2024 NFL Draft Bible: Safeties

For exclusive live coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit be sure to follow @NFLDraftBible

The 2024 NFL Draft Bible features over 700 prospects ranked and 125+ player profiles. Presented By Sports Management Worldwide — Now Offering PFF Ultimate Online Class

RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION

1. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota, 6-1, 199, 4.62, Rd1

When it comes to production and versatility, Nubin has proven to be a spark plug for the Gophers. A team captain, Nubin finished his college career with 13 interceptions, along with 207 tackles. His ability to play either safety position, line up at linebacker, or in the slot, makes him a defensive chess piece that can be moved all over the field. The influence of Nubin has led to a culture change in Minnesota under head coach PJ Fleck. 

“I think my leadership style is something that I can bring to the NFL and what I learned as a leader at Minnesota,” Nubin stated at the combine. “I'm a confrontational guy. I'm somebody that's not afraid to speak up when you need to but I'm also a guy that knows when to step back and learn and to listen.”

2. Kamren Kinchens, Miami, 5-11, 203, 4.62, Rd2

In terms of pure instincts, a true ball-hawk safety with 11 interceptions over the past two seasons, including two pick-six returns. He’s also a reliable open-field tackler, registering 59 tackles in each of the past two years. The criticism of Kinchens is that he ran a rather pedestrian 4.65 forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which could see him plummet in the draft. 

The league made a similar mistake on All-Pro Kyle Hamilton a couple of years ago due to questionable timed speed. Based on recent draft trends, NFL evaluators have struggled mightily on how to identify when football intelligence and instincts outweigh lack of straight-line speed. Should Kinchens suddenly fall to round three, would New England consider him a possibility? He did play for Pats personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith at Miami. Kinchens shed some perspective on the impact Highsmith has had on him as a player.

“Alonzo Highsmith is [my biggest critic] and he ain't gonna hold back for nothing,” Kinchens stated. “That's just the person he is. He's going to make sure you know every little detail of what you're doing wrong. He might not congratulate you a lot unless you do something real good but he's going to keep you humble.”

3. Cole Bishop, Utah, 6-2, 206, 4.45, Rd2

Looking for a tight end eraser? Enter, Cole Bishop. At 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, Bishop runs like the wind and owns tremendous closing speed (timed at 4.40 at the combine with a 39” vertical jump). It was notable that he specifically referenced those classic daily battles in practice with Kincaid.

“I think my ability to cover tight ends,” Bishop replied when asked about his greatest strength. “I think I do that better than a lot of people. My versatility to play free or strong [safety] and my intelligence, I feel like I’m a smart player. Covering Dalton Kincaid every day in practice makes it a lot easier to cover other guys.”