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By Dane Brugler Feb 22, 2019
The class of safeties in the 2019 NFL Draft isn’t as deep as other positions, but the allure of this year’s safeties is the diverse options.
Need a traditional single high? Delaware’s Nasir Adderley fits the mold.
Looking for a downhill thumper? Mississippi State’s Johnathan Abram is the prototype.
The ideal nickel defender for today’s NFL? Florida’s Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is for you.
This crop of safeties offers a little bit of everything with several future NFL starters on this list.
These rankings are based on tape study and all-star games and will be updated and expanded after the scouting combine (along with testing numbers and round projection). The number in parentheses after each prospect’s date of birth is his age (to the nearest hundredth) on draft day. 1. Nasir Adderley, Delaware (6-0, 195, 4.46)
Philadelphia, Pa. (Great Valley), Senior, 5/31/1997 (age 21.92)
Strengths: Cornerback athleticism with quick feet and fluid change of direction … outstanding drive quickness and closing speed … flashes an extra gear to cover the sideline … instinctive and quick to sort and react … displays the ball skills of a former wide receiver (nine interceptions the past two seasons) … magnet to the ball in run defense … strong hands to finish tackles in the open field … competes with an edge and the required toughness for the position, bouncing back from physical hits … added return duties to his resume, including a highlight-reel 92-yard touchdown return as a senior … extensive experience at every position in the secondary with top intangibles.
Weaknesses: Shredded physique but lacks ideal bulk and growth potential for the position … inconsistent in press-man due to impatient feet … fluid mover but lacks natural explosion to easily recover from a false step … needs to keep his vision in the right place … his aggressive playstyle tends to backfire, falling for ball fakes and eye manipulation … will occasionally throw his shoulder instead of wrapping as a tackler … limited experience against top-tier competition.
Summary: A four-year starter at Delaware, Adderley, who played safety in high school, signed with the Blue Hens as a cornerback and played there his first two seasons before going to the coaches as a junior and suggesting the move to safety. He played primarily single high, but has experience across the secondary and was the only player in the country with 160-plus tackles and 9-plus interceptions over the past two seasons. Adderley has Hall-of-Fame bloodlines as the cousin of Herb Adderley, who is an important role model to Nasir and they talk “three or four” times a week. Several NFL teams won’t draft safeties below 200-pounds, but he runs the alley with conviction and finishes in space. Overall, Adderley has the bad habit of taking the cheese, but he has the essential ingredients of a starting NFL free safety with his play speed, toughness and ball skills, projecting best in a single-high role. 2. Taylor Rapp, Washington (6-0, 215, 4.57)
Bellingham, Wash. (Sehome), Junior, 12/22/1997 (age 21.35)
Strengths: Highly intelligent and quick to diagnose … understands football geometry and he doesn’t misjudge angles … short-area quickness to cleanly redirect his momentum … excellent closing burst vs. the run … controlled tackler, squaring his target, staying low and finishing with strong hands … accurate strike zone to create stopping power at contact … fearless and willingly sticks his nose in the fire … maneuvers through congestion without creating a 12-car pile-up … active blitzer … physical to the ball in coverage … extra effort and toughing out injuries are standard for him … double-digit starts each of his three seasons in college.
Weaknesses: Good play speed, but not twitchy and lacks elite range … needs to improve his pedal and transition technique … more of a battering ram downhill and needs to better use his hands to work off contact … didn’t play in the Rose Bowl after suffering a hip injury in the Pac-12 Championship Game (Dec. 2018); suffered a hairline fracture in his left hand (March 2016).
Summary: A three-year starter at Washington, Rapp was a versatile chess piece in the middle of the field for the Huskies, lining up at linebacker, nickel and both safety spots throughout his career. When drafted, he will be the second (and likely the highest) Chinese-American selected in the NFL Draft (OL Ed Wang was a fifth-rounder in 2010 and played four seasons in the NFL). Rapp is one of the “smartest guys I’ve ever coached,” according to Huskies defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and his instincts and intelligence are the first traits that stand out on film. He is always in chase mode (doesn’t know how to turn it off) and won’t make mental mistakes. Overall, there are better athletes in this safety class, but Rapp’s smarts, toughness vs. the run and ability to handle coverage responsibilities make him a high-floor prospect, projecting as a long-term NFL starting safety. 3. Deionte Thompson, Alabama (6-2, 199, 4.56)
Orange, Texas (West Orange-Stark), RS Junior, 2/11/1997 (age 22.21)
Strengths: Tall, long frame … rangy and covers a lot of real estate … excellent drive quickness, closing on routes … clean footwork and hip action in his pedal … makes athletic adjustments on the football … natural ball skills and timing … reads the quarterback and trusts what he sees … aggressive hands to get physical at the top of routes or fight off blocks … physical in run defense, looking to wrap and drive … fearless running the alley and plants ball carriers in the hole … studious player and coaches have to kick him out of the film room … graduated with his degree in environmental science (August 2018).
