The ever evolving Safety position is a very interesting one this year. You have some real blue chip prospects at the top, and also some very talented guys with major upside. The Safety position has turned into a jack-of-all-trades type of position over the years, and versatility is key. Here are a few guys that stand out.
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick 6’1 201 Alabama – To limit Minkah to just the Safety label would be an injustice, but for this articles sake I’ll list him here. Fitzpatrick is the definition of versatility on the field. You can play him at Slot CB, Outside CB, High Safety, In the box Safety and not worry about him getting beat. Excellnt speed and range in coverage. Not afraid to come up and be physical. Will need to focus on eye discipline so not to be fooled by coverage or manipulated by the QB. Overall he’s everything you want in a Safety in today’s NFL.
2. Derwin James 6’3 215 Florida State – Another very talented and versatile Safety. Imposing size and uses every bit of it when tackling. Great speed for a player his size. Has range as a single high safety and can also drop down to play LB if needed. In the locker room he is considered an Alpha which coaches will love. Common in young players, eye discipline must be worked on. Sometimes over zealous in taking tackling angles. Overall Derwin James is a weapon on defense, that a creative coordinator can wreck havoc with.
3. Ronnie Harrison 6’3 214 Alabama – a great height/weight/speed athlete. Can knock your socks off while tackling. Can function in the box as a hybrid Linebacker or get out over the top to cover a WR. Versatile. Needs to work on his technique when tackling, must wrap up instead of always going for the big hit. Harrison is best suited to be around the line of scrimmage, but with his athleticism he can be put anywhere.
4. Jessie Bates 6’1 200 Wake Forest – Bates is your classic free safety. He moves like a Cornerback, quickly reacting to passes with hips to change direction with ease. Added value as a kick returner on special teams. Natural ball skills make him dangerous on deep passes. Not as physical as you would like. He’s a willing tackler, but lacks the bulk for real stopping power. Bates can offer excellent back end coverage early on and bulk up in time, making his upside very high.
5. Justin Reid 6’1 204 Stanford – Another one of those do-it-all players. Reid has a very high football IQ. He knows his assignment on the field and is also aware of the responsibilities of those around him. Good enough speed and coverage ability to be placed all over the field. Strong enough to be a factor against the run. Limited lateral quickness will keep him from lining up against quicker shifty receivers. A solid player all around ready to make an immediate impact.
Honorable Mention
Deshon Elliott 6’2 205 Texas – Good range and ball skills, some athletic limitations.
Siran Neal 6’0 200 Jacksonville State – Physical versatile player, gets grabby in coverage. Raw
Kyzir White 6’2 216 West Virginia – Good frame, aggressive player, limited in coverage.
