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The 2025 NFL safety class is one of the deepest we’ve seen in years. The class is full of intriguing prospects, from experienced field generals to raw defensive weapons. The safety class has something for everybody. The top of the draft is full of talented players, and the talent doesn’t drop off until day three. Safeties drew the short end of the analytics straw over the years. Their positional value has plummeted. Analysts disbelieve the value they provide early in the draft. The differences in positional value could keep many gifted players from the first round of the draft.
The Cleveland Browns desperately need a safety. The team let go of Juan Thornhill after two disappointing seasons. The team must find a long-term answer at free safety. They’ve played a revolving door of veterans next to franchise safety Grant Delpit. It’s time the Browns find Delpit a running mate. Someone to keep a lid on the explosive offenses in the AFC.
Here is a crash course on the 20 best safety prospects in the 2025 NFL draft.
Malaki Starks is one of the best coverage defenders in the draft. The 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back can line up across the defensive formation. He is smooth in coverage, tackles well, and is incredibly intelligent. Starks could be a more physical player, but it’s unnecessary at the third level. He has no major weaknesses in his game. He is one of the 15 best players in the draft.
Kevin Winston Jr. was a defensive weapon for Penn State. Winston was injured for most of the 2024 season, and his only starting experience came during his junior year. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound safety is a hyper-athletic and hard-hitting. Winston is a physical in man coverage, but is unrefined in zone coverage. Winston needs more experience to develop his football intelligence. He has all the tools to develop into a high-quality starting caliber safety. He’s a first-round talent.
Xavier Watts is the most intelligent safety in the class. Watts is 5-foot-11, 204-pounds of determination. Watts is a good, but not great, athlete. His ability to diagnose plays quickly makes him the fastest defender on the field. Watts has a great understanding of route distributions and poaches throwing windows well. Watts can struggle in man-to-man coverage against quick options in the slot, but he plays with physicality to bully tight ends. He is a do-it-all safety who can play across all defenses. Watts is a solid first-round option for teams searching for a field general on defense.
Nick Emmanwori is a freak athlete. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound safety was a powerful and fast weapon for South Carolina. Emmanwori can cover sideline to sideline, knock blockers back, and hit-stick ball carriers. Emmanwori’s flaw is that he’s slow to fire. He needs to see the play out before he acts. He neutralizes his athleticism by turning it from an advantage into a safety net. Emmanwori must study harder in the NFL. If he increases his processing speed by a marginal amount, he’ll become a successful starter. Emmanwori has all the tools to develop into an All-Pro safety. He’s a good option near the end of the first round.
Andrew Mukuba was a missile in Texas’s defense. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound safety flew all across the field, crashing into offensive players. He locked down opposing passing attacks, recording five interceptions and 11 pass deflections. Mukuba is fearless and intelligent. He is a versatile weapon and can play in multiple schemes and roles. Mukuba could face some size limitations in the NFL. He is a good day two option for teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield.
Billy Bowman Jr. is an undersized centerfielder. The 5-foot-10, 196-pound safety is an intelligent defender who controls the middle of the field. Bowman was a ball hawk for Oklahoma. Bowman plays with great urgency and physicality. His size limitations will keep him on the last line of the defense. He could struggle in the run game as a split safety. Bowman is a good coverage option on day two of the draft.
Malachi Moore was used as a weapon across Alabama’s defense. Moore is 5-foot-11, 196-pounds, with years of experience. Moore is an average athlete. Last season, he moved from the slot to safety and shone in his new role. Placing him further from the ball shielded him from speedsters, while letting him use his processing skills to make plays in the passing game. Moore is a solid tackler, but lacks the strength to destroy ball carriers. Moore is an aggressive player and can lose his cool too easily. The hot-headed safety is a versatile weapon that could further develop into a great center fielder. Moore is worth a third-round pick in the draft.
