2022 NFL Draft – Safety Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – S:

You are currently viewing the best safeties in the 2022 NFL Draft. Our top safety prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best defensive backs in college football. Even though only about 20 will get selected in the draft, many more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Find who is a first round talent, and who is likely nothing more than a training camp body. Find strong safeties and free safeties that are draft sleepers and draft stars, learn who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2022 safety prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 26, 2022)

2022:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | EDGE | LB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Kyle Hamilton is yet another prospect who jumps off the page with his versatility. At 6’4" 220 pounds, he’s incredibly large for the position and can move to the box to help in run defense in a pinch. His size and length make him a great option for defending tight ends in the slot, and he has enough speed to cover deep on the backend. Hamilton’s ball skills are solid, producing 8 touchdowns through his 3 years at Notre Dame. While he didn’t show great progression statistically, his film shows a lot more consistent play and fewer coverage issues. Lateral quickness will be the biggest question for Hamilton, as he’ll need to learn to use his length to compensate against shifty slot receivers. He has traits that can’t be taught, and is undoubtedly the #1 safety in the class.

2021 Stats

7 games: 34 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 7 passes defended, 3 interceptions

Daxton Hill was a 5 star recruit out of high school, with the elite versatility that’s coveted as a safety. Hill is able to succeed as a single high safety, a slot safety, box defender, or even outside corner. The stats don’t necessary jump off the page, but the film certainly does. Hill not only has plus athletic traits, he also shows a firm understanding of the game including fast play recognition, a clean and consistent tackling form, as well as the desire to play through the whistle. Hill has a very impressive first step, open field speed, and overall fluidity which allows him to glide over the field and play in a number of schemes. His ball skills look good on tape, but he hasn’t made as many big plays as it feels like he should have at this point. His size is nothing special at 6’0" 195, but he plays stronger than his weight. As a 3rd year player and pure football player, I don’t think Hill is as far behind Kyle Hamilton as some may think.

2021 Stats

14 games: 69 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, 2 interceptions

Jalen Pitre is coming off a dominant season which led to 1st Team All-American recognition. He was an absolute stat sheet stuffer, totaling a ridiculous 18.5 tackles for loss from the safety position, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 75 total tackles. He can be a bit difficult to scout because he was used in the box so heavily throughout his time at Baylor. Despite being listed at 6’0" and roughly 195 pounds, Pitre gets in the backfield like he’s shot out of a cannon, splitting offensive lineman and bending around the edge. His recognition and first step in run defense is elite and led to countless flash plays. He’s a powerful and consistent tackler, and is a solid overall athlete. The production and talent is there, but he’ll likely need to adjust to a new role in the NFL unless he wants to only be a situational player. His ability to range deep in the backend is largely untested, and his speed covering deep routes is average at best for a safety.

2021 Stats

14 games: 75 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 9 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 3 fumbles forced

Brisker is a versatile safety who can play all over the field; in the slot, in the box, or ranging deep in cover one. He’s shown steady improvement throughout his time at Penn State, transitioning from a “flash" player to a consistent threat. This year he missed far fewer tackles, using better form and angles. Combine this with his hard hitting competitive nature, and he’s turned into a force in run protection. Brisker is a strong athlete who’s fast in the open field, quick underneath, and is able to open his hips well. The way he’s identified and focused on his shortcomings has been really impressive, and showcases his desire to be great and coachability. With “plus" athletic traits, a solid 6’1" 205 frame, and a good understanding of the position, Brisker has everything needed to be a do-it-all safety.

2021 Stats

12 games: 63 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 7 passes defended, 2 interceptions

Entering 2021, Lewis Cine didn’t impress me too much other than raw athletic traits. This season he improved his ball skills, tackling form, and overall consistency to be a significant force in the Georgia secondary. Watch Georgia’s CFP run and you’ll see some dominant performances from Cine. He has impressive closing speed and accelerates into hits, taking out runners in the open field consistently. At 6’1" 200 pounds he has decent size for the position, with good length that harnessed in coverage. He’s been used in the slot but needs improvement in his mirroring ability, although he has the athleticism to succeed here. His speed helps him offer good range on the backend, helping him break up 10 passes this past year. There’s definite refinement here, but the competitive fire, run-stopping, and athleticism are there.

2021 Stats

15 games: 73 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended, 1 interception

Complete 2022 S draft rankings

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2022:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | EDGE | LB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Safety is always one of the most fun positions to evaluate because there’s so many roles they’re asked to fill. That being said, there’s a wide range of skillsets on display in this class. Hamilton is a huge name to lead the class, and three more great players have found their way up draft boards: Dax Hill, Jalen Pitre, and Jaquan Brisker. After that, there’s another significant dropoff since a few notable prospects opted to return to school. There’s enough raw talent to improve the middle rounds once we get to the combine, but outside the top four guys the class feels very underwhelming at this point.