2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Safety

Malaki Starks


The top 2025 Safety prospects available for the 2025 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2026 prospect. ** – denotes 2027 prospect.

This page was last updated Oct. 12, 2024. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

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2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

1. Georgia image Malaki Starks*, S, Georgia
Height: 6-1. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round (2025): 1-2.

10/12/24: Thus far, Starks has 25 tackles, two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), and three passes defended. Starks had an incredible interception against Clemson, and a mixed outing against Auburn.

6/19/24: Georgia has had a loaded defensive backfield, so it shows how talented Starks is that he won a starting spot as a freshman. In 2022, he recorded 69 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes broken up. In 2023, Starks collected 52 tackles, three interceptions, and seven passes defended. He was rock-steady for the Bulldogs and looks ready for the NFL.



2. South Carolina image Nick Emmanwori*, S, South Carolina
Height: 6-3. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
Projected Round (2025): 1-2.

10/12/24: In 2024, Emmanwori has 29 tackles with two interceptions and one pass broken up. He had an interception returned for a touchdown against Kentucky, and then a 102-yard touchdown pick-six that had most of the return whipped out on a questionable penalty.

Emmanwori is a huge safety with rare coverage ability for a player that big. He has been a steady contributor for the Gamecocks the past two seasons. In 2023, he had 71 tackles, 10 passes broken up, and two interceptions in 11 games. The previous season, he totaled 85 tackles as a freshman. Emmanwori is a freak athlete with instincts and speed and can flash some physicality.



3. Alabama image Keon Sabb**, S, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 206.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2025): 2-3.

10/12/24: Sabb has played well for Alabama in 2024, recording two interceptions, three passes defended, and 25 tackles. With Michigan in 2023, he had 28 tackles with two interceptions and four breakups in 2023. Sabb was an immediate starter for the Crimson Tide after transferring from the Wolverines.



4. Maryland image Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland
Height: 5-11. Weight: 196.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2025): 2-3.

10/12/24: Trader has 23 tackles with an interception and two passes broken up.

6/19/24: Trader has been a solid defender that last two seasons for Maryland. In 2023 he had 53 tackles with two interceptions and eight passes broken up. The previous season he had 62 tackles with two picks and six passes defended. Trader is undersized for the NFL and could stand to add some weight to tackle.



5. Texas image Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
Height: 6-0. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2025): 2-4.

10/12/24: Mukuba has 19 tackles, an interception, and two passes broken up. He was superb in Texas’ huge road win over Michigan.

6/19/24: In 2023, Mukuba had 42 tackles and six passes defended. He transferred from Clemson to Texas after the season. Mukuba flashed ability in 2022 and 2021. He could be a riser if he builds on his performance and becomes more of a playmaker. As a sophomore, he had 53 tackles with an interception and three passes defended. In his freshman campaign, he totaled 47 tackles and six breakups.



6. Oklahoma image Billy Bowman Jr, S, Oklahoma
Height: 5-10. Weight: 194.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2024): 2-3.

10/12/24: Bowman has 23 tackles, an interception, and one pass broken up.

6/19/24: Bowman is not a big safety, but he makes up for it with impressive instincts and ball skils. In 2023 Bowman recorded six interceptions with four passes defended and 63 tackles. In 2022 he had 61 tackles with three interceptions and five passes broken up. Depending on how he does in coverage as a senior, Bowman could fit in the NFL as a hybrid safety and nickel corner.



7. North Carolina image Marcus Allen, S, North Carolina
Height: 6-2. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2024): 3-4.

10/12/24: Allen has 22 tackles and three passes broken up.

6/19/24: Allen was a quality defender for the Tar Heels on the back end in the 2023 season. He amassed 49 tackles with an interception and eight passes broken up. For the NFL, Allen needs to add weight and fill out his frame.



8. Wisconsin image Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin
Height: 6-2. Weight: 211.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2024): 3-4.

10/12/24: Wohler has 29 tackles with four passes broken up.

6/19/24: Wohler was a tackling machine for the Badgers in 2023 racking up 120 stops on the season. He also had two interceptions and six passes broken up. Wohler is a good run defender, and if he can improve in pass coverage, he could be a riser in 2024.



9. Michigan image Rod Moore, S, Michigan
Height: 6-0. Weight: 198.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2025): 3-5.

10/12/24: Moore has yet to play this season after suffering a torn ACL in March of 2024. He probably should take a redshirt and return to Michigan for the 2025 season.

6/19/24: During Moore’s freshman season, he started four games while contributing on special teams. Since then, Moore has locked down a starting safety position starting as a sophomore in 2022 and has been a reliable defender for the Wolverines. In 2022 he had 71 tackles with four interceptions and seven passes broken up. In 2023, Moore had 38 tackles with two interceptions and five passes broken up. Moore has quality ball skills and is a versatile safety on the back end.



