Game Changers on Defense: My Top 3 Safeties in the 2025 Draft + a Sleeper Pick
- Duke Doyle
- Mar 1
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 5
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a strong one on the defensive side of the ball, and the safety class has some legit talent. Whether you need a physical enforcer in the box, a rangy ballhawk on the back end, or a versatile do-it-all defender, this group has guys who can make an immediate impact at the next level. Safety play has become more important than ever in today’s NFL, with defenses needing players who can cover ground, force turnovers, and contribute in multiple ways. After diving into the film, I’ve narrowed it down to my top three safeties in this class, guys who stand out not just on tape but also in terms of their NFL upside. But we all know the draft isn’t just about the first-round talent, so I’m also throwing in a mid-round sleeper who’s flying under the radar but has the skill set to be a steal. Let’s break down what makes these guys special and why they could be game changers at the next level.
1. Malaki Starks (S) Georgia, 6’1”, 205lbs
Strengths:
Versatile Coverage Ability: He can play deep, in the box, or in the slot and looks comfortable in all roles. Moves well in space and can match up with tight ends or receivers when needed.
Aggressive in Run Support: Quick to trigger downhill and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the run game. Takes on blocks with physicality and finishes tackles with force.
Range & Closing Speed: His speed allows him to cover a lot of ground on the backend and has the burst to close passing windows quickly. Reacts well to throws and gets downhill in a hurry.
Instincts & Play Recognition: Off his game tape he showcases high-level football IQ. Reads route concepts well and puts himself in position to disrupt plays before they develop.
Ball Skills: Knows how to track the ball in the air and make a play when given the opportunity. Plays the ball like a receiver and has strong hands to finish interceptions.
Weaknesses:
Can Be Overaggressive vs. Play Action: At times, gets caught biting on fakes, which can leave him out of position when quarterbacks manipulate with their eyes.
Technique in Press Needs Refinement: Capable of lining up in the slot and playing press, but quicker receivers can exploit his hand placement and pad level at times.
Leans on Recovery Speed Too Much: Can get caught out of position but relies on his athleticism to make up for it. Needs to tighten up technique and positioning to avoid unnecessary recovery situations.
Pursuit Angles from Deep: Occasionally takes inefficient angles when coming downhill from a high safety alignment, leading to missed chances to make a play on the ball carrier.
Starks is the kind of safety who immediately changes the look of a defense. He has the versatility to play anywhere in the secondary, the range to erase mistakes on the backend, and the physicality to be a force in run support. His ability to read the field, anticipate throws, and make plays on the ball sets him apart. He can drop into deep coverage, rotate into the box, or cover the slot, and he looks natural in all those roles. He plays fast and aggressive, which makes him a weapon in both the pass and run game, but it also leads to occasional lapses in discipline. He’ll need to be more controlled when diagnosing play-action and refine some of the finer details of his press coverage when lined up in the slot. Those are areas that can be coached up, but what can’t be taught is his ability to cover ground, react instantly, and impact the game at every level of the field. Starks has all the makings of a high-end starter early in his career, and his ceiling is as one of the most dynamic safeties in the league. Teams looking for a defensive chess piece who can do it all will see a player with the potential to be a game-changing presence on the backend.
2. Nick Emmanwori (S) South Carolina, 6’3”, 227lbs
Strengths:
Built Like a Prototype Box Safety: At 6’3”, 227lbs, Emmanwori plays with the physicality of a linebacker but moves well enough to handle safety responsibilities. His size allows him to match up against tight ends, take on blockers in the run game, and play with a level of physicality that stands out.
Versatile Role Player: Can line up as a deep safety, drop into the box, or even cover in the slot. Comfortable playing multiple roles, which gives defenses flexibility in their coverage schemes.
Downhill Defender with Pop: When he comes downhill, he’s looking to make a statement. Closes space quickly and delivers forceful hits. He’s a reliable tackler who doesn’t allow many broken tackles.
High Football IQ & Play Recognition: Quick to diagnose plays and react. Reads route concepts well and doesn’t get fooled often by misdirection. His instincts make him a step ahead in coverage and against the run.
Ball Disruptor: He knows how to time his break on the football and play through the receiver’s hands. Can create turnovers by either punching the ball out or jumping passing lanes.
Special Teams Contributor: Has the size and speed to be an instant asset on special teams. Whether covering kicks or blocking on return teams, he plays with the kind of energy that makes a difference.
Weaknesses:
Aggressiveness Can Work Against Him: Plays fast and physical, but at times, he overcommits, which can lead to missed tackles or pursuit angles that take him out of the play. Needs to be more controlled when breaking down in space.
Hips & Change of Direction: Bigger safeties don’t always transition smoothly. Struggles with quick-twitch receivers in space and can get caught flat-footed when asked to turn and run with faster guys.
Range as a Deep Safety: He can handle split-zone responsibilities, but covering deep sideline-to-sideline isn’t his game. Best suited closer to the box or in a role that allows him to stay around the action.
Handsy in Coverage: Can get grabby when trying to recover against quicker route runners. Needs to trust his positioning and avoid unnecessary contact that could lead to penalties.
