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2024 NFL draft prospect rankings: Safeties

Eddie Brown, The San Diego Union-Tribune on

Published in Football

— BONUS: Malik Mustapha (Jr., Wake Forest, 5-10, 206)

A former zero-star recruit, Mustapha began his collegiate career at Richmond before playing his final three seasons with the Demon Deacons. He's undersized, but he looks and hits like a linebacker. Mustapha earned second-team All-ACC honors and was voted team captain in 2023. He might struggle in coverage against bigger targets, and lacks premium athletic traits, but he's disciplined and features above-average play recognition. Mustapha has experience as a gunner on special teams. He suffered a torn ACL late in 2021 and it caused him to miss three games the following season. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Evan Williams (Sr., Oregon, 5-11, 206)

The former three-star recruit earned All-MWC honors three times while he was at Fresno State before transferring to Eugene for his senior season, where he was selected second-team All-Pac-12. Williams' coverage skills don't translate downfield, but he's capable enough to handle tight ends and backs out of the backfield. He's also a strong tackler, effective blitzer (4.5 sacks in 2023 for the Ducks), and has blocked two kicks in his collegiate career, a punt and a PAT. Williams' father (Garey) played safety at Cal and was a member of the kickoff-return team for "The Play" in 1982. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Jaylin Simpson (Sr., Auburn, 5-11, 179)

The former four-star recruit spent most of his collegiate career at cornerback before switching to free safety last season. He may be switching back in the pros depending on who drafts him. Simpson earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2023, but most teams will consider him too lean for the position. His above-average athletic traits and ball skills should earn him a shot. Simpson suffered a litany of injuries in high school, including a fractured wrist, turf toe and he had to have ankle surgery. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Demani Richardson (Sr., Texas A&M, 6-0, 210)

The former four-star recruit was a five-year starter and two-time team captain. Richardson is an aggressive tackler with a special-teams pedigree, but features limited agility and cover talent. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Patrick McMorris (Sr., California, 6-0, 207)

 

McMorris is a former three-star recruit who spent four seasons at San Diego State before transferring to Berkeley. He was a two-time All-MWC honoree and team captain for the Aztecs. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Kenny Logan Jr. (Sr., Kansas, 5-10, 209)

Logan led the Jayhawks in tackles each of the past four seasons, earning All-Big 12 recognition each year. He's produced at least 95 tackles his final three years. The lack of prototypical size or speed might pigeonhole him as a special-teamer. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: Emany Johnson (Sr., Nevada, 6-1, 218)

Johnson had a breakout super senior season, earning first-team All-MWC honors while leading the Wolf Pack in tackles (100) and interceptions (three) after spending five seasons as a reserve and special teamer. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: Omar Brown (Sr., Nebraska, 6-0, 205)

Brown set the bar high with six interceptions as a true freshman corner for Northern Iowa, earning the FCS Defensive Freshman of the Year, before transferring to Nebraska for his final two seasons, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten as a senior. Projected: PFA


©2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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