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Safeties Scouting Reports - 2023
Bird’s Eye View: Positional Analysis
Don’t sleep on the 2023 safety class. It’s sneaky good. Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M) has CB skills and may be drafted as a slot corner. Brian Branch (Alabama) has a similar profile to that of Johnson. Jartavius Martin (Illinois) combines a CB’s athleticism with a safeties’ range. Ji’Ayir Brown (Penn State) has great instincts and ball skills. Jammie Robinson (Florida State) is reminiscent of Cardinal’s safety Budda Baker. This class is deep and talented and starters will be found on day 3 of the draft.
Positional Grade: B
Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
5110 / 203 / 31.2” Arms
Solid build and height. Excellent ballhawk who led the nation with 6 INTs in 2021. Deceivingly strong and stacks and sheds extremely well for his size. Willing and productive in run support. Good blitzer. Fundamentally solid tackler. Very instinctual and smart – always seems to be near the ball. Lacks great timed speed but he is a productive, consistent, and reliable safety while in State College.
Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
Player Comparison:
Tracy Walker, Detroit Lions
Jammie Robinson, Florida State
Player Comparison:
Budda Baker, Arizona
Jammie Robinson, Florida State
5110 / 191 / 29.5” Arms
Marginal height, size, and overall length. Extremely quick with great lateral agility. Can match-up with TEs and some WRs in man coverage – enough skill to play the slot. Very good burst on the ball or ball carrier in front of him and closes very quickly. Willing hitter. Good tackler but sometimes fails to wrap up preferring to dive at the legs. Effective blitzer. Undersized but plays bigger than his size. Good on special teams and covers punts well. Smart player and understands roles and responsibilities. Willing and aggressive in run support. Physical and will hit with authority.
Jartavius Martin / Illinois
5110 / 194 / 31.1” Arms
​Good height and length with a somewhat thin, angular build. Very good leaping ability. Lines up as a single high safety and lined up in the slot as an Illini. Keys quickly, drives, and closes on the runner in run support. Has excellent range and agility to play traditional free safety. Has the loose hips of a CB and can turn and run with the slot receiver – handles double moves like an NFL CB. Physical and likes hitting. Competes at the catch point and fights for the ball. Fits the modern prototype for the versatile safety who supports against the run and can cover WRs in the slot. Recorded 64 tackles / 3 TFL / 1 sack / 2 FF / 3 INT / 14 passes defended in 2022.
Jartavius Martin / Illinois
Player Comparison:
Jordan Poyer, Buffalo
Christopher Smith, Georgia
Player Comparison:
Quandre Diggs, Seattle
Christopher Smith, Georgia
5110 / 192 / 31.1” Arms
Good size. Very fast and closes on the ball quickly. Effective blitzer. Good tackler who breaks down well in space. Experienced, smart, and displays a high football IQ. Excels in both coverage and run support and is a defensive leader. Better in zone than man coverage. Plays best in crunch time and against the best competition. Reliable and dependable.
Jordan Howden, Minnesota
6000 / 203 / 32.2” Arms
Average height with a solid build. Good athlete who can flip his hips. Used in man coverage a lot and does not seem out of place – matched up with Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden and held his own. Plays the ball in the air well. Fundamentally solid wrap-up tackler. Assignment sound. Smart and aware.
Jordan Howden, Minnesota
Player Comparison:
Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis
Daniel Scott / California
Player Comparison:
Amani Hooker, Tennessee
Daniel Scott / California
6010 / 208 /30.2” Arms
Prototypical height, size, and length for an NFL Safety. Keys quickly and fills aggressively against the run. Sometimes throws his body at the running back, looking for the big hit instead of securing a form tackle. However, he breaks down well and is generally a powerful tackler who comes in under control. Often plays near the line of scrimmage and covers the flat. Displays an explosive burst on the ball in the air. Is effective in quarters and Cover 2 coverage where his length is an asset. Excellent speed and range and excels in Cover 1 responsibilities. Limited experience dropping down and covering the slot. Nice leaping ability and shows the ability to high point the ball. Speed and burst makes him a promising blitzer. Recorded 85 tackles / 2.5 TFL / 2 FF / 3 INT / 7 passes defended in 2022.
Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
6020 / 198 / 32.1” Arms
Excellent size and overall length – looks the part of an NFL safety. Very good instincts and range. Very athletic and quick. Calls the set for the secondary and is a defensive leader. Reliable tackler. Has significant experience lining up in the slot and has an NFL slot CB skill set.
Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
Player Comparison:
Taylor Rapp, LA Rams
Brandon Hill / Pittsburgh
Player Comparison:
Bob Sanders, retired NFL player
Brandon Hill / Pittsburgh
5100 / 193 / 30.6” Arms
Average height and length for a safety but has a solid, athletic build. Very physical safety who looks for the big hit. Really brings the lumber. One of the biggest hitters, regardless of position, in the 2023 NFL Draft. So focused on the hit, often isn’t looking for the ball. Comes in under control and wraps up on majority of tackle attempts. When in coverage downfield, turns his head and makes a play on the ball. Plays like former Colt safety Bob Sanders and likes the physicality of the game. Old-time football player your grandfather would have loved! Recorded 67 tackles / 1 FR / .5 TFL / 0 INT / 2 passes defended in 2022. Had 3 career INTs as a Panther.
Brian Branch, Alabama
5115 / 190 / 30.6” Arms
Adequate size with an athletic build. Very active and is deployed all over the field for the Tide. Closes on the ball quickly once he keys and diagnosis. Exhibits very good range and can play with awareness and solid angles. Athletic enough to match up in the slot and excelled in that role in 2022 – projects as a slot covering safety in the NFL.
Brian Branch, Alabama
Player Comparison:
Tyran Mathieu, New Orleans
AJ Finley, Ole Miss
Player Comparison:
Malik Hooker, Indianapolis
AJ Finley, Ole Miss
6021 / 202 / 78.1” Wingspan
Good height but a somewhat slim frame. Experienced and productive multi-year starter. Good instincts and is deployed all over the field due to versatility and cover skills. Very good tackler. Very good ball skills and makes plays on the ball on a regular basis.
Jason Taylor, Oklahoma State
6000 / 204 / 32” Arms
Good size. Excellent pursuit skills. Extremely fast and has great range – athletic enough to play deep safety in a single high defense. Reliable, fundamentally solid tackler. Has the physical skill set to line up in the slot and cover TEs and RBs in man coverage. Fantastic athletic performance at the combine - 43” vertical, 10’9” broad jump, and a 4.50 40-yard dash. Fast and fluid. Tracks the ball well and has very good ball skills - recorded six INTs in 2022.
Jason Taylor, Oklahoma State
Player Comparison:
Ashtyn Davis, NY Jets
Brandon Joseph / Notre Dame
Player Comparison:
Justin Reid, Kansas City
Brandon Joseph / Notre Dame
6000 / 202 / 30.7” Arms
Transfer from Northwestern. Ideal height and length for an NFL Safety. Possesses a somewhat angular, athletic frame. Displays excellent range in the back end and can hold up in Cover 1 coverage. Long strider and covers ground efficiently in zone coverage. Does not spend much time in the box, more responsible for pass coverage than run support. However, is willing and effective in run support. Not typically used in slot coverage – long-strider who has difficulty maintaining phase with quickness in space. Size and athletic ability match-up well with TEs in coverage. Keys quickly, fires forward, and closes in on the ball carrier. Good open-field tackler but sometimes tries to deliver the big hit and can miss the runner. Willing and able to deliver big hits on WRs. Smart, assignment responsible, and instinctive – rarely takes false steps. Very good ball skills (10 career INTs) and has the ability to high point the ball and beat out the WR for the ball – effectively uses his length and balance. Recorded 30 tackles / 1 FF / 1 INT (returned for TD) / 1 pass defended in 2022.
Sydney Brown, Illinois
5100 / 211 / 31.4” Arms
Brother of Illini RB Chase Brown. Excellent ballhawk and plays the ball in the air like a WR – led FBS with 6 INTs in 2022. Very good instincts – keys quickly and then accelerates towards the ball. Solid tackler. Very good range at the backend and excels in zone coverage. Not used much covering the slot but seems to have enough fluidity and athleticism to hold up in man coverage against TEs, RBs, and some WRs.
Sydney Brown, Illinois
Player Comparison:
Kerby Joseph, Detroit
John Torchio, Wisconsin
Player Comparison:
Camryn Bynum, Minnesota
John Torchio, Wisconsin
Good size with NFL height and length. Keys quickly against the run and supports with force. Primarily plays deep in pass coverage with few man responsibilities. Excellent ball skills – 5 INTs and 2 pick sixes in 2022. Physical and tough – willing to hit. Solid tackler although he sometimes comes in out of control.
