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The 2025 safety class offers a strong mix of versatility, physicality, and coverage ability, making it one of the more well-rounded groups in recent years. While it may not feature multiple first-round locks, it is led by Georgia’s Malaki Starks and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, both of whom possess the rare blend of athleticism and instincts that make them immediate impact players at the next level. Starks is a true playmaker with elite range and man-to-man ability, while Emmanwori is a hybrid safety-linebacker with the size and physicality to thrive in multiple roles.
Beyond the top names, this class is filled with quality depth, offering a variety of skill sets that cater to different defensive schemes. From ball-hawking safeties who excel in coverage to physical enforcers who can operate in the box, teams will have plenty of options on all three days of the draft. While the elite, can’t-miss prospects may be fewer than in some past years, the overall talent level provides NFL teams with the opportunity to find productive contributors at various points in the draft.
2025 NFL Draft: Safety Rankings
Near Elite Tier - 1st Round Projection
1) Malaki Starks | Georgia | Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 205 lbs
Player Comparison: Jessie Bates III
Analysis: Starks is an elite, scheme-versatile safety with range, physicality, and ball skills to excel in any defensive system. His NFL-ready tackling and instincts allow him to play single-high, split-zone, or box safety. Needs to refine eye discipline and pursuit angles to maximize his impact.
High-End Starter Potential - 2nd/3rd Round Projection
2) Nick Emmanwori | South Carolina | Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 227 lbs
Player Comparison: Divine Deablo
Analysis: Emmanwori is a supersized, physical defensive back with the versatility to play hybrid safety-linebacker roles. His length, speed, and tackling ability make him a tone-setting presence against the run, while his coverage skills allow him to match up against tight ends. Needs refinement in man coverage transitions.
3) Xavier Watts | Notre Dame | Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 198 lbs
Player Comparison: Harrison Smith
Analysis: Watts is a high-IQ safety with elite ball skills and anticipation. His route recognition, quick trigger, and physicality in run support make him a natural playmaker. Lacks top-end deep speed but thrives in split-zone and Cover 3 systems.
4) Kevin Winston Jr. | Penn State | Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 205 lbs
Player Comparison: Not Available
Analysis: Winston Jr. is a long, physical safety who excels in box safety, nickel, and Cover 3 strong safety roles. His tackling and pursuit speed make him a strong run defender, but he needs to improve deep coverage consistency.
Mid-Level Starter Potential - 4th/5th Round Projection
5) Andrew Mukuba | Texas | Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 185 lbs
Player Comparison: Julian Blackmon
Analysis: Mukuba is a rangy free safety who thrives in zone-heavy schemes. His instincts, ball skills, and fluidity make him a natural deep-field defender, but his lean frame limits his effectiveness in the box.
6) Sebastian Castro | Iowa | Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 205 lbs
Player Comparison: Desmond King
Analysis: Castro is a versatile, high-IQ defensive back with strong tackling ability and slot coverage skills. His processing, physicality, and ball production make him an NFL-ready nickel, though he lacks elite recovery speed.