Caleb Ransaw was a slot cornerback at Tulane. He has good size, standing at 5-foot-11, 196-pounds. Ransaw must find a home between cornerback and safety in the NFL. He’s agile in coverage and explosive when triggered downfield. Ransaw is inexperienced in coverage, and it shows at the top of routes as receivers can get free at their break. Ransaw is a tweener and will need some time to develop in the NFL. He’s a great athlete with a tenacious drive. Ransaw would be a good lottery ticket in the third round.
Jaylen Reed is a versatile safety. The 5-foot-11, 211-pound safety is a powerful athlete, always looking to hit ball carriers. He played everywhere for Penn State. Reed is a good coverage defender who sticks with players in man coverage and displays good awareness in zone. Reed is a very undisciplined player. He stares down quarterbacks, allowing himself to get manipulated. He triggers downhill quickly, but can miss the ball carrier. Reed is a versatile safety, with the tools and experience to become a starting caliber safety. Reed is a solid option in the third round.
Woodson is a smooth safety with a lot of experience. Woodson is 24-years-old with three years of starting experience for Cal. He has a solid 5-foot-11, 200-pounds frame. Woodson has sideline-to-sideline speed and can cover the deep third of the field. Woodson is a great tackler and shoots downfield quickly. He is a versatile safety who could use his physicality in split safety formations or be a field general at the last line. Woodson is a high-floor target worth an early-day-three pick.
Marques Sigle is an explosive, inexperienced safety. Sigle has started for Kansas State for the past two seasons. He’s a hyper-athletic 5-foot-11, 196-pounds. Sigle is a former cornerback who can open his hips and run around the field. He doesn’t diagnose plays quickly. He doesn’t always know where his keys are. Sigle triggers quickly to the ball when he sees it. He is a raw safety prospect who must find the ball quicker in the NFL. He has the tools to develop into a versatile starting safety, but he must greatly improve his football intelligence. Sigle is worthy of a flyer in the middle of day three.
Malik Verdon is a big-bodied safety for Iowa State. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defensive weapon is a great linear athlete. Verdon is fast and powerful. He’s best suited for the box, where he can help cover tight ends and provide support in the run. Verdon doesn’t have the agility to shine in coverage, but he does use his size to cycle through throwing windows. He reads plays slowly and can be exploited in the passing game. Verdon is a great developmental prospect on day three.
Lathan Ransom plays football like a bat shot out of hell. The 6-foot, 205-pound safety loves rapidly descending upon the second to deliver a strike. He’s an enforcer and the best run defending safety in the class. Ransom is stiff in coverage and struggles to defend receivers in the slot. Ransom is a sound football player whose intelligence and discipline keep him from making mistakes in coverage. He’s a liability in coverage which could reduce his role to a low-hole safety. He’s a solid option in the fifth round of the draft.
Jonas Sanker is an experienced center fielder. The 6-foot safety patrolled the deep third of the field for the University of Virginia. Sanker is an above-average athlete with good football intelligence. Sanker is a disciplined coverage player with a good understanding of route distribution. He can keep a lid on explosive passing. Sanker lacks the physicality and closing speed to play a greater split safety role. He is a good role player who could develop into a starting free safety. Sanker is worthy of a fifth-round pick.
Jordan Hancock primarily played the slot for Ohio State, stepping in at safety due to injuries. The 6-foot, 195-pound defensive back is a tweener who must find a role at the next level. Hancock is an average athlete with good agility. Hancock isn’t a technically sound cornerback, and he’s horrible in press coverage. He’s overeager and misses strikes. He doesn’t cover receivers with good technique. I think Hancock would do much better at safety. He shines in zone, where he can watch the quarterback’s eyes. He’s an intelligent defensive back who has a firm understanding of popular route concepts. Hancock is an aggressive tackler and should find a role on special teams. Hancock is a solid pick on day three of the NFL draft.
Trikweze Bridges is an experienced defensive back. Bridges finished his career as a cornerback and safety for the Florida Gators, spending the previous five seasons at Oregon. Bridges is a big-bodied cornerback at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds. He is a physical press cornerback who doesn’t have the quick feet to match the quickness of receivers throughout the route. Bridges is an aggressive ball hawk and would be well suited for safety full-time. He could use his size and physicality in the run game while being able to match up with tight ends in coverage. Bridges is an intriguing option in the sixth round.
