NFL · 6 months ago

2025 NFL Draft Rankings: Best 40 Safeties Available

John Canady

Host · Writer

40) Major Burns, LSU
Major Burns committed to Georgia out of high school, but quickly realized that breaking through in a stacked Bulldogs secondary may be difficult. The safety transferred down the road to an SEC rival and his hometown team to join LSU. In four seasons with the Tigers, Burns has shown potential that could make him a late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent.
1) Malaki Starks, Georgia
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Malaki Starks comes in at No. 1 as he's considered not just a top safety in this draft class but one of the top players overall. The Georgia product has put together three strong seasons with the Bulldogs, proving his ability against some of the SEC's best players. In his junior season with Georgia, the defender put together some of the best film of any safety, setting the bar high for any other secondary playmaker to overcome.
2) Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
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Nick Emmanwori is arguably the only other safety in this draft class that can give Starks a run for his money. The versatile defender showed out in his three years at South Carolina, with his best season coming this past year as one of the Gamecocks' dominant defense leaders. Emmanwori ended the season with 88 total tackles, four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and two pass defenses. The six-foot-three safety has the length, size, and speed to be an elite secondary player at the next level and has the potential to be the best out of the whole safety class.
3) Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
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Xavier Watts spent four seasons at Notre Dame, continuously improving each year. The defender was a vital piece in Marcus Freeman's defense, ultimately one of the biggest reasons for the team's run to the National Championship. Watts is an underrated tackler, and his ball-tracking skills have proven to be one of his biggest strengths, with six interceptions and nine pass defenses. The Notre Dame product could be one of the steals in this draft class, especially if he lands in the right situation.
4) Andrew Mukuba, Texas
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Andrew Mukuba began his college journey at Clemson, spending three seasons with the Tigers. For his senior year, the safety opted to spend his final collegiate season with the Texas Longhorns. In the SEC against steep competition, Mukuba proved that he could be a reliable playmaker at the next level. Mukuba delivered, putting together a career year with the Longhorns, which included six pass defenses and five interceptions. Like Watts, the Texas product has the skillset to develop into a key secondary player at the next level, proving to be a steal in the draft.
5) Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
Billy Bowman Jr. won't get the same recognition as the rest of the top safeties on this list due to the struggling season Oklahoma put together last year. However, the safety put together four solid seasons with the Sooners, proving he can be a more than reliable player in any secondary. Bowman Jr. is versatile, and his college experience could pay dividends to him adjusting to the next level.

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6) Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
Kevin Winston Jr. had a big season last year for the Nittany Lions, where he racked up 60 total tackles, five pass defenses, and an interception. Entering 2024, the safety had high expectations, but his season ended following a partially torn ACL. However, Winston Jr. decided to forego his senior season with Penn State and enter the draft, where his draft stock will likely take a hit due to his recovery from injury. Despite that, there's no denying that the defender can play at a high level.

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7) Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
The Ohio State Buckeyes arguably had the most stacked defense in the nation this past year, and one player who was overlooked throughout the team's success is Lathan Ransom. As a key part of the team's secondary, Ramsom put together a career year in his final season with the Buckeyes, totaling 75 tackles, three forced fumbles, two pass defenses, an interception, and a sack. It won't be a shock if the Ohio State standout may be higher on some NFL teams' boards than many realize.
8) Jonas Sanker, Virginia
The Virginia Cavaliers haven't received much recognition over the last couple of years, and as a result, the team's top players haven't received the attention they deserve. One player in particular who hasn't been talked about enough is Jonas Sanker. The safety has had back-to-back solid seasons, and he continues to be a name to monitor as the draft approaches.
9) Jaylen Reed, Penn State
Another talented safety from Penn State in this draft class is Jaylen Reed. The Nittany Lions' standout put together a career year this past season, racking up 98 total tackles, three interceptions, three pass defenses, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. It won't be a shock if Reed finds his draft value increased more and more over the coming month.
10) Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
Hunter Wohler spent four years at Wisconsin, where he emerged as a big-time playmaker over the last two seasons. The safety ended his senior campaign with 71 total tackles and six pass defenses before entering the NFL Draft. Although other names are seemingly getting more love, Wohler has the tools to be an underrated addition in the later rounds of the draft.

