The 2025 NFL Draft class is Leading to take shape, and that means we’re getting a clearer picture of some of the top prospects and the position groups with the most depth.
The running back, Close-fitting end and offensive Commitment positions seem to be the deepest and strongest on the offensive side of the ball. On Protection, the edge defender group is as deep as we’ve seen in Numerous years, dominating the projected top 50. There are also more impact Guarding Safeties this year than a year ago, with plenty of options on all three Intervals of the draft, specifically on Intervals 2 and 3.
Here are PFF’s top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with some Primary scouting notes courtesy of lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema.
For the Packed ranking of draft prospects, along with their three-year player grades and position rankings, click here.
1. S Malaki Starks, Georgia
PFF Big board rank: 9
Starks was a playmaker in the SEC for three straight seasons. He brings Excellent football IQ, tackling and movement ability to Shift Unoccupied, Sturdy and slot. He isn’t a Scarce Rival, but he’s a Leading-caliber player for the backend of any Protection.
2. S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
PFF Big board rank: 39
Watts is the best ball-hawking safety in this class thanks to his intelligence and ability to break on the football. That will have him drafted somewhere on Day 2, even with his tackling woes.
3. S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
PFF Big board rank: 45
Emmanwori is a tricky prospect who will require a leap of faith, considering where he’s likely to be drafted. His Best Vigor and playmaking ability suggest his ceiling could be on par with a player like Kerby Joseph, but his underwhelming box Shift and questionable technique and instincts are more reminiscent of Isaiah Simmons, who was drafted in the Primary Period in 2020 but has struggled to find a natural NFL position.
4. S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
PFF Big board rank: 84
Winston’s tape and the Vigor that he showed off in 2023 Created him a prospect worthy of going in the Primary Period. While his recent Wound muddies his projection, he’s Yet one of the top safeties Obtainable if he can fully recover.
5. S Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
PFF Big board rank: 94
Toughness and tenacity are Ransom’s calling cards, which he makes Excellent use of in all facets of the game. While he may lack the tools some other prospects have, he has the instincts and Perception to make up for it.
6. S Andrew Mukuba, Texas
PFF Big board rank: 95
Mukuba’s lacking Stretch-Protection Ability set may turn off some Squads, but his instincts and Vigor in coverage make him a top prospect. His game is reminiscent of Devin McCourty, who excelled as a Correct Unoccupied safety later in his Profession with the Patriots but had the savviness to make plays from a variety of alignments because of his football intelligence.
7. S Sebastian Castro, Iowa
PFF Big board rank: 102
Scouting summary coming soon!
8. S Jonas Sanker, Virginia
PFF Big board rank: 114
Scouting summary coming soon!
9. S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
PFF Big board rank: 149
Whoever drafts Bowman will have to live with his tackling woes. If you can get over that, you’ll get a versatile coverage defender who is a big-Shift machine.
10. S Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
PFF Big board rank: 165
Scouting summary coming soon!
11. S Caleb Ransaw, Tulane
PFF Big board rank: 190
Ransaw is a bigger, stronger nickel defender who brings reliable tackling and Stretch Assist. However, concerns about his coverage anticipation and quickness may push him toward Competing safety rather than nickel at the Upcoming level.
12. S Akili Arnold, USC
PFF Big board rank: 206
Scouting summary coming soon!
13. S Dean Clark, Fresno State
PFF Big board rank: 215
Clark lacks difference-making NFL explosiveness and Quickening, but he is an experienced and versatile safety prospect who can be a valuable depth player as a Sturdy safety and can operate in a two-high safety system.
14. S Alijah Clark, Syracuse
PFF Big board rank: 218
Scouting summary coming soon!
15. S Kitan Crawford, Nevada
PFF Big board rank: 224
Scouting summary coming soon!
16. S R.J. Mickens, Clemson
PFF Big board rank: 227
Scouting summary coming soon!
17. S Craig Woodson, California
PFF Big board rank: 232
Scouting summary coming soon!
18. S Malachi Moore, Alabama
PFF Big board rank: 234
Scouting summary coming soon!
19. S Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
PFF Big board rank: 237
Scouting summary coming soon!
20. S Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
PFF Big board rank: 257
Scouting summary coming soon!
21. S Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
PFF Big board rank: 258
Scouting summary coming soon!
22. S Dan Jackson, Georgia
PFF Big board rank: 263
Scouting summary coming soon!
23. S Aubrey Burks, West Virginia
PFF Big board rank: 269
Scouting summary coming soon!
24. S Shilo Sanders, Colorado
PFF Big board rank: 283
Scouting summary coming soon!
25. S Marques Sigle, Kansas State
PFF Big board rank: 285
Scouting summary coming soon!
26. S De’Rickey Wright, Vanderbilt
PFF Big board rank: 287
Scouting summary coming soon!
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