10. Ohio State image Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2025): 3-5.

10/12/24: Ransom has 22 tackles with two forced fumbles.

6/19/24:: In 2023, Ransom totaled 34 tackles, an interception and two passes defended. He missed the final month of the season with an injury. Ransom racked up 74 tackles, an interception, 1.5 sacks, and three pass breakups in 2022. He dealt with injuries but continued to play solid football for Ohio State. Ransom benefited from moving to safety from cornerback for 2022. Ransom worked his way onto the field as a freshman in 2021 and earned more playing time as the year progressed. He totaled 38 tackles, a forced fumble and five passes defended that season. Ransom has excellent size and some natural cover skills.



11. Notre Dame image Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Height: 5-11. Weight: 198.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2024): 3-5.

10/12/24: Watts has 19 tackles with an interception, four passes broken up, and a forced fumble.

6/19/24: In 2023 Watts was a dangerous ball hawk for the Fighting Irish. He recorded seven interceptions with four passes defended while totaling 52 tackles. It was a huge jump over his play in 2022 when he had 39 tackles and zero interceptions. Watts could be a riser if he stays consistent to his 2023 production.



12. Penn State image Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2025): 3-5.

10/12/24: Winston has 13 tackles with a forced fumble in 2024. In 2023, he had 60 tackles with an interception and five passes defended.



13. Michigan State image Malik Spencer*, S, Michigan State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 206.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2025): 3-5.

10/12/24: Spencer has 29 tackles with passes batted.

6/19/24: In 2023, Spencer started eight games at safety for the Spartans and had a respectable season. He totaled 72 tackles with six passes broken up. In 2024, Spencer could improve his splash play production by generating some interceptions and forced fumbles.



14. Washington State image Kapena Gushiken, S, Washington State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 180.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2024): 3-5.

10/12/24: Gushiken has 23 tackles and an interception.

6/19/24: Gushiken played well for the Cougars in 2023, recording 36 tackles with one sack, five passes defended, and one interception. He has upside to improve with experience but could stand to add weight to tackle at the pro level.



15. Arizona State image Shamari Simmons, S, Arizona State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2024): 3-5.

10/12/24: Simmons has 32 tackles with one pass broken up and a forced fumble.

6/19/24: Simmons was consistently around the ball for the Sun Devils during the 2023 season. He recorded 73 tackles with one sack, one interception, and six passes broken up. In 2022, Simmons had a solid season as well, with 56 tackles, three interceptions, and four passes broken up.



16. Eastern Kentucky image Mike Smith, S, Eastern Kentucky
Height: 6-0. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2024): 4-6.

10/12/24: Smith has 23 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.

6/19/24: Smith played well enough in 2023 to make it on the watch list for NFL area scouts. He totaled 49 tackles with two interceptions and 10 passes defended. Smith needs to play well, and it would help him to stand out at an All-Star game.



17. Oklahoma State image Kendal Daniels, S, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 213.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2025): 4-6.

10/12/24: Daniels has 29 tackles with three sacks, and four passes broken up.

6/19/24: Daniels put together an impressive 2022 season with 71 tackles, one forced fumble, three interceptions and five passes defended. He redshirted in 2021. In 2023, he amassed 105 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Daniels could be a big strong safety type for the NFL.



18. TCU image Bud Clark, S, TCU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2024): 4-6.

10/12/24: Clark has 28 tackles and two passes broken up.

6/19/24: Clark recorded 33 tackles, three interceptions and five passes broken up in 2023. Clark was a solid presence in 2022, recording five interceptions, five passes broken up, and 45 tackles. Clark has quality height and length, but he could stand to add weight to his frame for tackling in the NFL.



19. Alabama image Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round (2025): 6-FA.

10/12/24: Moore has 33 tackles and four passes broken up.

6/19/24: As a freshman in 2020, Moore looked like he was going to be a star when he had three interceptions, six passes defended, and 44 tackles. However, since then, he has not been as prolific. Moore dealt with injuries in 2021; in 2022, he was a backup to Brian Branch. Moore was back on the field in 2023 and totaled 36 tackles, an interception and three passes defended.

Moore is a quality athlete with instincts. However, he struggles to stay with receivers in man coverage and lacks a burst out of his breaks and in transition. Moore also lacks some power and does not play strong. Moore needs to develop his strength and be more productive in 2024.



20. TCU image Namdi Obiazor, S, TCU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2024): 7-FA.

10/12/24: Obiazor has 38 tackles with an interception, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

6/19/24: Obiazor was a good run defender for the Horned Frogs in 2023, recording 84 tackles. He also had four sacks and two passes defended. Obiazor needs to improve his ball production as a senior.



2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P