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11) Rayuan Lane III, Navy
Navy hasn't always been known for putting out good football prospects, but this season, the program impressed, and their defense was one of the main reasons why. The Midshipmen have a stout defense, and their secondary, led by Rayuan Lane III, won them multiple games. The defender racked up 70 total tackles, four pass defenses, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions during his senior year, and he has a chance to shock people at the next level.
12) Isheem Young, North Texas
Isheem Young spent two seasons at Iowa State before transferring to Ole Miss where he played his last couple of seasons of colleg football. The safety put together solid seasons for both teams. Still, after a down year with the Rebels, Young transferred to North Texas for his final year of eligibility, where he was expected to play a significant role for the Mean Green. Unfortunately, the defender missed the season due to a knee injury, which ultimately lowered his draft value. Despite that, the talent is there, and if he's fully healthy, he could be a steal in the later rounds.
13) Trey Rucker, Oklahoma State
Trey Rucker is one of the super seniors in college football. The defender spent two seasons at Wake Forest before transferring to Oklahoma State and suiting up for an additional four years. However, in his final two seasons with the Cowboys, Rucker quickly made a name for himself with his impressive tackling and ability to track the ball. Between his instincts and experience, he could be a very solid value pick for whichever team lands him.
14) Jordan Clark, Notre Dame
Jordan Clark used every bit of eligibility he could in college, spending five seasons at Arizona State before transferring to Notre Dame for his final year. The Louisiana native put together a solid year in Marcus Freeman's defense, totaling 36 tackles, five pass defense,s and an interception. Seeing how his game translates at the next level will be interesting.
15) Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig, Colorado
Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig was one of the few bright spots for Colorado on defense last year (outside of Travis Hunter), racking up 89 total tackles, three pass defenses, two sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. The safety followed head coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State and quickly proved worth the addition for the Buffaloes. With high motor skills and underrated tackling, Silmon-Craig could be a rising name on draft day.
16) Marques Sigle, Kansas State
Marques Sigle spent two seasons at North Dakota State before transferring to Kansas State ahead of the 2023 season. In his two years with the Wildcats, the safety was a reliable secondary option. Between his solid tackling ability and underrated coverage, Sigle could be a solid late-round draft pick.
17) De'Rickey Wright, Vanderbilt
De'Rickey Wright is one of the more experienced defenders in this draft class. The six-foot-four defender was a reliable secondary option for the Commodores over the last five seasons. Although he never emerged as a top safety in the nation, he has the tools to develop into one at the next level.
18) Brandon Adams, UCF
Brandon Adams spent four seasons at UCF. The defensive back showed flashes throughout college, but he never seemed to put it all together. Adams is talented, but he's a raw prospect. Depending on how he develops at the next level, he could be a solid depth piece in the NFL.
19) Maxen Hook, Toledo
Maxen Hook spent five seasons at Toledo but didn't truly emerge as a reliable player until his sophomore season for the Rockets. Since then, the safety has been a big-time playmaker in the secondary. Hook is a more than solid tackler, and if he can improve his coverage skills at the next level, keep an eye out.
20) Kitan Crawford, Nevada
Kitan Crawford started his college journey at Texas, where he spent four seasons with the Longhorns. Looking to prove he has more to offer, the safety transferred to Nevada before the 2024 season. Crawford quickly proved himself right, putting together a career year totaling 76 tackles, six pass defenses, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. The Texas native has a chip on his shoulder, and if he carries his confidence to the next level, he could be a steal in the draft.
21) Caleb Ransaw, Tulane
Caleb Ransaw spent three years at Troy before transferring to Tulane for his final college season. The safety showed flashes with the Green Wave, but he never put it all together as he had hoped he could when he transferred to the American Conference. Despite that, he has the size and toolset to develop into a quality player at the next level.
22) R.J. Mickens, Clemson
R.J. Mickens is one of the more experienced safety prospects in this upcoming NFL Draft class. The Clemson defender spent five years with the Tigers, where he improved in each season with the team. In his fifth and final season in college, Mickens totaled 76 tackles, seven pass defenses, and two interceptions. It wouldn't be a shock to see the ACC product turn heads in the NFL in the right system.
23) Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
Jordan Hancock spent four seasons at Ohio State, but he never got the chance to earn a sizable role until his junior year. Since earning a role in the Buckeyes' defense, the Georgia native was a key piece in the team's secondary. Not only is Hancock underrated in pass coverage, but his versatility as a run defender and ability to rush on the edge in designed blitzes stood out.
24) Craig Woodson, California
Craig Woodson became a major component of the defense for Cal during his five seasons with the team. The six-foot defensive back has a burst that allows him to close the gap in pass coverage and get downhill to stop the run when needed. With the tools to succeed in the NFL, it wouldn't be a shock to see teams take a chance on Woodson in the later rounds of the draft.
25) Akili Arnold, USC
