The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 safeties in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
1. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota, 6-1, 199
Chess piece who can be deployed deep with hashes-to-hashes range (13 career interceptions, three forced fumbles) or over the middle to thump receivers. Speed is a concern in man-to-man coverage. Offers downhill run support. Likely no first-round safeties for second straight year.
2. Jaden Hicks, Washington State, 6-2, 211
Striking force in the box, but can he keep pace downfield with NFL-caliber speed? Is he more of a smallish linebacker? On the quarterback in an instant when blitzing off the edge. Aggressiveness can be used against him.
3. Javon Bullard, Georgia, 5-10, 198
Fits as a hybrid nickel/safety who wallops unsuspecting ball-carriers. Instincts often lead him to the right spot to alter routes. Knows how to read quarterbacks’ eyes. DUI arrest in 2022. Gives up size advantage to tight ends.
4. Cole Bishop, Utah, 6-2, 206
Type of downhill bones-rattler who will blow up a screen pass. Tape study shows up in his pre-snap movement. Can play physical against tight ends and run with receivers. Overanxious to make plays at times, leaving a hole in zones.
5. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech, 5-10, 197
Rangy ball hawk ran a safety-best 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the combine to back up the explosiveness seen on his highlight reel. Susceptible to a good play-action fake. Strong communicator on the back end. Size is a concern.
6. Calen Bullock, USC, 6-2, 188
Nine interceptions as bright spot in historically bad era of USC defense. Lanky body prototypical of cornerback but he was moved as a sophomore. Thinks contested catches belong to him. Liability against the run because of bad tackling angles.
7. Kamren Kinchens, Miami, 5-11, 203
Surprisingly slow 40-yard dash (4.65 seconds) could drop this ball-tracking center fielder into “steal” territory. ACC-best 11 interceptions over last two seasons — and dangerous on the return. Seemed to miss some adjustments leading to big plays.
8. Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State, 6-2, 216
Durability of three straight 13-game seasons. Changes directions quickly to mirror routes but will struggle to keep up if matched against a fast slot receiver. Needs to finish tackles rather than just dropping a shoulder. Extra value as a blitzer.
9. Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest, 5-10, 206
A zero-star walk-on who lacks height and length but not muscle. Better suited doling out punishment in the box and could be slow to react in the deep field. Zero career penalties, per The Athletic. Gunner on punt team.
10. Tykee Smith, Georgia, 5-10, 202
More than half his career starts (17 of 33) were at West Virginia in 2019-2020 — before rash of injuries robbed some of his speed. Could carve out quick core special teams role. Right place, right time for eight career interceptions.
Late riser
Sione Vaki, Utah, 5-11, 210
Two-way player who had 92 tackles and 42 carries over two seasons after spending three on a religious mission. Footwork is a question against NFL pass-catchers who might run by or cut around him. Will be a coach’s favorite, starting in practices.
Falling fast
Beau Brade, Maryland, 6-0, 203
Missed combine due to right oblique but tested at Pro Day. Missing that one standout trait. Not the same strike force as other run-first safeties. Fights through traffic with a nose for the ball.
Small-school wonder
Trey Taylor, Air Force, 6-0, 206
2023 Jim Thorpe Award winner (nation’s best defensive back) was ultimate combine snub. Seems to be in two places at once on tape. Carries a chip on his shoulder. Knocked for his size-speed combination. Cousin of Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
