and not get baited into bad decisions.
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Tyler Nubin – Minnesota
Easily the most impactful part of the Minnesota defense the last 4 seasons, racking up 204 total tackles (140 solo), 11 pass deflections and 13 interceptions. I wouldn’t be surprised if teams use him similar to the way the Lions use Brian Branch, as a safety OR nickel corner. A taller safety, with long arms that could help him a lot if used in the slot. Has faced big-time competition in the Big 10, but has also shown areas that need improvement, specifically making sure he wraps up instead of going for the big hit.
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Rod Moore – Michigan
Michigan is another defense that’s produced quite a few good players in the last few seasons, and I expect Moore to be the next in line. Great awareness but needs to improve in run defense, but I could see him early in the rotation as a rookie.
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Calen Bullock – USC
Taller, with longer arms, and does a good job tracking and attacking the ball in the air. I think he’s better in zone schemes vs man but that’s coachable but needs to be more physical.
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Andrew Mukuba – Clemson
Wouldn’t surprise me if he has the fastest 40 times of any safety this year, this former 4-star prospect is strong in run support, and a physical hitter, and I could see a team using him as a corner or safety at the next level.
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Malachi Moore – Alabama
Strong, physical safety that isn’t afraid of bringing the boom when hitting. He probably won’t show the most elite athletic profile but seems like a solid early-day 3 prospect.
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Lathan Ransom – OSU
NFL teams will fall in love with his work ethic, and above-average physicality but can be a bit conservative as well.
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Cole Bishop – Utah
If he winds up being one of the better safeties in this class, I wouldn’t be surprised. With good ball skills, great instincts, and the ability to cover tight ends or receivers, he could be a player who shoots up with a good draft season.
Best of the Rest – Definitely Day 3 Prospects in My Mind
- Jaden Hicks – Washington
- Major Burns – LSU
- Jalen Catalon – Texas
- Josh Proctor – OSU
- Jaylin Simpson – Auburn
- Al Blades Jr – Duke / RJ Mickens Jr – Clemson
More must-reads: