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2024 IDP Rookie Review: Defensive Backs

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Cooper DeJean | © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Jason King Posted On April 23, 2025
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We’ve reached the exciting conclusion of the 2024 rookie review series – just in time for the 2025 NFL Draft. Throughout the series, I’ve tried to provide advice on which rising second-year IDPs are worth keeping around as we consider which players can get the boot in order to make way for the 2025 rookies.

It is, of course, important to note that after one season, the book is not written on these players – and that’s even more true for those who received limited snaps. We only have part of the story with any of them, and we have a much better indication after year two of how they’ll shape up in future seasons. So if a critique sounds overly harsh, take it for the early critique it is.

Typically with defensive backs, I only look at safeties given the extreme volatility of year-to-year fantasy production at the position – which severely lessens the dynasty value of the vast majority of corners. This year, I wanted to include two corners – nickels, really – who fit schematically with what some of the safeties in this writeup are asked to do. So that’s why Cooper DeJean and Mike Sainristil are included, and primary outside corners like Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold and Nate Wiggins, are not.

I ended up with brief write-ups on 102 rookies from 2024. If you missed anything in this five-part series:

Credit goes to Pro Football Reference (PFR) for all statistics except for pressures and alignment data, both of which come via Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Tier One: Elite Assets

Looked at from the entirety of IDP, a defensive back would really have to be something extra special to rise to the elite tier along with the top edge rushers, linebackers and interior defensive linemen. The closest safeties would be Brian Branch, Kyle Hamilton and Antoine Winfield Jr. To me, those are the elites at the position.

Tier Two: Current or Future Fantasy Starters

The top safety and top corner in this tier are already considered weekly starters even in “start two” formats with a combined defensive backs category. I’m less confident in the consistency of fantasy starts out of options five through nine, but there are lots of things to like based on draft capital, early quality of play and opportunity.

1. Tyler Nubin, NYG

  • Drafted: second round, No. 47 overall pick (Minnesota)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-2, 210
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in 13 games; 790 defensive snaps (96 percent snap share)
  • 57 solo tackles, 41 assists; four tackles for loss; five missed tackles (4.9 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 26 completions on 40 targets (65 percent completion percentage); one pass defensed; zero interceptions
  • seven blitzes; two pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • one forced fumble; one fumble recovery

Nubin was a ball magnet at Minnesota with 13 interceptions from 2020-23, but as a professional, his strength was as a downhill tackler. While versatile, Nubin played more than 50 percent of his snaps in the box, over the slot, or along the defensive line. That’s nice for fantasy, as tackle numbers are much more predictable and consistent than turnovers. Plus, Jevon Holland, who joined the Giants as a free agent, is a pretty good all-around safety but better when able to work deep vs. closer to the line of scrimmage. That bodes well for Nubin’s fantasy outlook, and he was already a high-end S2 on a points-per-game basis before suffering a season-ending high ankle injury in week 14. (Nubin had tightrope surgery on the ankle and should be fully ready for OTAs.)

Predicting safety production is a very hard thing to do, but Nubin should certainly be in consideration to be one of the first safeties off the board in startup drafts. I currently have him as my dynasty S8 with room to move up next off-season as the older safeties ahead of him – Budda Baker, Derwin James and Jessie Bates – enter or approach their age 30 seasons.

2. Cooper DeJean, PHI

  • Drafted: second round, No. 40 overall pick (Iowa)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-0, 198
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22

Stats to know:

  • played in 16 games; 626 defensive snaps (63 percent snap share)
  • 38 solo tackles, 13 assists; three tackles for loss; eight missed tackles (13.6 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 45 completions on 68 targets (66.2 percent completion percentage); six pass defensed; zero interceptions
  • eight blitzes; three pressures; half-a-sack; one quarterback hit
  • one forced fumble; three fumble recoveries

A pre-draft favorite across the IDP landscape, DeJean delivered as a slot defender once he started seeing consistent snaps in week six. Of his 626 snaps, all but eight came over the slot (550), in the box (52) or from the line (16). That’s ideal usage from a corner-eligible defensive back, and from week six through 17, DeJean placed as the overall CB10 in total points. And while you could couch this as bad, none of DeJean’s production came from splash plays – it was all tackles – so there seems to be some upside with his numbers. We know he’s capable of it from his Super Bowl pick-six.