Weaknesses: Lean-limbed and lacks ideal body armor … inconsistent eye discipline and can be caught out of position … guilty of false steps … late to diagnose route combinations at the snap … inconsistent habits as a run defender leads to missed tackles … struggles to calm his feet and come to balance on the move … limited experience as a blitzer … character isn’t considered an issue, but he was arrested (April 2017) and indicted on one count of felony aggravated assault for his role in a spring break fight, but the charges were later dropped.
Summary: A one-year starter at Alabama, Thompson was the only returning defensive back with starting experience in 2018 (made two starts in the 2017 College Football Playoff when Hootie Jones suffered a knee injury) and started all 15 games at free safety, lining up single high and covering the slot receiver in man coverage. He understands route timing and has an instinctive feel for what the offense is trying to do. Thompson’s tackling doesn’t always look textbook against the run, but he usually gets his man on the ground. While he has the physical mentality to be a reliable run defender, his lack of bulk leads to durability concerns. Overall, Thompson has the athletic range and ball skills desired in a center-field safety, but he must develop a more disciplined approach with his eyes and tackling technique to lock down a starting free safety role. 4. Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State (5-11, 205, 4.55)
Columbia, Miss. (East Marion), Senior, 10/25/1996 (age 22.51)
Strengths: Good-looking athlete and fills out his uniform well … doesn’t lack for play speed or physicality and looks like a missile making cross-field stops … plays with a touch of insanity and closes with thump … adequate field vision and reaction skills to identify things quickly … clean pedal and change of direction when asked to play man coverage … flies down the field with violent intentions on special teams coverages … powers through blocks as a blitzer … considered one of the team leaders on the field and behind the scenes … graduated with his degree in business and marketing (December 2018).
Weaknesses: Overaggressive pursuit leads to off-balance and missed tackle attempts in space … inconsistent strike zone, corralling high or chopping low … bad habit of leading with his helmet, going for the blow up hit instead of the sure tackle … inconsistent hand use near the line of scrimmage and can be taken out of plays … has the athleticism for man coverage, but gets grabby and shows marginal instincts, especially with his back to the ball … doesn’t have a feel for spacing and the quarterback will attack him when left alone in single coverage … physical play leads to durability concerns – shoulder injury was flagged during Senior Bowl medicals.
Summary: A two-year starter at Mississippi State, Abram played field safety for the Bulldogs and was an enforcer on both defense and special teams coverages. He runs the alley like a speeding bullet, but doesn’t consistently come to balance and his aggressive play style is his best and most worrisome quality. Although he reacts well and plays with boundless energy, Abram struggles to anticipate and is at his best where he can run and hit. Overall, Abram is not the type of safety who will sniff out routes and thrive on instincts, but he is a tempo-setter with the fast and physical appetite to hunt, projecting as a starting NFL strong safety and at-worst a special teams standout. 5. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida (5-11, 202, 4.48)
Cocoa, Fla. (Cocoa), Junior, 12/20/1997 (age 21.36)
Strengths: Terrific athleticism and chase speed … looks like he was shot out of a cannon when closing … excellent pre-snap recognition … sniffs out screens to beat blockers to the spot … takes aggressive routes in coverage … when he had a chance at the interception, he took advantage with nine picks in college … playmaker with the ball in his hands, averaging 33.4 yards per interception return with three touchdowns … experienced blitzer with speed to chase from the backside … toughness to set the edge near the line of scrimmage … well-versed on special teams, finishing second on the team in special teams tackles in 2018 … doesn’t lack for confidence, but is also accountable and developed more of a leadership voice as a junior … experienced at safety, nickel and outside cornerback.
Weaknesses: Shorter than ideal with average bulk for the position … unbalanced transition skills and struggles vs. route technicians … undisciplined eyes and falls for eye candy … inconsistent man-to-man technique … average at best play strength and spends too much time hung up on perimeter blocks … struggles to calm his feet, square up the ball carrier and finish when in motion … often needs help to finish tackles to the ground.
