2025 NFL Draft: S Rankings (Preseason Edition)

Just one safety has been chosen on Day 1 of the NFL Draft during the past five years. Can the Class of 2025 reverse the curse? All Access Football previews the top eligible safeties in the nation.

Ric Serritella

Jul 19, 2024

Volume XXIV Edition XIII | 2025 NFL Draft S Preview

In this edition of the All Access Football Newsletter:

Top 30 S Prospects For 2025 NFL Draft
Safeties By Decade & Latest Draft Trends
AAF Zoom Room Hangout July 26 @ 9pm

2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DT | ER | LB | CB

SMWW FOOTBALL GM & SCOUTING COURSE

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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: SAFETIES BY DECADE

A prototype safety will serve as the last line of defense but also solidify the middle of your defense against the run or pass. Once upon a time, in NFL yesteryear, premier safeties were used as hammers. Players such as Ed Reed of the Ravens (2002), Troy Polamalu of the Steelers (2003) and Bob Sanders of the Colts (2004) dominated the early 2000s.

The 2010s decade would welcome impact safeties such as ballhawk Earl Thomas of the Seahawks (2010) and the savvy Eric Berry of the Chiefs (2010), along with an Eric Weddle (2007) who was in the midst of his prime (Chargers, Ravens and Rams) that would develop into a long, successful career.

With the exception of Berry, whose career was interrupted by cancer and injuries, all of the safeties mentioned above won a Super Bowl ring!

The next wave of stud safeties include young guns such as 23-year old Kyle Hamilton of the Ravens and 25-year old Antoine Winfield of the Buccaneers, who were joined by veteran Jessie Bates of the Falcons (age 27) as NFL All Pro selections in 2023.

Amazingly, the aforementioned Hamilton is the only true safety to hear his name called on Day 1 of the NFL Draft since 2020. There’s a very good chance we can see the Class of 2025 buck that trend.

2025 NFL DRAFT PRESEASON BIG BOARD: SAFETY

The NFL craves interchangeable parts at the safety position. It’s required to be able to cover well versus the pass, plus step up against the run. Being able to play both safety spots, or safety and slot and at times, even linebacker are all duties that may be required.

One safety capable of doing all of the above would be Malachi Starks of Georgia. He displays elite ball skills and owns track speed. Bulldogs Kirby Smart has stated that he could be a full-time corner. Starks was the only player not already in his third college season to make the AP All-America first team defense last season and could become the first two-time All-American safety from Georgia since John Little (1985-86). He will be coming off shoulder surgery, so scouts will want to see him bulk up a bit as he transitions to the pros.

No one does the old bait and hook better than Oklahoma ball-hawk safety Billy Bowman who had six interceptions a year ago, including three pick-six returns! While he’s considered undersized by NFL standards, there is some Tyrann Mathieu to his game. When discussing the aforementioned utility role, Ohio State defender Sonny Styles provides the ability to slide into the STAR role and erase big target tight ends.

Keep an eye on FCS All-American Cole Wisniewski. The North Dakota State product could have sought out NIL money and a transferred-up but opted to remain with the Bison after recording 92 tackles and eight interceptions last season. A former high school quarterback, Wisniewski spent his first three seasons at linebacker before converting to safety.

Malaki Starks, Georgia, Jr, 6010, 205, 4.48
Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State, Jr, 6016, 203, 4.50
Billy Bowman, Oklahoma, Sr, 5100, 191, 4.48 | photo: Oklahoma
Rod Moore, Michigan, rJr, 6000, 185, 4.47
Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa, Jr, 6016, 210, 4.50
Keon Sabb, Alabama, rSo, 6012, 196, 4.60
Dante Trader Jr., Maryland, Sr, 6000, 190, 4.55
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, rJr, 5116, 203, 4.55
Sonny Styles, Ohio State, Jr, 6042, 239, 4.70
Lathan Ransom, Ohio State, rSr, 6010, 205, 4.51
Marcus Allen, North Carolina, Jr, 6015, 190, 4.45
Malachi Moore, Alabama, Sr, 5106, 196, 4.55
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, Jr, 6026, 220, 4.52
Andrew Mukuba, Texas, Sr, 6011, 195, 4.55
Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin, Sr, 6020, 210, 4.55
Tommi Hill, Nebraska, Sr, 6002, 204, 4.46
Sebastian Castro, Iowa, rSr, 5114, 210, 4.60
Yam Banks, Mississippi, Sr, 6010, 208, 4.60
Major Burns, LSU, rSr, 6016, 193, 4.48
Cole Wisniewski, North Dakota State, rSr, 6040, 225, 4.52
Kapena Gushiken, Washington State, Sr, 5095, 185, 4.53
Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa State, Jr, 5115, 185, 4.50
Jalen Catalon, UNLV, rSr, 5100, 201, 4.49
Kamari Ramsey, USC, rSo, 6002, 204, 4.54
Shamari Simmons, Arizona State, rSr, 5115, 183, 4.48
Takee Wheatley, Penn State, rJr, 6015, 200, 4.52
Shilo Sanders, Colorado, rSr, 6000, 195, 4.55
RJ Mickens Jr, Clemson, Sr, 5117, 211, 4.59
Akili Arnold, USC, rSr, 5106, 200, 4.54
Mike Smith, Eastern Kentucky, Sr, 6010, 205, 4.57

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL FRIDAY ZOOM ROOM NETWORK

The All Access Football Zoom Room Network is a new feature starting in July. On the last Friday of every month, AAF founder Ric Serritella will host a Zoom Room predicated around the business of football. Our goal is to gather like-minded individuals who work in football, or aspire to break into the industry. Each session will feature special guests, roundtable discussions and an ‘Ask Me Anything’ portion, dedicated to help guide you towards your career ambitions and future goals.

Our first AAF Football Friday Zoom Room will be held on July 26th at 9:00pm eastern time. This feature will be available to AAF ‘Premium Subscribers’ only. It’s our way of giving back, as you continue to help us grow the number one independent football newsletter on the planet. We look forward to seeing you there! Click Here To Get With The Program

GRID CAMPS PRO FREE AGENT SHOWCASE | 7.21.24

The next GRID CAMPS Showcase for pro football free agents is scheduled for July 21, 2024 in Philadelphia. All Access Football founder and Edmonton Elks scout Ric Serritella will be in attendance to help oversee testing and evaluate players. The workout will be conducted by Memphis Showboats head coach John DeFilippo and former Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Eugene Chung. To be eligible for this event, you must register at: www.GRIDCAMPS.com.

LINDY’S 2024 PREVIEW MAGAZINES NOW ON SALE

Now Available: AAF founder Ric Serritella was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Lindy’s Annual Football Preview Magazines once again. Get your copies of the longest running football guides still published. Available on newsstands across America, or order here.