Aerial attacks are becoming more prevalent in the NFL, and defenses are responding by using three linebackers less and less, opting instead to use an extra safety to defend the pass. Safeties must be versatile, able to cover receivers and tight ends as well as provide support against the run. It's why many will target the position in the NFL Draft.
Three safeties went in the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft, but this year there may not be any taken on Day 1. However, 10 or more could very well go in the second and third rounds, as although this class doesn't have an elite prospect, it is very deep. Here are the top five prospects.
5. Juan Thornhill, Virginia
A former cornerback, Thornhill's instincts and coverage skills make him a dangerous center-fielder. His play didn't always show it, but he has elite explosiveness, as evidenced by his 4.42-second 40-yard dash, 44″ vertical, and 141″ broad jump. He isn't a great tackler, but he isn't a liability there either.
Thornhill fits best as a hybrid safety who can cover the deep middle but should also get plenty of chances to jump routes within 15 yard of the line of scrimmage, where his burst can be best taken advantage of.
4. Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State
A box safety with above average coverage skills for the position, Abram is a heat-seeking missile in the box. He plays fast and physical, and loves to hit. He has his limitations in coverage, and does not have good ball skills, but he has the athleticism and quickness to become solid in man coverage, which will greatly benefit him.
Abram is more of a throwback strong safety in that coverage isn't his strong suit, so his draft stock is likely to be lower because of it, but he will make a big impact in run support for his new team.
3. Nasir Adderley, Delaware
Another former CB, Adderley is a true free safety with great instincts and range in zone, along with very good quickness and recognition in man coverage. He is an incredibly physical player both when taking on blocks and when tackling the ball-carrier.
He resembles Cleveland's Damarious Randall in many ways, as he would be a good prospect even if he wasn't good against the run. He can be fooled by play action and isn't always super quick on his reads, but the mental aspect of his game can be improved; physically, he's already a very solid player, and has the potential to be much more.
2. Darnell Savage, Maryland
Savage is a hyper-aggressive player who hasn't let his less-than-ideal size prevent him from succeeding. He has very good instincts, explosiveness, and range with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and a 39.6″ vertical jump. Savage should be used as a robber defensive back, operating closer to the line of scrimmage in order to take advantage of his burst to break on balls and tackling in run support.
Some teams may view him as too small, but others will see a dynamic player who can make a dramatic impact on a defense. It'll be interesting to see how early he goes in the NFL Draft.
1. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
If there's one word to describe Gardner-Johnson, it's versatile. He has the range the play angel safety and the athleticism and toughness to provide run support and man coverage closer to the line of scrimmage. He is a jack-of-all-trades, and if he can speed up his reads on balls, he can become a dominant ballhawk no matter where he lines up.
He misses more tackles than you would like, but his technique can be improved, along with teaching him to be a bit more cautious. CGJ will be an instant starter with the potential to develop into an elite player.
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