The 2024 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. The next class of players is getting prepared now for another year of college football. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. Here is the 2025 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Safeties.
Rod Moore, Michigan Wolverines
As a four-star prospect in the class of 2021, Moore signed with Michigan out of Ohio. He made a few starts as a freshman, finishing the season with 33 total tackles and one pass defended. In 2022, Moore registered 71 tackles, four interceptions and three passes defended. His play helped Michigan win the National Championship in 2023, as he had 38 total tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended.
At 6-foot and 198 pounds, Moore could add some play strength. He isn’t the most consistent tackler and could support the run more. Moore is capable of playing single or double high. He can also cover in man to man, but can be more aggressive.
Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa Hawkeyes
Nwankpa was a five-star prospect in the class of 2022 who decided to stay in the state of Iowa to play of the Hawkeyes. He played sparingly as a freshman, finishing the season with 12 total tackles, one interception and one pass defended. Nwankpa started most games during the 2023 season, registering 42 total tackles, one interception and two passes defended.
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Nwankpa has great size for a safety. He has shown the ability to be a good tackler and to help in run support. He can play in the box for an NFL team, especially if he adds weight, as he does a good job of clogging running lanes. His ball skills will need to improve and he shouldn’t be used in single high coverage. He could also struggle in man to man against receivers.
Malaki Starks, Georgia Bulldogs
As a five-star recruit in the class of 2022, Starks signed with the Bulldogs to stay in-state. He had an impressive freshman season that helped Georgia win the National Championship. Starks had 68 total tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended. In 2023, he totaled 52 tackles, three interceptions and seven passes defended.
Starks has solid size at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds. While he can get grabby in coverage, there aren’t too many negatives in his game. He can play deep zones or man-to-man coverages. Starks has good ball skills, but he also is a solid tackler and supports the run.
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
As a four-star prospect out of Nebraska, Watts signed with Notre Dame in the class of 2020. Watts played offense at first before moving to defense. He started near the end of the 2022 season at safety, racking up 39 tackles and four passes defended. In 2023, Watts tallied 52 tackles, seven interceptions and four passes defended.
Watts has decent size at 6-foot and 201 pounds. He is still learning the position after moving from wide receiver and he doesn’t have elite range. Watt has great ball skills and is able to help against the run. He is great in deep zone coverage as well.
Other Draft Prospects to Watch
Malachi Moore, Alabama Crimson Tide- Moore has plenty of experience at Alabama and he reads routes well. He may not have the greatest range and can give up big plays, so he needs to clean some things up this year.
Keon Sabb, Alabama Crimson Tide- Sabb showed off some good ball skills last year, helping Michigan win the National Championship. Now, he’ll be a leader on Alabama’s defense.
Sonny Styles, Ohio State Buckeyes- Styles is moving to linebacker for the Buckeyes, but formerly played safety. He may move there for his NFL future as well, but he has been a solid safety.
Kevin Winston, Penn State Nittany Lions- Winston played a little bit two seasons ago, but really stepped up last season with five passes defended.
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