J.J. Roberts is an experienced safety from Marshall. Roberts is a good athlete, standing at 5-foot-10, 180-pounds. He’s a very physical player for his size. He comes down quickly to blow up ball carriers, but his lack of tackling technique can send him bouncing back. Roberts is a good athlete with the demeanor to play in the NFL, but he simply lacks the technique and intelligence to thrive. He’s a good developmental option in the seventh round.
Hunter Wohler is a throwback strong safety from Wisconsin. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound safety is strong and fast, but stiff. Wohler’s stiffness and lack of agility prevent him from becoming a good coverage defender. Wohler is a great run defender. He’s fearless when he comes down the alley and tackles with good technique. Wohler is a good football player who could become a special teams ace in the NFL. His limited coverage ability will prevent him from becoming a starting safety. Wohler is a solid option in the seventh round.
Dante Trader Jr. played free safety for Maryland. Trader is a middling athlete, and at 5-foot-10, 195-pounds, he has average size. Trader is a smart safety who reads plays well. His anticipation helps him compensate for his lack of speed. Trader is a solid tackler with good strength. Trader is a good football player with a balanced skill set. He could develop into a solid role player or special teams ace. Trader is a worthy option in the seventh round.
Kitan Crawford is an inexperienced safety from Nevada. It was his first year starting after transferring from Texas. Crawford is a fantastic athlete, and Nevada used him all across the field. Crawford has NFL size at 5-foot-10, 197-pounds. He is very sticky in man coverage and has good reactive quickness. Crawford lacks the patience and experience to play cornerback, he’ll often lose receivers in his blind spot. Crawford is a bad run defender. He struggles to tackle and takes poor pursuit angles. Crawford has all the tools to develop into a starting-caliber safety, but he’ll need a lot of time to develop. Crawford is a great lottery option at the end of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Best safety prospects for the Cleveland Browns to target in the draft
Continue reading...
The Cleveland Browns desperately need a safety. The team let go of Juan Thornhill after two disappointing seasons. The team must find a long-term answer at free safety. They’ve played a revolving door of veterans next to franchise safety Grant Delpit. It’s time the Browns find Delpit a running mate. Someone to keep a lid on the explosive offenses in the AFC.
Here is a crash course on the 20 best safety prospects in the 2025 NFL draft.
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
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Malaki Starks is one of the best coverage defenders in the draft. The 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back can line up across the defensive formation. He is smooth in coverage, tackles well, and is incredibly intelligent. Starks could be a more physical player, but it’s unnecessary at the third level. He has no major weaknesses in his game. He is one of the 15 best players in the draft.
2. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
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Kevin Winston Jr. was a defensive weapon for Penn State. Winston was injured for most of the 2024 season, and his only starting experience came during his junior year. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound safety is a hyper-athletic and hard-hitting. Winston is a physical in man coverage, but is unrefined in zone coverage. Winston needs more experience to develop his football intelligence. He has all the tools to develop into a high-quality starting caliber safety. He’s a first-round talent.
3. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
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Xavier Watts is the most intelligent safety in the class. Watts is 5-foot-11, 204-pounds of determination. Watts is a good, but not great, athlete. His ability to diagnose plays quickly makes him the fastest defender on the field. Watts has a great understanding of route distributions and poaches throwing windows well. Watts can struggle in man-to-man coverage against quick options in the slot, but he plays with physicality to bully tight ends. He is a do-it-all safety who can play across all defenses. Watts is a solid first-round option for teams searching for a field general on defense.
4. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
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Nick Emmanwori is a freak athlete. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound safety was a powerful and fast weapon for South Carolina. Emmanwori can cover sideline to sideline, knock blockers back, and hit-stick ball carriers. Emmanwori’s flaw is that he’s slow to fire. He needs to see the play out before he acts. He neutralizes his athleticism by turning it from an advantage into a safety net. Emmanwori must study harder in the NFL. If he increases his processing speed by a marginal amount, he’ll become a successful starter. Emmanwori has all the tools to develop into an All-Pro safety. He’s a good option near the end of the first round.
