2025 NFL Draft Rankings: Safeties

Trevor Sikkema

Posted Mar 24, 2025 3:00 am EDT

The 2025 NFL Draft class is starting 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, tight end and offensive tackle positions seem to be the deepest and strongest on the offensive side of the ball. On defense, the edge defender group is as deep as we’ve seen in several years, dominating the projected top 50. There are also more impact defensive backs this year than a year ago, with plenty of options on all three days of the draft, specifically on Days 2 and 3.

Here are PFF’s top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with some initial scouting notes courtesy of lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema.

For the full 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 good football IQ, tackling and movement ability to play free, strong and slot. He isn’t a rare athlete, but he’s a starting-caliber player for the backend of any defense.

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.

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 elite athleticism and playmaking ability suggest his ceiling could be on par with a player like Kerby Joseph, but his underwhelming box play and questionable technique and instincts are more reminiscent of Isaiah Simmons, who was drafted in the first round in 2020 but has struggled to find a natural NFL position.

PFF Big board rank: 84

Winston’s tape and the athleticism that he showed off in 2023 made him a prospect worthy of going in the first round. While his recent injury muddies his projection, he’s still one of the top safeties available 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 good use of in all facets of the game. While he may lack the tools some other prospects have, he has the instincts and awareness to make up for it.

6. S Andrew Mukuba, Texas

PFF Big board rank: 95

Mukuba’s lacking run-defense skill set may turn off some teams, but his instincts and athleticism in coverage make him a top prospect. His game is reminiscent of Devin McCourty, who excelled as a true free safety later in his career 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-play machine.

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 run support. However, concerns about his coverage anticipation and quickness may push him toward playing safety rather than nickel at the next level.

12. S Akili Arnold, USC

PFF Big board rank: 206

Scouting summary coming soon!

PFF Big board rank: 215

Clark lacks difference-making NFL explosiveness and acceleration, but he is an experienced and versatile safety prospect who can be a valuable depth player as a strong safety and can operate in a two-high safety system.