Summary: A three-year starter at Florida, Gardner-Johnson arrived in Gainesville as a highly touted corner but moved to safety during his true freshman season, becoming a full-time starter in 2017 when Marcell Harris suffered a season-ending injury. Gardner-Johnson moved to the “STAR” position in Todd Grantham’s five-man secondary in 2018, playing primarily a nickel role where he looked much more comfortable than a traditional safety spot. He was one of the leaders on the Florida defense, actively getting his teammates lined up and communicating play calls. He has proven flexibility in the secondary, both athletically and mentally, to play multiple spots. Overall, Gardner-Johnson needs to dial back his aggressive nature to be a more consistent finisher, but he is a play-disruptor with the way he reads and flies around the field, projecting as an ideal nickel in today’s NFL. 6. Juan Thornhill, Virginia (6-1, 202, 4.54)
Altavista, Va. (Altavista), Senior, 10/19/1996 (age 22.53)
Strengths: Long, rangy size … smooth shuffle and clean redirection in space … comfortable in man-to-man, using physicality and contact balance to attach and ride patterns … recognizes route concepts and has the diagnose skills of a former quarterback … flashes the reaction quickness to drive and undercut routes … above-average tracking, judgment and ball skills (his 13 career interceptions rank sixth best in school history) … averaged 13.6 yards per interception return (13/177/0) … doesn’t lack for toughness as a tackler and takes proper pursuit angles … graduated with his bachelor’s degree (December 2018) … versatile experience with 36 starts spread between cornerback (22) and safety (14).
Weaknesses: Lanky and lacks a prototypical build for an NFL safety … lacks twitchy turn-and-run skills … not a burner … inconsistent take-on skills downhill … doesn’t back down as a tackler, but arrives hot and needs to improve his strike zone … overly patient with his reads and would like to see him take more chances … grabby downfield, attracting holding calls.
Summary: A three-year starter at Virginia, Thornhill arrived in Charlottesville as a safety before moving outside to corner his sophomore and junior seasons. He moved to the “Sabre” strong safety position as a senior and led the team in tackles (98) and interceptions (6), playing everywhere from nickel to single high to linebacker (showed he can just as easily press as he can play from deep positioning). Thornhill, who wears No. 21 for Sean Taylor, lacks suddenness or elite speed, but he has a smooth lower body and doesn’t get off balance in his movements. He has plus anticipation and ball skills, but will take the worst of hits when his tackling technique isn’t perfect. Overall, Thornhill is more smooth than sudden, which causes him to be a beat late at times, but his instincts, field range and roster versatility are strong selling points, projecting as a high alignment safety who can walk down and cover slot receivers. 7. Darnell Savage, Maryland (5-11, 199, 4.49)
Newark, Del. (Caravel Academy), Senior, 7/30/1997 (age 21.75)
Strengths: Sudden athlete with twitchy reflexes … exceptional click-and-close burst to drive on throws … understands combination routes with heightened awareness to developing plays … excellent range as a run defender … throws his body around as a tackler, with strong hands to make ankle tackles … knack for avoiding road blocks mid-pursuit … adequate ball skills and set a career best with four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) as a senior … competes through the whistle and rarely leaves the field (started the final 29 games of his career), also playing on special teams … team captain and coaches speak highly of his workmanship attitude.
Weaknesses: Undersized frame and length with limited growth potential … marginal point-of-attack strength … can get boxed out by large-framed receivers … often plays too aggressive in the run game, not breaking down or slowing his momentum to finish … too much of a hugger with inconsistent tackling technique and strike zone … bites on misdirection and fakes, abandoning his post … better feel for inside routes than outside breaking patterns … didn’t have great ball production.
Summary: A three-year starter at Maryland, Savage started his career at corner before moving to safety the last three seasons, seeing reps across the secondary. Although he looks more like a cornerback than a safety and the lack of size gives you pause, his play speed and cover instincts jump off the tape. Savage has awesome closing burst, but he shows it off too much because of his overaggressive tendencies. Overall, Savage’s undersized frame won’t fit every scheme and his aggressive style works against him at times, but he has the requisite athleticism, awareness and toughness to play a versatile nickel role in the NFL. 8. Amani Hooker, Iowa (6-0, 210, 4.66)
Minneapolis, Minn. (Park Center), Junior, 6/14/1998 (age 20.88)
Strengths: Thick, well-put-together frame … controlled mover and rarely false steps … quick to sort things out with above average instincts … takes calculated angles vs. both the pass and the run, finding the quickest route from A to B … reliable open-field tackler and strikes through his target … finds an extra gear when he looks to close … excellent read/react skills to identify, leverage or undercut routes … finds the ball in flight and has knack for timing … always ball searching, before and after the catch … versatile experience with starts at free safety, strong safety and hybrid Sam linebacker.