Safeties Scouting Reports - 2023
Bird’s Eye View: Positional Analysis
Don’t sleep on the 2023 safety class. It’s sneaky good. Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M) has CB skills and may be drafted as a slot corner. Brian Branch (Alabama) has a similar profile to that of Johnson. Jartavius Martin (Illinois) combines a CB’s athleticism with a safeties’ range. Ji’Ayir Brown (Penn State) has great instincts and ball skills. Jammie Robinson (Florida State) is reminiscent of Cardinal’s safety Budda Baker. This class is deep and talented and starters will be found on day 3 of the draft.
Positional Grade: B
Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
5110 / 203 / 31.2” Arms
Solid build and height. Excellent ballhawk who led the nation with 6 INTs in 2021. Deceivingly strong and stacks and sheds extremely well for his size. Willing and productive in run support. Good blitzer. Fundamentally solid tackler. Very instinctual and smart – always seems to be near the ball. Lacks great timed speed but he is a productive, consistent, and reliable safety while in State College.
Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
Player Comparison:
Tracy Walker, Detroit Lions
Jammie Robinson, Florida State
Player Comparison:
Budda Baker, Arizona
Jammie Robinson, Florida State
5110 / 191 / 29.5” Arms
Marginal height, size, and overall length. Extremely quick with great lateral agility. Can match-up with TEs and some WRs in man coverage – enough skill to play the slot. Very good burst on the ball or ball carrier in front of him and closes very quickly. Willing hitter. Good tackler but sometimes fails to wrap up preferring to dive at the legs. Effective blitzer. Undersized but plays bigger than his size. Good on special teams and covers punts well. Smart player and understands roles and responsibilities. Willing and aggressive in run support. Physical and will hit with authority.
Jartavius Martin / Illinois
5110 / 194 / 31.1” Arms
​Good height and length with a somewhat thin, angular build. Very good leaping ability. Lines up as a single high safety and lined up in the slot as an Illini. Keys quickly, drives, and closes on the runner in run support. Has excellent range and agility to play traditional free safety. Has the loose hips of a CB and can turn and run with the slot receiver – handles double moves like an NFL CB. Physical and likes hitting. Competes at the catch point and fights for the ball. Fits the modern prototype for the versatile safety who supports against the run and can cover WRs in the slot. Recorded 64 tackles / 3 TFL / 1 sack / 2 FF / 3 INT / 14 passes defended in 2022.
Jartavius Martin / Illinois
Player Comparison:
Jordan Poyer, Buffalo
Christopher Smith, Georgia
Player Comparison:
Quandre Diggs, Seattle
Christopher Smith, Georgia
5110 / 192 / 31.1” Arms
Good size. Very fast and closes on the ball quickly. Effective blitzer. Good tackler who breaks down well in space. Experienced, smart, and displays a high football IQ. Excels in both coverage and run support and is a defensive leader. Better in zone than man coverage. Plays best in crunch time and against the best competition. Reliable and dependable.
Jordan Howden, Minnesota
6000 / 203 / 32.2” Arms
Average height with a solid build. Good athlete who can flip his hips. Used in man coverage a lot and does not seem out of place – matched up with Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden and held his own. Plays the ball in the air well. Fundamentally solid wrap-up tackler. Assignment sound. Smart and aware.
Jordan Howden, Minnesota
Player Comparison:
Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis
Daniel Scott / California
Player Comparison:
Amani Hooker, Tennessee
Daniel Scott / California
6010 / 208 /30.2” Arms
Prototypical height, size, and length for an NFL Safety. Keys quickly and fills aggressively against the run. Sometimes throws his body at the running back, looking for the big hit instead of securing a form tackle. However, he breaks down well and is generally a powerful tackler who comes in under control. Often plays near the line of scrimmage and covers the flat. Displays an explosive burst on the ball in the air. Is effective in quarters and Cover 2 coverage where his length is an asset. Excellent speed and range and excels in Cover 1 responsibilities. Limited experience dropping down and covering the slot. Nice leaping ability and shows the ability to high point the ball. Speed and burst makes him a promising blitzer. Recorded 85 tackles / 2.5 TFL / 2 FF / 3 INT / 7 passes defended in 2022.
Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
6020 / 198 / 32.1” Arms
Excellent size and overall length – looks the part of an NFL safety. Very good instincts and range. Very athletic and quick. Calls the set for the secondary and is a defensive leader. Reliable tackler. Has significant experience lining up in the slot and has an NFL slot CB skill set.
Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
Player Comparison:
Taylor Rapp, LA Rams
Brandon Hill / Pittsburgh
Player Comparison:
Bob Sanders, retired NFL player
Brandon Hill / Pittsburgh
5100 / 193 / 30.6” Arms
Average height and length for a safety but has a solid, athletic build. Very physical safety who looks for the big hit. Really brings the lumber. One of the biggest hitters, regardless of position, in the 2023 NFL Draft. So focused on the hit, often isn’t looking for the ball. Comes in under control and wraps up on majority of tackle attempts. When in coverage downfield, turns his head and makes a play on the ball. Plays like former Colt safety Bob Sanders and likes the physicality of the game. Old-time football player your grandfather would have loved! Recorded 67 tackles / 1 FR / .5 TFL / 0 INT / 2 passes defended in 2022. Had 3 career INTs as a Panther.
Brian Branch, Alabama
5115 / 190 / 30.6” Arms
Adequate size with an athletic build. Very active and is deployed all over the field for the Tide. Closes on the ball quickly once he keys and diagnosis. Exhibits very good range and can play with awareness and solid angles. Athletic enough to match up in the slot and excelled in that role in 2022 – projects as a slot covering safety in the NFL.
Brian Branch, Alabama
Player Comparison:
Tyran Mathieu, New Orleans
AJ Finley, Ole Miss
Player Comparison:
Malik Hooker, Indianapolis
AJ Finley, Ole Miss
6021 / 202 / 78.1” Wingspan
Good height but a somewhat slim frame. Experienced and productive multi-year starter. Good instincts and is deployed all over the field due to versatility and cover skills. Very good tackler. Very good ball skills and makes plays on the ball on a regular basis.
Jason Taylor, Oklahoma State
6000 / 204 / 32” Arms
Good size. Excellent pursuit skills. Extremely fast and has great range – athletic enough to play deep safety in a single high defense. Reliable, fundamentally solid tackler. Has the physical skill set to line up in the slot and cover TEs and RBs in man coverage. Fantastic athletic performance at the combine - 43” vertical, 10’9” broad jump, and a 4.50 40-yard dash. Fast and fluid. Tracks the ball well and has very good ball skills - recorded six INTs in 2022.
Jason Taylor, Oklahoma State
Player Comparison:
Ashtyn Davis, NY Jets
Brandon Joseph / Notre Dame
Player Comparison:
Justin Reid, Kansas City
Brandon Joseph / Notre Dame
6000 / 202 / 30.7” Arms
Transfer from Northwestern. Ideal height and length for an NFL Safety. Possesses a somewhat angular, athletic frame. Displays excellent range in the back end and can hold up in Cover 1 coverage. Long strider and covers ground efficiently in zone coverage. Does not spend much time in the box, more responsible for pass coverage than run support. However, is willing and effective in run support. Not typically used in slot coverage – long-strider who has difficulty maintaining phase with quickness in space. Size and athletic ability match-up well with TEs in coverage. Keys quickly, fires forward, and closes in on the ball carrier. Good open-field tackler but sometimes tries to deliver the big hit and can miss the runner. Willing and able to deliver big hits on WRs. Smart, assignment responsible, and instinctive – rarely takes false steps. Very good ball skills (10 career INTs) and has the ability to high point the ball and beat out the WR for the ball – effectively uses his length and balance. Recorded 30 tackles / 1 FF / 1 INT (returned for TD) / 1 pass defended in 2022.
Sydney Brown, Illinois
5100 / 211 / 31.4” Arms
Brother of Illini RB Chase Brown. Excellent ballhawk and plays the ball in the air like a WR – led FBS with 6 INTs in 2022. Very good instincts – keys quickly and then accelerates towards the ball. Solid tackler. Very good range at the backend and excels in zone coverage. Not used much covering the slot but seems to have enough fluidity and athleticism to hold up in man coverage against TEs, RBs, and some WRs.
Sydney Brown, Illinois
Player Comparison:
Kerby Joseph, Detroit
John Torchio, Wisconsin
Player Comparison:
Camryn Bynum, Minnesota
John Torchio, Wisconsin
Good size with NFL height and length. Keys quickly against the run and supports with force. Primarily plays deep in pass coverage with few man responsibilities. Excellent ball skills – 5 INTs and 2 pick sixes in 2022. Physical and tough – willing to hit. Solid tackler although he sometimes comes in out of control.
Trey Dean, Florida
6020 / 200 / 31.6” Arms
NFL size. Very experienced and productive. Durable. Solid tackler. Fundamentally solid. Good instincts. Limited ball production. Team leader and is assignment responsible and smart. Quick and knifes through the hole and secures the tackle with good form. Better in the box supporting against the run than providing man coverage on the slot receiver. Size matches up with TEs in coverage.
Trey Dean, Florida