Part of the reason many were so high on him was his prowess as a return man, and while he didn’t do much damage on punt returns (zero touchdowns), he offers that upside as well. Plus, he’s just 22! Cornerback production is much more stable for full-time slots and nickels, meaning that you can have a lot more confidence in DeJean as a CB1 than any outside corners.

3. Tykee Smith, TB

  • Drafted: third round, No. 89 overall pick (Georgia via West Virginia)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-10, 202
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in 13 games; 612 defensive snaps (71 percent snap share)
  • 38 solo tackles, 16 assists; four tackles for loss; six missed tackles (10 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 44 completions on 64 targets (68.8 percent completion percentage); seven passes defensed; two interceptions
  • 38 blitzes; seven pressures; zero sacks; two quarterback hits
  • three forced fumbles; zero fumble recoveries

Smith didn’t match up as a prospect to his Georgia teammate Javon Bullard, but he was much more impactful as a rookie – especially through a fantasy lens. As Tampa Bay’s primary nickel, Smith finished as a top two safety in weeks five, six and 14. He hit S1 numbers in another game, and was startable in two others. After the season Smith requested a move to full-time safety so he can stay on the field full-time, and Bucs general manager Jason Licht said at the NFL owners meeting that “It’s definitely something Todd (Bowles) has talked about. … I think Tykee having a year under his belt can handle a lot more.”

A week seven concussion also cost him week eight, and he missed three other games with a knee injury, but there were no big lingering injuries to impede off-season work. With an opportunity for full-time work as a hybrid safety-nickel, Smith projects as a starter with high upside during weeks he sees big snaps at the nickel in a blitz-happy scheme employed by Bowles. Smith has a good downhill trigger and can consistently stack and shed blocks from tight ends to get free to make plays vs. the run.

 

4. Mike Sainristil, WAS

  • Drafted: second round, No. 50 overall pick (Michigan)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-10, 182
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24 (turns 25 on October 3)

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 979 defensive snaps (90 percent snap share)
  • 62 solo tackles, 31 assists; one tackle for loss; seven missed tackles (7.0 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 58 completions on 96 targets (60.4 percent completion percentage); 14 passes defensed; two interceptions
  • four blitzes; zero pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • one forced fumble; one fumble recovery

An ideal slot given his size, aggressive nature and strength as a tackler, Sainristil was more or less forced to outside corner after week two given the ineffectiveness of former first-round bust Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and veteran Michael Davis. And even after Marshon Lattimore joined Washington via trade, Sainristil stayed outside as the preferred option over Benjamin St-Juste. All told, Sainristil saw 774 snaps outside vs. 197 in the slot or the box.

And? He was good, and good for fantasy with CB1 production. He was good enough that Washington coach Dan Quinn said Sainristil would be used both outside and over the slot in 2025. Ultimately, I’m expecting more usage inside than out, with Lattimore and free agent Jonathan Jones forming a decent outside tandem. The Commanders also brought back 2024’s primary slot Noah Igbinoghene, but he’s not proven to be a very good defensive back over the course of his five seasons as a pro, whether he’s lined up inside or out.

In the short term I’ll be closely watching the draft to see if Washington adds a developmental outside corner that would eventually provide a pathway for Sainristil to stick inside, where he’ll have more consistent value as a downhill closer with good ball skills. I’ll also be watching to see if they draft a safety to compete with Quan Martin and Will Harris, both of whom have the capability to man the slot. Regardless of what happens, I’ll be counting on Sainristil as at minimum a CB2 in 2025, and I like his long-term prospects as a consistent enough seasonal CB1 as long as he doesn’t get pigeon-holed as a full-time outside corner.