Weaknesses: Ordinary athleticism and long speed … movements lack any semblance of burst … struggles to close the gap once receivers gain a step … limited man coverage abilities vs. vertical slot … doesn’t have the play range to properly cover both sidelines from single-high alignment … not scheme-diverse … missed three games as a sophomore with a leg injury (November 2017).
Summary: A two-year starter at Iowa, Hooker proved to be a versatile chess piece in Phil Parker’s 4-2-5 defense, playing primarily field safety and a hybrid Sam/Star linebacker role. He became the fourth Hawkeye to win the Big Ten’s top defensive back award over the last seven seasons, joining Micah Hyde (2012), Desmond King (2015) and Josh Jackson (2017). Hooker is quick to read run/pass and puts himself in position to make plays with his ability to sense what is about to happen. That anticipation helps mask his lack of athletic twitch, but his speed/range limitations will be amplified vs. NFL-level skill weapons. Overall, it is tough to overlook Hooker’s lack of top-shelf athletic traits, but he plays with plus technique, mental processing and FBI, displaying NFL starter potential as an undersized outside linebacker or strong safety in a zone scheme. 9. Malik Gant, Marshall (6-1, 202, 4.44)
Washington, D.C. (H.D. Woodson), RS Junior, 5/29/1997 (age 21.92)
Strengths: Above-average play speed and covers ground … balanced athlete with clean redirection skills in man coverage … looks comfortable in his pedal, flipping his hips and running with receivers vertically … excellent drive reflexes, reading the eyes of the quarterback and attacking … looks to tune up his target, exploding into contact with apt timing … low, controlled hits, putting his helmet into the midsection of the receiver and cutting him in half … speedy angles and ankle flexion to avoid blocks on screens … gets physical at the top of routes … highly production the past two seasons and was voted the team’s MVP in 2018
Weaknesses: Lean, slender frame, lacking ideal body armor … instincts run hot/cold … overaggressive in his movements, attacking before reading … marginal ball skills and not a proven playmaker when the ball is in the air … only average play strength and sticks to blocks mid-pursuit … more of a hitter than technically-sound wrap-up tackler, leading to misses in one-on-one opportunities.
Summary: A two-year starter at Marshall, Gant was the boundary safety in the Thundering Herd’s secondary, often retreating at the snap into a single-high position. A former walk-on, he earned a scholarship following his breakout performance during 2017 spring drills, totaling 195 tackles the past two seasons (only FBS player in 2018 with at least 90 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, five passes defended and two interceptions). Gant looks like he is playing at a different speed than everyone else on the Marshall defense, competing with Red Bull in his veins and impressive finishing skills. He loves to hit and play physical vs. the run, but his coverage awareness is still on the basement level. Overall, Gant needs to become more disciplined and improve his instincts vs. the pass, but he has outstanding play speed and the attitude necessary to make plays at every level of the field, projecting as a depth piece and reliable special teamer while he competes for a role in the secondary. 10. Mike Bell, Fresno State (6-3, 205, 4.55)
Moreno Valley, Calif. (Citrus Hill), RS Junior, 12/12/1997 (age 21.38)
Strengths: Quick to unlock his hips, run and expand his range … loose movements and his cornerback background is clear … drive timing to read/react and arrive with the ball … quick to read front-facing routes, getting a head start … finds the football with the long arms to take away passing lanes … shows a knack for attacking at the highest point … active run defender and avoids blockers downhill, finding the correct gaps to fill … competes with unforced bravado and swagger that his teammates respond to.
Weaknesses: Needs to refine his technique to be more reliable vs. the run … puts himself in position to make stops, but drops his eyes and throws his body, resulting in missed tackles … too many ankle-biting attempts, leaving his feet too early … tends to attack before diagnosing, making him susceptible to pumps and hesitation routes … doesn’t have the make-up speed to routinely recover after false steps … inconsistent ball skills, finding the ball but not always finishing interceptions … missed the first two games of his sophomore season to injury (August 2017).
Summary: A two-year starter at Fresno State, Bell started his college career at corner before moving to free safety to fit team need, starting each of the last two seasons. His production steadily increased over his career, setting career bests in 2018 with 86 tackles, 11 passes defended and three interceptions. Bell moves well for the position and can leverage the field off the hash with the reaction quickness to expand his range. He doesn’t lack for toughness and makes his presence felt as a run defender, but his technique is troublesome and leads to mistakes. Overall, Bell needs to improve his discipline in all facets if he hopes to carve out a long NFL career, but his movement skills and eagerness to make plays are promising building blocks, projecting as a special teamer with NFL starting potential.