5. Andrew Mukuba, Texas
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Andrew Mukuba was a missile in Texas’s defense. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound safety flew all across the field, crashing into offensive players. He locked down opposing passing attacks, recording five interceptions and 11 pass deflections. Mukuba is fearless and intelligent. He is a versatile weapon and can play in multiple schemes and roles. Mukuba could face some size limitations in the NFL. He is a good day two option for teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield.
6. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
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Billy Bowman Jr. is an undersized centerfielder. The 5-foot-10, 196-pound safety is an intelligent defender who controls the middle of the field. Bowman was a ball hawk for Oklahoma. Bowman plays with great urgency and physicality. His size limitations will keep him on the last line of the defense. He could struggle in the run game as a split safety. Bowman is a good coverage option on day two of the draft.
7. Malachi Moore, Alabama
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Malachi Moore was used as a weapon across Alabama’s defense. Moore is 5-foot-11, 196-pounds, with years of experience. Moore is an average athlete. Last season, he moved from the slot to safety and shone in his new role. Placing him further from the ball shielded him from speedsters, while letting him use his processing skills to make plays in the passing game. Moore is a solid tackler, but lacks the strength to destroy ball carriers. Moore is an aggressive player and can lose his cool too easily. The hot-headed safety is a versatile weapon that could further develop into a great center fielder. Moore is worth a third-round pick in the draft.
8. Caleb Ransaw, Tulane
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Caleb Ransaw was a slot cornerback at Tulane. He has good size, standing at 5-foot-11, 196-pounds. Ransaw must find a home between cornerback and safety in the NFL. He’s agile in coverage and explosive when triggered downfield. Ransaw is inexperienced in coverage, and it shows at the top of routes as receivers can get free at their break. Ransaw is a tweener and will need some time to develop in the NFL. He’s a great athlete with a tenacious drive. Ransaw would be a good lottery ticket in the third round.
9. Jaylen Reed, Penn State
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Jaylen Reed is a versatile safety. The 5-foot-11, 211-pound safety is a powerful athlete, always looking to hit ball carriers. He played everywhere for Penn State. Reed is a good coverage defender who sticks with players in man coverage and displays good awareness in zone. Reed is a very undisciplined player. He stares down quarterbacks, allowing himself to get manipulated. He triggers downhill quickly, but can miss the ball carrier. Reed is a versatile safety, with the tools and experience to become a starting caliber safety. Reed is a solid option in the third round.
10. Craig Woodson, Cal
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Woodson is a smooth safety with a lot of experience. Woodson is 24-years-old with three years of starting experience for Cal. He has a solid 5-foot-11, 200-pounds frame. Woodson has sideline-to-sideline speed and can cover the deep third of the field. Woodson is a great tackler and shoots downfield quickly. He is a versatile safety who could use his physicality in split safety formations or be a field general at the last line. Woodson is a high-floor target worth an early-day-three pick.
11. Marques Sigle, Kansas State
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Marques Sigle is an explosive, inexperienced safety. Sigle has started for Kansas State for the past two seasons. He’s a hyper-athletic 5-foot-11, 196-pounds. Sigle is a former cornerback who can open his hips and run around the field. He doesn’t diagnose plays quickly. He doesn’t always know where his keys are. Sigle triggers quickly to the ball when he sees it. He is a raw safety prospect who must find the ball quicker in the NFL. He has the tools to develop into a versatile starting safety, but he must greatly improve his football intelligence. Sigle is worthy of a flyer in the middle of day three.
12. Malik Verdon, Iowa State
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Malik Verdon is a big-bodied safety for Iowa State. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defensive weapon is a great linear athlete. Verdon is fast and powerful. He’s best suited for the box, where he can help cover tight ends and provide support in the run. Verdon doesn’t have the agility to shine in coverage, but he does use his size to cycle through throwing windows. He reads plays slowly and can be exploited in the passing game. Verdon is a great developmental prospect on day three.
13. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
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Lathan Ransom plays football like a bat shot out of hell. The 6-foot, 205-pound safety loves rapidly descending upon the second to deliver a strike. He’s an enforcer and the best run defending safety in the class. Ransom is stiff in coverage and struggles to defend receivers in the slot. Ransom is a sound football player whose intelligence and discipline keep him from making mistakes in coverage. He’s a liability in coverage which could reduce his role to a low-hole safety. He’s a solid option in the fifth round of the draft.
14. Jonas Sanker, Virginia
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Jonas Sanker is an experienced center fielder. The 6-foot safety patrolled the deep third of the field for the University of Virginia. Sanker is an above-average athlete with good football intelligence. Sanker is a disciplined coverage player with a good understanding of route distribution. He can keep a lid on explosive passing. Sanker lacks the physicality and closing speed to play a greater split safety role. He is a good role player who could develop into a starting free safety. Sanker is worthy of a fifth-round pick.
15. Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
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Jordan Hancock primarily played the slot for Ohio State, stepping in at safety due to injuries. The 6-foot, 195-pound defensive back is a tweener who must find a role at the next level. Hancock is an average athlete with good agility. Hancock isn’t a technically sound cornerback, and he’s horrible in press coverage. He’s overeager and misses strikes. He doesn’t cover receivers with good technique. I think Hancock would do much better at safety. He shines in zone, where he can watch the quarterback’s eyes. He’s an intelligent defensive back who has a firm understanding of popular route concepts. Hancock is an aggressive tackler and should find a role on special teams. Hancock is a solid pick on day three of the NFL draft.
16. Trikweze Bridges, Florida
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Trikweze Bridges is an experienced defensive back. Bridges finished his career as a cornerback and safety for the Florida Gators, spending the previous five seasons at Oregon. Bridges is a big-bodied cornerback at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds. He is a physical press cornerback who doesn’t have the quick feet to match the quickness of receivers throughout the route. Bridges is an aggressive ball hawk and would be well suited for safety full-time. He could use his size and physicality in the run game while being able to match up with tight ends in coverage. Bridges is an intriguing option in the sixth round.
17. J.J. Roberts, Marshall
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J.J. Roberts is an experienced safety from Marshall. Roberts is a good athlete, standing at 5-foot-10, 180-pounds. He’s a very physical player for his size. He comes down quickly to blow up ball carriers, but his lack of tackling technique can send him bouncing back. Roberts is a good athlete with the demeanor to play in the NFL, but he simply lacks the technique and intelligence to thrive. He’s a good developmental option in the seventh round.
18. Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
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Hunter Wohler is a throwback strong safety from Wisconsin. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound safety is strong and fast, but stiff. Wohler’s stiffness and lack of agility prevent him from becoming a good coverage defender. Wohler is a great run defender. He’s fearless when he comes down the alley and tackles with good technique. Wohler is a good football player who could become a special teams ace in the NFL. His limited coverage ability will prevent him from becoming a starting safety. Wohler is a solid option in the seventh round.
19. Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
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Dante Trader Jr. played free safety for Maryland. Trader is a middling athlete, and at 5-foot-10, 195-pounds, he has average size. Trader is a smart safety who reads plays well. His anticipation helps him compensate for his lack of speed. Trader is a solid tackler with good strength. Trader is a good football player with a balanced skill set. He could develop into a solid role player or special teams ace. Trader is a worthy option in the seventh round.
20. Kitan Crawford, Nevada
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Kitan Crawford is an inexperienced safety from Nevada. It was his first year starting after transferring from Texas. Crawford is a fantastic athlete, and Nevada used him all across the field. Crawford has NFL size at 5-foot-10, 197-pounds. He is very sticky in man coverage and has good reactive quickness. Crawford lacks the patience and experience to play cornerback, he’ll often lose receivers in his blind spot. Crawford is a bad run defender. He struggles to tackle and takes poor pursuit angles. Crawford has all the tools to develop into a starting-caliber safety, but he’ll need a lot of time to develop. Crawford is a great lottery option at the end of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Best safety prospects for the Cleveland Browns to target in the draft
Continue reading...