 

5. Cole Bishop, BUF

  • Drafted: second round, No. 60 overall pick (Utah)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-2, 207
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22 (turns 23 on October 24)

Stats to know:

  • played in 16 games; 358 defensive snaps (34 percent snap share)
  • 25 solo tackles, 15 assists; one tackle for loss; five missed tackles (11.1 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 18 completions on 25 targets (72 percent completion percentage); two passes defensed; zero interceptions
  • six blitzes; two pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • one forced fumble; zero fumble recoveries

He missed time early in the season due to a shoulder injury, and took a back seat to Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin and Cam Lewis for much of the season. It was during that time that Bishop investors were probably fairly concerned, and it wasn’t until week 15 and then the playoffs that Bishop saw enough work to allay those fears moving forward.

Splitting time between the box and deep safety, Bishop used year one to learn the ropes of Buffalo’s defense. I’d expect him to pair with Rapp as the primary starters in 2025, with Hamlin and free agent signee Darrick Forrest providing depth and injury insurance. Should an injury beset nickel corner Taron Johnson, my money would be on Bishop sliding into that role – a good one for fantasy.

6. Kamren Kinchens, LAR

  • Drafted: third round, No. 99 overall pick (Miami, Fla.)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-11, 207
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22 (turns 23 on Sept. 29)

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 514 defensive snaps (46 percent snap share)
  • 26 solo tackles, 21 assists; one tackle for loss; six missed tackles (9.5 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 30 completions on 41 targets (73.2 percent completion percentage); six passes defensed; four interceptions
  • two blitzes; zero pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • one forced fumble; one fumble recovery

There’s a lot of variance already built into safety production, especially for safeties that are at their best patrolling deep. And that variance is typically higher for rookies, who can see big swings in snap counts from week to week. This was the case with Kinchens, who even after establishing himself as “regular” by week eight, had snap shares that ranged from 43 percent to 78 percent. And predicting when that would happen was downright impossible, since starters Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake held up health-wise for the full season. So, it was predictable that many Kinchens investors missed out on overall S1 performances in week nine – when he had a highlight 103-yard interception return against the Seahawks – and week 11, and even an S1 showing in week 17.

The Rams incorporated a ton of three- and four-safety alignments, and that could very well continue in 2025. Even if it does, Kinchens could again be an unpredictable and high variance asset for us as long as Curl and Lake remain healthy. Kinchens’ game is based on awareness and takeaways (11 interceptions over his final two seasons at Miami, and four in year one as a pro), and we know turnovers are unpredictable on a weekly and annual basis. Kinchens did have some of his better tackle weeks when he saw double-digit snaps in the box and over the slot, so he’s capable if put in position.

Kinchens really stands out dynasty-wise in 2026. Both starters are entering their final contract years and it seems doubtful both would be re-signed. Lake, tabbed as a defensive leader, seems the more likely of the two, but we said the same of Ernest Jones last off-season.

7. Jaden Hicks, KC

  • Drafted: fourth round, No. 133 overall pick (Washington State)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-1, 215
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 330 defensive snaps (31 percent snap share)
  • 23 solo tackles, six assists; three tackles for loss; one missed tackle (3.3 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 12 completions on 20 targets (60 percent completion percentage); five passes defensed; three interceptions
  • seven blitzes; two pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits

Hicks was the apple of many an analyst’s eye and pegged by many as the top safety prospect in the class. So it was surprising – and frustrating, for anyone who has tired of the Chiefs’ winning ways – to see Hicks slip all the way to day three of the draft. One year later, every fantasy manager who parlayed Hicks’ draft day slide into a fantasy draft value is feeling pretty good.

A physical presence with range, Hicks spent year one as an understudy to Justin Reid and Bryan Cook, essentially splitting time as a deep safety and box filler. Now, with Reid off to New Orleans as a free agent, a big opportunity has opened up for Hicks. I’m assuming he’ll play Reid’s more box-heavy role, but I won’t rule out the equally physical Cook moving closer to the line with Hicks seeing more deep work. The rookie proved capable of big plays in pass coverage, closing the regular season with interceptions in each of weeks 15-18 – and provided low-end S1 production over that timeframe.

