Pewter Report analyzes the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft with its position previews – energized by CELSIUS, the official energy drink of Pewter Report. Adam Slivon continues the previews with the safety position, giving a comprehensive look at what the Bucs have and what they need at safety.

Slivon also provides a detailed list of this year’s top safeties while Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds offers up the Bucs draft needs and the annual Pewter Report Bucs’ Best Bets – the most likely safety for the Bucs to select in Rounds 1-3, and in Rounds 4-7.

What The Bucs Have At Safety

The Bucs have one safety spot filled by the do-it-all, All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr., and with contract talks progressing, it is likely that he remains in Tampa Bay long-term. When looking at Winfield, his elite play last season cannot be understated. He was a bonafide playmaker, with 122 total tackles, six forced fumbles, six sacks, and three interceptions. When there was a bat signal in the air for the defense to make a play, he was always there to respond to the call.

Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

At the other safety spot, the team brought back a familiar face by signing Jordan Whitehead to a two-year deal. After starting his career with the Bucs, he defected for a short stint with the Jets, where he has played for the last two seasons. While in the Big Apple, he was able to grow and become an even better player, and after some recruitment by a couple of players on the team in the offseason, he is back where it all started.

He will offer much steadier play at the position than Tampa Bay has received since his departure, as Mike Edwards, Keanu Neal, Logan Ryan, and Ryan Neal either disappointed in starting roles or simply did not do enough to hold down the spot. That will all change with Whitehead’s return.

Outside of Winfield and Whitehead, the team still has 2023 undrafted free agent Kaevon Merriweather. Merriweather received more snaps down the stretch last season with Ryan Neal struggling and holding up well. He may not evolve into much more than a depth option, but between filling in adequately and playing heavily on special teams, he still provides quite a bit of value. With only three safeties on the roster right now, the Bucs will likely consider adding another defensive back into the mix at some point in the 2024 NFL Draft.

What The Bucs Need At Safety

The Bucs have one playmaker at safety in Antoine Winfield Jr., but he should not be expected to do it all. When looking at what the team needs from the position, it is someone who can come in and make plays, be a sure tackler, and not be a liability in pass coverage or run defense. Bringing back Jordan Whitehead helps, but that does not preclude another outside addition.

Head coach Todd Bowles is a big proponent of having defensive back depth and especially having versatile players who can fill multiple roles in the secondary. Tampa Bay’s defense played some of its best football in 2020 en route to a Super Bowl victory when the team had three safeties it could rely on in Winfield, Whitehead, and Mike Edwards.

With two-thirds of that group intact once again, getting another player with a similar playstyle to Edwards could add a lot more upside to the room. The safety position is not the biggest need with both starting spots filled, but adding a talented young player to fill in and make plays in limited action would only expand Bowles’ creativity when it comes to calling plays on defense.

Top Safeties In The 2024 NFL Draft

*Important Note: These players are NOT listed in the order of Pewter Report’s ranking for them. Rather, the numbers are provided to show you the rough order in which we expect them to come off the board during the draft.

1. Washington State S Jaden Hicks – Redshirt Sophomore – 6-1, 215 – 4.50

Hicks is the ideal safety blend, possessing the power and tackling ability of a linebacker but the athletic traits of a cornerback. It is what really allowed him to shine for the past two seasons in the Cougars’ defense. Across 23 consecutive starts, he recorded 155 total tackles, 13 pass deflections, and five interceptions. As a tackler, he is a human hitstick and a throwback to some of the harder-hitting safeties that dominated the NFL in the early 2000s. He does well heading downhill to attack the ball carrier and pairs that with being tenacious defending passes.

At the next level, Hicks will need to continue improving his feel for zone coverage and anticipating routes. While he is a violent tackler, he attacks a bit too hard at times which leaves him not always recognizing the full scope of the play. Still, he profiles as a starting-caliber safety who has both the speed and physicality to make an impact.

2. Minnesota S Tyler Nubin – Redshirt Senior – 6-1, 205 – 4.59

Minnesota S Tyler Nubin – Photo by: USA Today

Being college teammates with Antoine Winfield Jr. for one season back in 2019 sure looked to have rubbed off on Nubin, as he only got better during his time with the Golden Gophers. His pass deflection and interception totals increased over his final four college seasons, which is a credit to the natural ball instincts and field vision that put him in favorable positions. Nubin is explosive jumping in front of routes to make plays and uses his filled-out frame well when dropping down in run support.

