NFL Elite: The Best Safeties Of All Time

Originally posted on Full Press Coverage
By Terrance Biggs | Last updated 11/23/22

Often and correctly referred to as the last line of defense, elite NFL safeties are few and far between. Who’s the best of the best?

Standing between the offense and the end zone, safeties provide the ultimate protection in the NFL. While they operate as the great eraser over the top, they play without any net. If a wideout gets behind a safety, chalk up six points and prepare for the extra point. Now, playing the position at an elite level requires Hall of Fame skill, nerve, and a very short memory. Some of these players are familiar while others aren’t.

5. Paul Krause (Washington, Vikings)

The rangy Iowa product star was the dictionary definition of ball skills. Starting in his rookie year, Krause play the totality of his career with the ball finding him, eighty-one times. yes, eighty-one interceptions, which still stands as the all-time interception mark. Imagine a rookie starter pulling down twelve interceptions. Krause possessed one of the most crucial traits that safeties should have, but occasionally don’t: range. Regardless of down or distance, Krause’s ability to interject himself into passing situations didn’t dwindle, even after he reached the twilight of his career.

4. Willie Wood (Packers)

During his 176-game career, Wood provided the Packers dynasty with the knowledge that he patrolled the deep third, ensuring that his cornerbacks could play aggressively. Now, Wood was small for safety back then, yet he never shied away from contact. The USC product played the pass and run with equal aplomb. Playing a key role on seven championship teams, Wood set the standard that future Packers’ safeties enjoyed. The eight-time Pro Bowler finished with forty-eight interceptions. Not bad for a tryout player.

3. Ken Houston (Oilers, Washington)

Part of playing safety at a high level in the NFL requires a diverse skill set. Ken Houston used his height and speed to make his impact on the league. Houston converted nine of his forty-nine career interceptions to touchdowns. Equally important, recovering twenty-one fumbles. Traded for five players in 1973, Houston left Texas for Washington, where he continued his stellar play. In the end, Houston racked up twelve Pro Bowl selections.

2. Ronnie Lott (49ers, Raiders, Jets)

Before Ronnie Lott became the most feared hitter of his era, he starred as a four-time Pro Bowler at cornerback. Lott’s versatility fell under the radar while his ability to separate ballcarrier from the football grabbed all the headlines. As a safety, Lott used these corner skills to understand the nuance of the position, whether to inflict pain on the receiver or go for the interception. Lott’s dedication to his craft became legendary. For example, after breaking his hand during the 1985 season, Lott didn’t want to miss time. Instead of a pin, he chose to have doctors amputate the tip of his finger and he was back in action without missing a beat. Winning four Super Bowls, ten Pro Bowl nods, and eight All-Pro selections, along with sixty-three picks easily slides Lott into the second spot. Making the Pro Bowl as a corner and at both safety spots is a rare feat.

1. Ed Reed (Ravens, Texans, Jets)

Ed Reed excelled in his role before the first snap. No one watched more film, and picked up offensive wrinkles and idiosyncracies better than St.Rose’s favorite son. Combined with an underrated athleticism, Reed operated as the smartest defensive player to strap on a helmet. Tendencies and instinct won individual snaps, and timing and preparation won games. Sixty-three regular season interceptions don’t define Reed enough. With a gambler’s heart and a scientist’s brain, Reed lined up in various spots, covering vast swaths of the field. He felt the ball before it left the quarterback’s hand. Add in the ability on special teams and this choice becomes undeniable. Ed Reed is the prototype, a combination of safeties past, reimagined for a new era.