Emmanwori is the type of safety that brings an edge to a defense. His size, physicality, and downhill play style immediately stand out when watching him. He thrives when he’s allowed to attack. Whether that’s filling lanes against the run, covering bigger targets in the passing game, or making plays near the line of scrimmage. He’s not the kind of safety you want patrolling deep zones full-time, but if you let him play fast and physical, he can be a real difference-maker. His game is built on instincts and power, but he’ll need to tighten up his coverage discipline and work on playing more under control when breaking down in space. The upside is clear, he has the tools to be a high-level box safety and a versatile piece for a defense that wants a physical presence on the backend. With the right role and development, he has the potential to be an early-impact starter and one of the better safeties in this class.
3. Malachi Moore (S) Alabama, 6’0”, 201bs
Strengths:
True Versatile Defensive Back: Moore has lined up at deep safety, in the slot, and even near the box. He’s got the experience and skill set to move around and fill different roles depending on the defensive scheme.
Instincts & Processing Speed: Rarely out of position. Reads route concepts well, understands how to eliminate passing lanes, and has a natural feel for the game that allows him to play a step ahead.
Reliable Tackler in Space: He takes smart angles and rarely whiffs on tackles. Won’t deliver huge hits, but he’s consistent at getting guys on the ground and limiting yards after contact.
Ball Skills & Disruption: Knows how to track the football, plays through the catch point, and has the hands to capitalize when the ball comes his way.
Immediate Special Teams Value: Has contributed in multiple special teams roles and should be an early contributor in that phase while working his way into a full-time defensive role.
Weaknesses:
Not a Physical Presence in the Box: Willing to play near the line, but he’s not the type of safety who’s going to blow up blocks or deliver knockout hits in tight spaces.
Bites on Play Action & Double Moves: Can get caught playing too aggressively at times, allowing savvy quarterbacks and receivers to create separation. Needs to stay more disciplined with his reads.
Struggles Shedding Blocks: When engaged by blockers, he doesn’t always fight off contact quickly, which can take him out of plays in run support.
Limited Playmaking on Blitzes: While he’s effective in coverage, he’s not a high impact blitzer. Doesn’t always time his rushes well or show the ability to shed blocks and create pressure in the backfield.
Moore is a technician at the safety position, and his ability to play multiple roles makes him one of the more valuable defensive backs in this draft. He’s got the intelligence and instincts to be a steady presence in the secondary, whether he’s playing over the top, covering the slot, or helping in run support. He plays fast and processes even faster, putting himself in position to make plays before they fully develop. His best fit is in a defense that values versatility and allows him to move around rather than being locked into one specific role. While he won’t thrive as a full-time box safety or a pure deep-field coverage guy, he’s at his best when he’s allowed to read and react. His ability to process quickly in the secondary gives him a high floor, and even if he’s not the flashiest athlete in the group, he’s the type of player who coaches trust to execute his job at a high level. Moore has all the tools to be an early contributor, whether as a rotational safety or a key special-teams piece. If he lands in a system that maximizes his versatility, he has the potential to develop into a rock-solid starter who brings consistency and intelligence to a secondary.
The Sleeper Pick is…Kitan Crawford (S) Nevada, 5’11”, 206lbs
Strengths:
Versatile Defensive Back: Crawford has played everywhere in the secondary. He can play deep safety, in the box, and in the slot. That versatility allows him to be moved around depending on matchups and gives him value in multiple defensive schemes.
Quick Processor & Instinctive Playmaker: Reacts fast to what’s happening in front of him. Doesn’t waste movement and puts himself in the right spots to make plays against both the run and pass.
Special Teams Impact: A high-energy player on special teams who has blocked kicks and covered punts throughout his career. His ability to contribute in this phase will help him stick on an NFL roster early.
Reliable Tackler: He led Nevada in tackles in 2024 and consistently takes smart angles to the ball carrier. Doesn’t go for big hits, just gets guys on the ground.
Ball Skills & Turnover Production: He knows how to play the ball in the air and take advantage of mistakes. Had two interceptions in 2024, including a pick-six, showing he can capitalize when given the chance.
Weaknesses:
Physicality in Coverage: Gets handsy and aggressive in man coverage at times, which could lead to penalties if he doesn’t clean it up. Needs to trust his positioning and technique more.
Limited High-Pressure Reps: Played well at Nevada but hasn’t had a ton of reps against high-end competition. Adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses could take time.
Man Coverage Technique: Shows flashes but still needs refinement in his footwork and hand placement when asked to cover in the slot or against tight ends.
Can Be Overaggressive in Run Support: Plays fast downhill but can take sharp or inefficient angles, putting himself out of position. Needs to be more under control when closing in on ball carriers.
Crawford is a competitive, high-energy safety who brings versatility, instincts, and special teams value to an NFL roster. He’s played all over the secondary, showing he can handle different responsibilities depending on the matchup. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and react makes him a reliable defender, and he’s a consistent tackler who doesn’t let plays get past him. What makes Crawford stand out is his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He’s a smart, tough safety who plays fast and physical, but he’s also shown he can create turnovers and contribute on special teams. He’ll need to tighten up his man coverage technique and be more disciplined in run support, but the tools are there for him to develop into a key rotational safety with a chance to grow into a starting role. If a team is looking for a do-it-all safety who can contribute on defense and special teams from Day 1, Crawford is an intriguing option. He plays with an edge, competes on every snap, and has the skill set to carve out a role in the league.
