2025 NFL Draft: Top Three Safety Prospects

The biggest event of the NFL offseason is fast approaching. Starting with the first round on Thursday, the NFL Draft will commence. This will give NFL teams a chance to draft college football’s brightest stars to fill out their rosters ahead of the new season. While even being considered as a draft prospect is an honor, the players who are entering are hoping to hear their names called and embark on a journey they hope will end with them putting on a gold jacket.

When it comes to the safety position, some big names will be on the board who could add immense star power to any organization. But some have managed to stand out from all the rest. Let’s take a glance at the top three safety prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

South Carolina had some good seasons during Emmanwori’s three-year career, with him being a major focal point. A starter from day one, Emmanwori had a breakout season as a junior in 2023, where he recorded 71 tackles with 8 passes defended and a pair of interceptions. He followed that up with an even more stellar 2024, compiling 88 tackles, two passes defended, and four interceptions.

The Gamecocks defense was one of the best in the country en route to helping them go 9-4. For Emmanwori’s strong season, he earned First-team All-SEC and First-Team All-American honors and will look to bring that star power to any team that drafts him. At 6-foot-3, Emmanwori is much taller than your average safety, but with it comes immense range as well as speed. A strong ball hawk who is exceptional at disrupting a receiver’s route, Emmanwori fits the mold for a prototypical superstar NFL safety.

Malaki Starks, Georgia

A three-year starter at Georgia, the two-time First-Team All-SEC selection had arguably the best season of his career as a senior. Recording 77 tackles, Starks also defended three passes and intercepted one and was a big part of Georgia’s defense this season.

For his career, he made 197 tackles, defended 23 passes, and intercepted 6. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 197 pounds, he brings good size and is not one to be outmatched by many opponents. Starks is a well-rounded safety, something that is vital in today’s game. He not only plays the ball well with his strong ability to read a receiver, but he also flies to the ball and has the potential to make an immediate impact on whichever franchise he joins.

Xavier Watts, Notre Dame Is a Great Safety In 2025 NFL Draft

Watts was a big part of Notre Dame’s defense during all four years of his career, but it was the last two that put his name on the map. Intercepting six passes as a junior and seven as a senior, Watts ended his college tenure with 13 interceptions over his final two seasons. While Notre Dame’s offense certainly was the talk of the town in 2024, the Watts-led defense was a prime reason why the Fighting Irish were able to make it to the national title game.

Earning consensus All-American honors this past season, the six-foot, 203-pound Watts made 83 tackles, defended 9 passes, forced a fumble, intercepted 6 passes, and had a defensive touchdown. There could even be an argument that Watts is the most complete safety in this draft. Not only for his ability to track the ball and read quarterbacks and receivers, but he takes very good angles when making tackles. He has also developed the reputation of being a strong run-stopper as well.

Given team needs and talent at other positions as well, Watts may struggle to be a first-round pick, but it would not come as a surprise if he was and it definitely would not be surprising to see him be the first safety off the board.