Keep your expectations of fantasy production in check – Chiefs safeties haven’t been the most fantasy-friendly defensive backs over the past few years. Of Hicks, Cook and Chamarri Conner, the latter is the best bet for consistent numbers given he’s the primary slot defender. But I like Hicks as an upside S3 for the next several seasons.

 

8. Malik Mustapha, SF

  • Drafted: fourth round, No. 124 overall pick (Wake Forest via Richmond)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-10, 206
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23

Stats to know:

  • played in 16 games; 756 defensive snaps (75 percent snap share)
  • 32 solo tackles, 40 assists; two tackles for loss; eight missed tackles (10 percent missed tackle rate)
  • seven completions on 20 targets (35 percent completion percentage); five passes defensed; one interception
  • seven blitzes; one pressure; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • zero forced fumbles; zero fumble recoveries

Talanoa Hufanga’s move to Denver in free agency cemented Mustapha as a starter in San Francisco – a role he mostly played as a rookie anyway. Based on how the 49ers have used their safeties recently, and how Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator prefers to use them, it’s hard to get too excited about Mustapha as a weekly fantasy starter though. Philosophically, taking away big plays and asking safeties to keep everything in front of them, fits Mustapha’s strengths. He’s an excellent downhill defender, and had multiple stops screaming downhill from deep.

 

He wasn’t great in coverage, but made some nice plays on the ball. It’s enough to make you think he can be effective enough when he needs to run with a receiver or tight end in coverage. He predominantly played from single and split deep alignments, but if for whatever reason he managed more snaps closer to the line of scrimmage – a la Jordan Whitehead, who was with Saleh in New York from 2022-23 – I think Mustapha could flirt with 100 tackles and make a run at fantasy S1 production.

9. Evan Williams, GB

  • Drafted: fourth round, No. 111 overall pick (Oregon via Fresno State)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-11, 200
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in 13 games; 474 defensive snaps (56 percent snap share)
  • 31 solo tackles, 18 assists; one tackle for loss; six missed tackles (10.9 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 17 completions on 30 targets (56.7 percent completion percentage); three passes defensed; one interception
  • one blitz; zero pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • one forced fumble; zero fumble recoveries

Green Bay entered the 2024 off-season with a plan to massively overhaul the safety room, and the plan included three draft picks. Williams was the second of the Packers’ three safety selections, and he had the best season of all three.

Williams really came on as safety of choice next to Xavier McKinney, playing all 78 snaps en route to ten total tackles and a low-end S1 finish on the week. He had three other weeks of low-end S2 finishes, and missed four games with hamstring and quad injuries. Ultimately, knowing defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley values versatility in the defensive backfield, we’re not going to see a predictable role for any Packers safety in terms of alignment. But given 65 percent of Williams’ work came from a free safety or deep alignment, it would be a poor assumption to expect him to see enough snaps close to the line of scrimmage to expect anything more than an S3 or rotational fantasy starter. Not that he can’t be effective on the line or in the box – and that gives me some hope of a second-year leap from a production standpoint.

The clips below are evidence of Williams’ ability to quickly read, adjust and make a play on run-pass options and play action.

 

Williams is No. 33 with high white socks in this four-play cut-up. On the first, second and fourth plays, he’s in the box as a nickel safety/strongside linebacker. He comes in from deep on the third play.

 

Tier Three: Worthy of a Roster Spot

There are enough reasons to like each of these safeties that I’d deem them worthy of a roster spot in all-but-shallow league formats. In setups that allow three starting safeties or require two starting corners, you might consider the top two in this category to be starters in 14- or 16-team leagues. Either way, the defensive backs in this category certainly have some IDP value.

