There hasn’t been a security drafted within the first spherical of the NFL Draft since 2022, when three of them got here off the board. This 2025 security class has an opportunity to alter that with two potential first-round caliber gamers. This prospect group has star energy on the prime and interesting expertise within the center rounds.
A gaggle of SB Nation’s draft analysts from our 32 NFL group communities ranked their prime safeties within the draft, and this prime 10 is the results of these cumulative rankings.
Our rankings are dropped at you by FanDuel Sportsbook. Enroll as we speak.
10. Malachai Moore, Alabama
Moore is a two-time group captain for the Crimson Tide and supplied high quality manufacturing over his 46 whole begins throughout his profession. Moore is best in protection than run help, however his versatility to play excessive security or nickel provides worth to any group’s roster.
9. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
Ransom has 5 years of taking part in expertise with the Nationwide Champion Buckeyes. He’s extra suited to be a robust security the place he can excel as a bodily participant and tone-setter whereas taking part in downhill.
8. Jonas Sanker, Virginia
Sanker has a pure nostril for the soccer, placing up linebacker-type tackling numbers from the protection place during the last two seasons. Sanker has the measurables to develop right into a starter on the NFL stage, however can contribute as a special-teams ace instantly.
7. Sebastian Castro, Iowa
One voter had him fourth, however everybody else had him a lot decrease. Iowa appears to pump out a draft-worthy DB yearly, and Castro is the subsequent one in line. He lacks the athleticism that a few of his friends have, however his soccer intelligence and aggressive play type are subsequent stage.
6. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
Bowman’s greatest knock is his dimension (5’10”), however his playmaking capability and soccer instincts are simple. His dimension will probably push him down the draft board a bit, however Bowman has the talents to search out his method right into a beginning place early in his profession.
5. Kevin Winston Jr, Penn State
Winston solely has 16 video games of beginning expertise on the collegiate stage, primarily as a result of an ankle harm he suffered final season. He has the prototypical dimension of an NFL security, however he’s a uncooked prospect who nonetheless must develop. His athletic traits go well with him nicely when attacking the road of scrimmage, however his protection expertise and play recognition want extra reps.
4. Andrew Mukaba, Texas
Mukaba is an athletic security who has 4 years of beginning expertise at a significant faculty program. He’s at his finest when he can let his protection savviness information him to the place he must be. His easy footwork and transitions put him in advantageous positions to let his very good ball expertise shine.
3. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Watts obtained essentially the most second-place votes, however didn’t get any first-place votes from our panel. Watts was a consensus All-American in 2023 and 2024 and has the manufacturing to again it up. The Notre Dame standout is the definition of a “ball hawk”, tallying 13 interceptions over the previous two seasons. Watts ought to come off the board on Day 2 of the draft and can contribute straight away.
2. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Emmanwori would be the greatest freak athlete to ever take a look at as a security on the NFL Mix. There aren’t any comparables to his athletic talents — he’s in a category of his personal. He has the traits to excel contained in the field, however he doesn’t all the time play with a harmful mindset. I believe his protection expertise are method higher than most give him credit score for. Emmanwori has the athletic talent set to grow to be an elite NFL participant, however unlocking that potential will rely upon refining his soccer IQ. He barely averted a tie with Starks for first place.
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
Starks edged out Ammawori by the slimmest of margins for the first-place spot. Starks doesn’t have the athleticism Emmanwori does, however is a lot expert sufficient to carry his personal. He’s a subject normal who understands how offenses are attempting to assault the protection and routinely will get himself in good positions to make performs. Starks can be utilized as a deep security excessive and in addition assist in run help. His versatility and playmaking capability ought to have him in a beginning spot from the second he will get drafted.