Akili Arnold used every bit of college eligibility that was made available to him. The safety spent five years at Oregon State before transferring to USC for his final season of college football. The defender proved a reliable tackler, but he also showcased plenty of weaknesses in his game that he must improve to make it to the next level. Despite that, his strengths alone will be enough for him to find his way on an NFL roster to compete for a spot.
26) Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
Dante Trader Jr. has spent the last four seasons at Maryland, where he's consistently proven to be a reliable playmaker in the Terrapins' secondary. The safety racked up 59 tackles, four pass defenses, and one interception in his final season of college. Now, he heads to the NFL Draft.
27) Alijah Clark, Syracuse
Alijah Clark started his college career at Rutgers, where he suited up for one season before transferring to Syracuse in 2022. The six-foot-one safety developed into a consistent playmaker with the Orange, and in his final season, he put enough on film that could make him a solid later-round pick in the draft. Keep an eye on Clark at the next level.
28) Shilo Sanders, Colorado
Shilo Sanders started his college journey at South Carolina before transferring to Jackson State to play under his father and head coach, Deion Sanders. After two seasons, the safety followed his coach to the Big 12 to join the Colorado Buffaloes. With 67 total tackles, two pass defenses, one sack, and a forced fumble this past season, Sanders heads to the draft, hoping to prove he has what it takes to succeed at the next level.
29) Aubrey Burks, West Virginia
Aubrey Burks spent the last four years playing for West Virginia. In his sophomore and junior seasons, the Florida native showed flashes of how impactful he can be. Unfortunately, after a limited time during his senior season, Burks enters the NFL Draft, hoping teams will put more value into his past tape and take the chance on his potential.
30) Kamren Fabiculanan, Washington
Kamren Fabiculanan spent five seasons at Washington, where he quietly developed into a more than adequate defender for the Huskies' secondary. During his final year in college, the six-foot-one safety racked up 54 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass defenses. Now, he heads to the draft hoping to prove he can produce at the next level.
31) Dan Jackson, Georgia
Dan Jackson spent four seasons at Georgia, where he developed into a reliable playmaker for the Bulldogs. The safety totaled 64 tackles, three pass defenses, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Now, he heads to the NFL Draft, where he could be a viable option for a team in the later rounds.
32) Dean Clark, Fresno State
Dean Clark may arguably be the most experienced player in the NFL Draft after spending four seasons at Kent State and two seasons at Fresno State. In his final year with the Bulldogs, the safety racked up 62 tackles, five pass defenses, and two sacks. Clark will be a candidate for a late-round pick.
33) Glendon Miller, Maryland
Glendon Miller enters the NFL Draft after four seasons at Maryland. The six-foot-two safety totaled 39 tackles, three interceptions, and two pass defenses in his final year of college football. Miller has the tools to develop into a quality secondary player at the next level.
34) Keondre Jackson, Illinois State
Keondre Jackson heads to the transfer portal after three impressive seasons at Illinois State. The six-foot-three defensive back is a more than solid tackler, and his instincts in coverage have stood out despite playing for a smaller school. Keep an eye on Jackson in the draft.
35) Malik Verdon, Iowa State
Malik Verdon spent three seasons at Iowa State, but he put his name on the map this past year. The six-foot-four safety put together a career-year with 75 tackles, five pass defenses, one interception, and one sack. Verdon's size and instincts alone could earn him an opportunity at the next level.
36) Jack Henderson, Minnsota
Jack Henderson started his journey at Southeastern Louisiana before transferring to Minnesota after a breakout season in 2022. The Louisiana native quickly proved he could compete at the next level of college competition with back-to-back impressive years with the Golden Gophers. Now, Henderson heads to the NFL, where he hopes he can also prove he can deliver on that level.
37) Quinn Schulte, Iowa
Quinn Schulte spent five seasons at Iowa, but started to stand out in his junior season. The six-foot-one safety has been a key piece for the Hawkeyes' secondary over the last three years, and he's shown flashes of traits that could help him succeed in the NFL. Keep an eye on Schulte in the later rounds.
38) Donovan McMillon, Pitt
Donovan McMillon originally started his college career at Florida before transferring to Pitt, hoping to find a larger role. The safety found a much larger role with the Panthers over the last two seasons, where he's recorded 100+ tackles in each. For teams hoping to secure a reliable tackler in the draft, McMillon could be their guy.
39) Makari Paige, Michigan
Makari Paige heads to the NFL Draft after spending five seasons at Michigan. In his final year with the Wolverines, the six-foot-four safety had 45 total tackles, four pass defenses, and two interceptions. Paige has the size and skillset to be an intriguing developmental prospect at the next level.
40) Major Burns, LSU
Major Burns committed to Georgia out of high school, but quickly realized that breaking through in a stacked Bulldogs secondary may be difficult. The safety transferred down the road to an SEC rival and his hometown team to join LSU. In four seasons with the Tigers, Burns has shown potential that could make him a late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent.
1) Malaki Starks, Georgia
Ranking the Top OL in the 2025 NFL Draft

Malaki Starks comes in at No. 1 as he's considered not just a top safety in this draft class but one of the top players overall. The Georgia product has put together three strong seasons with the Bulldogs, proving his ability against some of the SEC's best players. In his junior season with Georgia, the defender put together some of the best film of any safety, setting the bar high for any other secondary playmaker to overcome.

2025 NFL Draft Rankings: Best 40 Safeties Available

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