10. Javon Bullard, GB

  • Drafted: second round, No. 58 overall pick (Georgia)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-10, 198
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23

Stats to know:

  • played in 15 games; 786 defensive snaps (81 percent snap share)
  • 61 solo tackles, 29 assists; two tackles for loss; nine missed tackles (9.1 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 46 completions on 54 targets (85.2 percent completion percentage); one pass defensed; zero interceptions
  • ten blitzes; three pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • zero forced fumbles; one fumble recovery

Bullard, the second safety selected, was extremely up-and-down on a weekly basis as he mostly shifted between playing deep safety and nickel. On the season, he played more over the slot than anywhere (333 snaps), but also played deep and a decent number of snaps (167) in the box. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley prioritizes versatility with defensive backs, but I do have some worry that Bullard will play more of a backup role given the Pack’s roster moves that began last off-season with the signing of Xavier McKinney.

Fellow rookie Evan Williams had a better rookie season than Bullard, and is presumably the starter at the second safety spot. While Keisean Nixon shifted from nickel to outside corner in 2024, Green Bay signed Nate Hobbs this off-season. The former Raider is reportedly going to play outside, with Carrington Valentine as the third outside option. Jaire Alexander is expected to be traded or released. So assuming Nixon and Hobbs are the primary outside corners, Bullard should have the inside track on the nickel role. And if that follows through, he’ll likely be considered a fantasy starter. Given the versatility and past play of Nixon and Hobbs over the slot, I think Bullard has a pretty short leash.

For dynasty he’s a hold from my perspective. I see a good run defender as a nickel, and he still has that downhill explosion that is reminiscent of Antoine Winfield Jr. Asked to play both deep safety and nickel, it’s entirely possible Green Bay asked too much of Bullard in year one and he needed a year to catch up mentally (pure speculation on my part).. There’s too much competition on the roster though for me to be aggressive as a buyer coming off a disappointing rookie season.

11. Andru Phillips, NYG

  • Drafted: third round, No. 70 overall pick (Kentucky)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-11, 180
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 23 (turns 24 on November 30)

Stats to know:

  • played in 14 games; 616 defensive snaps (68 percent snap share)
  • 46 solo tackles, 25 assists; seven tackles for loss; six missed tackles (7.8 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 36 completions on 48 targets (75 percent completion percentage); one pass defensed; one interception
  • 12 blitzes; four pressures; one sack; one quarterback hit
  • two forced fumbles; zero fumble recoveries

Phillips plays with the physicality of a linebacker, similar to the Bills’ Taron Johnson – one of the better cornerbacks for IDP. That mentality and play style means Phillips isn’t a liability as a run defender – check out those seven tackles for loss – and should allow him to play a high snap percentage even as a slot corner. He had inside-out versatility as a collegian, but I’m really hoping to see Phillips stick inside with the Giants. Whether or not he does could depend on whether Deonte Banks can hold down the No. 2 outside job next to free agent signee Paulson Adebo. Phillips has upside as a low-end CB1 starter, similar to full-time slots such as Johnson and Mike Hilton. There’s always the risk of nickel corners getting pushed outside (see Keisean Nixon last season, and likely Nate Hobbs this season), and though it’s not necessarily a killer for fantasy value, it increases the volatility of production on a weekly and an annual basis.

12. Calen Bullock, HOU

  • Drafted: third round, No. 78 overall pick (Southern Cal)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-3, 190
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 22

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 977 defensive snaps (89 percent snap share)
  • 37 solo tackles, 17 assists; zero tackles for loss; seven missed tackles (11.5 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 15 completions on 35 targets (42.9 percent completion percentage); 11 passes defensed; five interceptions
  • one blitz; zero pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • zero forced fumbles; one fumble recovery

Winner of the rookie nickname game (Superglue), Bullock thrived on volume and splash plays as a deep defender. His fantasy production was buoyed by the interceptions – he tied for sixth in the league, and tied for fifth among primary safeties in passes defensed – and as mentioned at multiple points in this article, it’s hard to count on that when you’re filling out your lineups each week.

Dedicated post safeties do on occasion provide us with good production – Kerby Joseph in 2024 is the most glaring example – but the regression indicators are strong (unless you think he can repeat those nine interceptions).

13. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, ARI

  • Drafted: fourth round, No. 104 overall pick (Texas Tech)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-10, 189
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 258 defensive snaps (24 percent snap share)
  • 23 solo tackles, 14 assists; three tackles for loss; three missed tackles (7.5 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 14 completions on 20 targets (70 percent completion percentage); five passes defensed; zero interceptions
  • six blitzes; zero pressures; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits
  • one forced fumble; zero fumble recoveries

Taylor-Demerson lacks ideal length and size, but his range on the back end makes him well suited for a role as a starting free safety. It’s not a role that will be overly impactful for fantasy, but good enough to justify a roster spot for use as a fill-in starter during bye weeks.

Taylor-Demerson’s quick downhill trigger gives him enough versatility to slide down to the slot and into the box if needed (in the clip below he makes the correct read and a play in coverage from the slot), but for the most part his presence should allow Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson to fill those roles.

 

Tier Four: Watch List

If you’re in a 14- or 16-team league, or a league with a lot of roster spots or oversized taxi squads – or a team in need of a rebuild – you could consider rostering safeties in this tier based on draft capital or brief flashes in their rookie seasons.

14. Jaylen McCollough, LAR

  • Undrafted (Tennessee)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-2, 202
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24 (turns 25 on October 12)

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 335 defensive snaps (30 percent snap share)
  • 26 solo tackles, 17 assists; zero tackles for loss; one missed tackle (2.3 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 16 completions on 25 targets (64 percent completion percentage); four passes defensed; four interceptions
  • seven blitzes; two pressures; zero sacks; one quarterback hits

McCollough had pedestrian testing numbers in speed and agility drills and I’m sure that contributed heavily to an undraftable profile. Credit, as per usual, to the Rams for seeing enough in the Tennessee nickel and putting him in position to make plays (four interceptions) as a slot/box defender. With Lake, Curl and Kinchens all ahead of him on the depth chart, it will be hard for McCollough to have a fantasy impact in 2025. But both Lake and Curl are entering the final year of contracts, and with a strong showing, McCollough could set himself up well for a much larger role in 2026.

15. Demani Richardson, CAR

  • Undrafted (Texas A&M)
  • Listed height and weight: 6-1, 215
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24 (turns 25 on October 7)

Stats to know:

  • played in 14 games; 401 defensive snaps (39 percent snap share)
  • 28 solo tackles, 23 assists; one tackle for loss; five missed tackles (8.9 percent missed tackle rate)
  • 18 completions on 28 targets (64.3 percent completion percentage); two passes defensed; one interception
  • eight blitzes; one pressure; zero sacks; zero quarterback hits

Richardson saw full-time in five games as a rookie, and put up big fantasy numbers (low S1 or high S2 numbers in four of those five weeks) with high snap volume in each outing. And that’s part of what has given fantasy managers hope for the undrafted free agent moving forward. The other positive in Richardson’s favor is Carolina’s safety depth chart: Tre’Von Moehrig essentially replaced Xavier Woods, but otherwise it’s Richardson and Nick Scott at the moment. But even if the Panthers don’t invest high draft capital in the position, the team has shown a lot of interest in remaining free agents such as Justin Blackmon and Marcus Williams, and are likely just waiting to sign one until post-draft.

As for Richardson, one of the knocks on him as a prospect was his pursuit angles. Even in this cut-up touting Richardson’s play, the issues with pursuit angles is evident:

 

16. Kitan Oladapo, GB

The fifth-rounder saw 68 defensive snaps in a backup role, mostly in week 15 with Evan Williams sidelined. While I still like him as a down-the-road prospect, chances are remote he sees the field enough on a consistent basis to merit anything more than watch list status. Should an injury impact two of McKinney, Williams and Bullard, you’ll likely see Oladapo’s name high on in-season waiver wire articles.

