Ranking 9 safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

And looking at how they might fit with the Philadelphia Eagles.

It’s draft season! I’ve been busy watching many of these prospects, so in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, I’ll release my Eagles-specific rankings. Before you read ahead, please keep in mind the following!

1. I have ranked these players based on the Eagles’ needs and scheme fits. Therefore, I may rank player ‘X’ above player ‘Y’ in terms of pure talent and my own personal rankings, but due to the Eagles’ needs and scheme fit, I have player ‘Y’ above player ‘X’.
2. Please focus more on the tiers rather than the exact numerical order. I use tiers when I have similar grades on players, and there might not be a lot of difference between players if they are in the same tier.
3. I may mention off-the-field and injury issues in the reports, but I don’t factor that in when ranking these prospects. We don’t have the necessary information.
4. If I haven’t ranked someone, I haven’t watched them! If you’d like me to watch someone in particular, feel free to comment, and I’ll try to get to them before the draft.

You can check out my podcast feed here to hear more from me. Also, I have released an Eagles-specific Draft Guide on my Patreon, which will include more information on each player. If you want to see what the guide looks like, please see below!

Previously: Running Back / Wide Receiver / Tight End / Offensive Line / Defensive Tackle / EDGE | Linebackers | Cornerback

Safety

Tier 1

1. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, 5-11 3/4 204

Overall: Watts is a physical, versatile defender with excellent ball skills, great production (13 INTs in two seasons), and the ability to match up with slot receivers and tight ends. He reads routes well, plays with burst, and thrives in both coverage and run support. However, concerns remain about his tackling consistency, change-of-direction fluidity, and whether he has the top-end speed to match vertical threats.

Eagles Thoughts: Watts has the ability to come down and cover the slot, which is something the Eagles have lost after the departure of CJGJ, so Watts could interest them. However, he needs to prove he can come down from depth and tackle in the open field, as this is something you have to do in a Fangio defense. I’m unsure where the league will see him, but I really like him. I’m higher than consensus, I wouldn’t hate it at 32.

2. Malaki Starks, Georgia, 6-0 7/8 197

Overall: Starks is a twitchy, instinctive playmaker with elite versatility, handling roles from deep safety to box, and the slot. His physical profile, football IQ, and leadership make him an immediate starter in a variety of schemes. He still has a lot to work on, though, and his production doesn’t match his talent. I think he’s more of a deep safety in the NFL. He is capable of big plays, but also big mistakes.

Eagles Thoughts: I’ll be honest, I’m a little all over the place on Starks. I’m lower than the consensus, but the 2024 film worries me quite a bit, considering I expected to see a top 15 player. I’ve not watched any 2023 – and I have been told he was outstanding – so that could be why I’m lower on the consensus. I don’t have him as an obvious round 1 guy, but I would be happy if the Eagles took him at 32 due to what other respected analysts say about him. I would not trade up for him, though. I don’t like the idea of trading up for a safety in the 1st round, especially when they are not a great athlete.

3. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, 6-3 1/8 220

Overall: Emmanwori is a modern safety with elite traits. He has the size, speed, toughness, and versatility to impact every phase of the game. He excels downhill and has shown the ability to cover tight ends and backs one-on-one. While his deep coverage awareness needs work, his physical tools give him high-end starter potential and the upside to become one of the league’s best safeties.

Eagles Thoughts: If he is there at 32, I think the Eagles will seriously consider him. I don’t think he has the best film in this class, but he will end up in my tier 1 because the athleticism is just so rare. He has the talent and ability to play several different roles, and should fit the Eagles’ defense well. The upside is just massive.

4. Kevin Winston Jr. Penn State, 6-1 1/2 215

Overall: Winston is a big-bodied safety whose game is built on physicality and excellent movement skills. Winston thrives in the box or in a split-safety structure, where his downhill trigger and strength stand out. He will need time to grow as a coverage defender and has very limited experience, Winston has the makeup and toughness to become a quality NFL starter.

Eagles Thoughts: I think Winston is a much better player when playing ‘top down’ rather than turning and running, which makes him a good fit for this Fangio defense. I expect the Eagles to have interest in him in the 2nd round. Without the injury, I could see him as the first safety being taken in the class. The Eagles should have interest in the 2nd round, as 32 is too rich after the injury.

Tier 2

5. Andrew Mukuba, Texas, 5-11 1/4 186

Overall: At worst, Mukuba should be a passing game specialist due to his outstanding ball skills and instincts. He’s a really good football player. He might struggle to be a full-time player due to his size, but he will have a role in the NFL due to his instincts.

Eagles Thoughts: I’d be very interested in adding Mukuba to this Eagles’ safety room. I think, at the very least, he has the instincts to be very valuable on passing downs. I think he plays the run very well, but the question is simply whether he can do it full-time at 186 pounds with short arms. I think I would take the risk at the end of the 2nd – but it would be a big risk.

6. Jonas Sanker, Virginia, 6-0 3/8 206

Overall: Jonas Sanker is a three-year starter who offers excellent versatility and functional athleticism to fit in multiple coverage roles. He’s not a punisher in the run game or a high-end playmaker in coverage, but he’s a reliable tackler with the movement skills to cover bigger pass-catchers. He feels a little high-floor, low-ceiling. If he can add or big plays to his game, he could develop into an excellent safety.

Eagles Thoughts: I think the Eagles are going to really like Sanker. The Eagles might need a starter at safety, and Sanker could immediately step in. He might not make the plays that CGJG did, but he should be a reliable starter. This might be higher than consensus, but I wouldn’t mind it in the 2nd round.

Tier 3

7. Billy Bowman, Oklahoma State, 5-10 192

Overall: Billy Bowman is a smart, twitchy, and fearless safety whose versatility, ball production, and competitive edge make him a huge asset in coverage. However, to be blunt, he can’t tackle. He has at least a 20% missed tackle rate in all 4 years in college. Some teams may see him as undraftable. Despite serious size limitations, his instincts and athleticism give him a chance to start in the right scheme.

Eagles Thoughts: I have no idea what to do with Bowman. I think he would be fantastic in coverage for this Eagles’ defense. But he just can’t tackle well enough. How can you trust him to come downhill from depth? I would take the risk in the 3rd as you can use him on passing downs at the very least.

8. Jaylen Reed, Penn State, 5-11 211

Overall: Jaylen Reed is a high-energy safety who brings value as a blitzer and can play on all 3 levels of the defense. He will fit better as a split-safety and doesn’t have the range to play single-high. His erratic tackling and poor eye discipline make him a potential backup with starting upside if he cleans things up.

Eagles Thoughts: If the Eagles want a safety to challenge Sydney Brown, Reed would be a smart choice at the end of day 2 or start of day 3.

9. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State, 6-0 1/4 206

Overall: Lathan Ransom is a physical, downhill safety with the mentality and traits of an old school strong safety. While he’s limited in man coverage and lacks top-end range, he offers value in zone concepts and as a tight end matchup piece. I think he could start in the right scheme, where he can get closer to the line of scrimmage.

Eagles Thoughts: I think he’s more of a box safety, but can survive as a quarters safety if needed. He’s probably not the best fit for this defense, and reminds me a little bit of Sydney Brown.

As always, thank you for reading. If you want more detailed notes on each player (including strengths and weaknesses), then please check out the Draft Guide via Patreon.