The Post ranks the top 10 safeties in 2022 NFL Draft

The Publish’s Ryan Dunleavy offers his prime 10 safeties on this yr’s NFL draft, primarily based on evaluations and conversations with individuals across the league:

1. Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame, 6-4, 220 kilos

Should you imagine in “generational” prospects, Hamilton is one. May very well be first security drafted in prime 4 picks since 1991. Top, size and vary mixture looks like he covers complete discipline. Gradual 40-yard sprint (4.56 seconds) is simply knock.

2. Daxton Hill, Michigan, 6-0, 192 kilos

Can cowl within the slot or patrol heart discipline. If he’s within the slot, be careful for the blitz. If he’s deep, watch the closing velocity with the jarring hit to knock the ball unfastened.

3. Lewis Cine, Georgia, 6-2, 200 kilos

Downhill security who packs better-than-expected punch at his measurement and might be an eighth defender within the field. Performed in all 39 video games in final three seasons. May get uncovered by receiving tight ends.

4. Jalen Pitre, Baylor, 5-11, 196 kilos

Linebacker Jalen Pitre #8 of the Baylor Bears signals for a safety
Baylor’s Jalen Pitre
Getty Photographs

Former beginning linebacker who turned an enormous slot again. Nostril for the ball seen in three sacks, three fumble recoveries, three compelled fumbles and two interceptions final season. Performed all particular groups models as a senior.

5. Bryan Prepare dinner, Cincinnati, 6-1, 210 kilos

Took lengthy highway full of exhausting work after transferring from Howard, sitting out a season and shifting from cornerback. Surefire tackler who leads along with his shoulder, which, not coincidentally, wanted offseason surgical procedure.

6. Jaquan Brisker, Penn State, 6-1, 200 kilos

Former No. 1-ranked JUCO recruit practically entered 2021 draft however benefited significantly from a return to high school. Two-year starter in Massive Ten who will shed blocks however is restricted, due to protection deficiencies, to robust security.

7. Nick Cross, Maryland, 6-0, 215 kilos

Cross giveth, Cross taketh away. Performs an aggressive fashion that helps create takeaways however is prone to letting the ball get behind him. All the time searching for an enormous hit, generally forgetting to wrap.

Maryland Terrapins defensive back Nick Cross (3) brings down Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver
Maryland’s Nick Cross
Getty Photographs

8. Verone McKinley III, Oregon, 5-10, 196 kilos

Is aware of learn how to learn a quarterback’s eyes: Led Pac-12 in interceptions twice, together with final season (six) as tops in FBS. Will develop into a younger chief so long as his play earns teammates’ respect.

9. JT Woods, Baylor, 6-2, 188 kilos

Good instincts produced 9 interceptions (and 22.3 yards per return) over the previous two seasons (plus one other within the Senior Bowl). Not many safeties run a 4.36-second 40-yard sprint, so no drawback with hybrid tight ends.

10. Kerby Joseph, Illinois, 6-1, 200 kilos

Couldn’t crack the defensive lineup for 2 years earlier than attempting receiver after which having 5 interceptions as a single-high security in 2021. Wealth of particular groups expertise, together with as a punt gunner.

Late Riser

Hill: Regarded like a one-safety first spherical till the pre-draft course of. Increasingly groups are utilizing nickel personnel as base protection and Hill covers like a cornerback. May sneak into prime 20 picks.

Falling Quick

Smoke Monday, Auburn, 6-2, 199 kilos: Nice identify that matches a high-intensity participant who flies across the discipline. Can’t conceal a number of the inconsistencies he confirmed as a two-year starter. What’s his finest NFL place? Nobody is aware of.

Small-Faculty Surprise

Percy Butler, Louisiana-Lafayette 6-0, 192 kilos: Covers numerous floor along with his monitor velocity. No surprise he's a core particular teamer, together with a punt gunner. Hardly ever out of place however generally absorbs extra of the hit than he delivers.

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