17. Thomas Harper, LV

  • Undrafted (Notre Dame via Oklahoma State)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-10, 195
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24 (turns 25 on November 4)

Stats to know:

  • played in 15 games; 191 defensive snaps (19 percent snap share)
  • 13 solo tackles, 13 assists; zero tackles for loss; one missed tackles (3.7 percent missed tackle rate)
  • three completions on eight targets (37.5 percent completion percentage); two passes defensed; one interceptions
  • two blitzes; one pressure; half-a-sack; one quarterback hit
  • zero forced fumbles; one fumble recovery

Originally signed by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent, Harper eventually landed with Vegas, and there’s a path for him to play serious snaps in 2025 as the nickel and a backup free safety following Nate Hobbs’ departure as a free agent. Pre-draft, behind starters Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao, the Raiders have just Lonnie Johnson Jr. (a 2019 round two draft bust as a corner now trying his hand at safety) and rookie Trey Taylor. Over his five-season collegiate career, Harper was never a statistical producer – he topped out at 39 tackles in 2023 as Notre Dame’s starting nickel – and that’s probably indicative of his fantasy ceiling, even if he’s a starting nickel in the silver and black.

18. Patrick McMorris, MIA

The sixth-rounder played all of eight snaps in week 17 but otherwise only played on special teams after missing Miami’s opening 11 games with a calf injury. There’s at least opportunity for McMorris to state his case for a future starting role as a sophomore. While the Dolphins are sure to draft one of the top safety prospects, current starters Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis are on one-year deals, and neither has been able to sustain starter-level play during their respective careers.

19. Dell Pettus, NE

  • Undrafted (Troy)
  • Listed height and weight: 5-11, 200
  • Age prior to kickoff of 2025 season: 24

Stats to know:

  • played in all 17 games; 341 defensive snaps (41 percent snap share)
  • 19 solo tackles, 15 assists; one tackle for loss; zero missed tackles
  • nine completions on 14 targets (64.3 percent completion percentage); two passes defensed; zero interceptions
  • five blitzes; one pressure; one sack; one quarterback hit

Pettus wasn’t highly regarded even as an undrafted free agent but played a surprising number of defensive snaps due to injuries (Kyle Dugger missed four games, Marte Mapu missed 11) and legal issues (Jabrill Peppers). And Pettus looked OK as a versatile backup; I’d call him “feisty” physical and he’s adequate in zone coverage. So what’s working against Pettus even having a backup role in 2025? There’s a new staff in place of course, with Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams – neither of whom have a tie to Pettus. Then there’s better depth behind projected starters Dugger and Peppers: New England added free agent Marcus Epps, brought back Jaylinn Hawkins and still have Mapu. Pettus is likely to have his defensive work seriously curtailed, and he’ll be in a battle to make the team as a special teams contributor.

Dice Rolls

After one season, there’s practically nothing to go on with these eight safeties. Roster any of them if you still believe, or want to believe. I’m mostly just considering them to be fringe “watch list” material until we can get a better look at them as pros.

Washington was obviously looking for size and athleticism in its end-of-the-roster safeties. Neither fifth-rounder Dominique Hampton (6-3, 220, 9.74 RAS) nor undrafted Tyler Owens (6-2, 213, 10.0 RAS) played a defensive snap in year one though. We may see a move to linebacker for Hampton. … Baltimore’s current backups at safety for 2025 are seventh-rounder Sanoussi Kane and undrafted Beau Brade. The duo combined for 33 defensive snaps as rookies. … Trey Taylor didn’t play a defensive snap for the Raiders. Pre-NFL Draft, he projects as one of Las Vegas’ backups behind starters Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao. … Similarly, Cincinnati has little at the moment behind starters Jordan Battle and Geno Stone. Seventh-rounder Daijahn Anthony (11 defensive snaps as a rookie) has an opportunity. … Seventh-rounder Jaylen Key didn’t make it through the season with the Jets. The Bengals added him to their practice squad, and he later signed a futures contract with Cincy. … The football future is in doubt for Pittsburgh’s Ryan Watts. A 6-3, 212-pound college corner, Watts was to make the move to safety before suffering a pre-season neck injury that led to surgery. The sixth-rounder has nice potential but it’s possible he never sees the field again.

Jason King
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