While he has a knack for making plays on the football, he is not the most dynamic athlete at the position, which means he will need to continue relying on his instincts to not get beat. There is a lot to like about his overall game, but his athletic profile will likely keep him being drafted higher than his high-end production would suggest.

3. Georgia S Javon Bullard – Junior – 5-10, 198 – 4.47

Bullard was asked to carry a lot of responsibility as both a safety and nickelback for the Bulldogs, but his best role in the NFL may be in the nickel due to his shorter stature. He was a menace across the field during his time in college, showcasing his quick closing speed to the ball, picking up on pass concepts and covering routes well, and not being afraid to play bigger than he is by being aggressive fighting through contact to make tackles.

Playing for the back-to-back National Champions gave Bullard the exposure against some top talent, and he did more than enough to hold his own. He is versatile, but with a smaller frame, it is questionable how he will hold up against bigger, stronger players. That concern could be mitigated in the right defensive scheme where he could be in the box and drop into space, which would allow him to make the most of his polished skillset.

4. Utah S Cole Bishop – Junior – 6-2, 206 – 4.45

Bishop is not like the others when it comes to the rest of the safety class. While he is one of the taller prospects at the position in this year’s class, he is also one of the most athletic. It shows up on tape, where he plays with a high motor and can completely rev up his engine when it comes to pursuing the ball and coming downfield ready to lay the boom. He often gets a head start on plays by diagnosing plays pre-snap, which allows him to play fast.

With 143 total tackles over the past two seasons, Bishop displayed that he can rack up tackles and put himself in spots to make them. Adding in 7.5 sacks throughout college also showed he can pressure the quarterback and enjoys coming off the edge. What will hinder him at the next level is that there is some stiffness to his movements and change of direction because of the bigger frame. He can get caught up in blocks and miss tackles as he relies too much on his speed and not his technique. He has starting talent, it will just need to be properly utilized.

5. Miami S Kamren Kinchens – Junior – 5-11, 202 – 4.60

Miami S Kamren Kinchens – Photo by: USA Today

What first stands out about Kinchens is the production he has had for the Hurricanes over the past two seasons. His 22 passes defended and 11 interceptions put him on the NFL radar, and for good reason. Not only does he have a knack for tracking down the football and making a play on it, but he also stays prepared in zone coverage and comes up quickly to make tackles.

Kinchens’ production deservedly got him a lot of buzz early in the pre-draft process when his name was floated along the likes of Hicks and Nubin, but since running a 4.60 at the NFL Scouting Combine, his stock has taken a bit of a hit. He does not possess the high-end speed that teams covet, and it affects his ability to recover when his angles to the ball can leave him out of position. Still, there is enough to like about his game to believe that he can compete to be a starter.

6. Texas Tech S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson – Redshirt Senior – 5-10, 197 – 4.41

Speed, Taylor-Demerson is speed. The 4.41 that he clocked at the 40-yard dash was the fastest of any safety in this class. But more than just his wheels, he has great ball skills and the production to back it up. His athleticism allows him to play with great range and clean up on plays. He also is not afraid to go full-throttle to wrap guys up, and in coverage, he plays tight to his assignments and is pesty.

Taylor-Demerson is far from being the tallest or biggest safety, and that hurts his play strength when needing to make some tackles at difficult angles. He makes up for a lot of ground with his straight-line speed, but there are some wasted movements and times when he is simply caught off guard. Teams will covet his explosiveness, and he has the potential to grow with more development.

7. Wake Forest S Malik Mustapha – Redshirt Junior – 5-10, 206 – 4.54

Mustapha arguably has the best tackling ability of any safety in this year’s class. He has a compact frame with a lot of muscle, which he uses to strike anyone holding the football with force. He displays great technique and control coming down to wrap up, ensuring that his feet match his pursuit angles when he is lining himself up. He emerged as a starter in the past two seasons, and his discipline to play smart football and stay in position gives him a fighting chance on every down.

Not the most fleet of foot, Mustapha can get beat on the top of routes as he does not have the fastest change of direction to recover. His recognition of where he should be in coverage can be further refined, as it would allow him to have more production. The passion and tenacity he plays with will allow him to find a home sooner rather than later, and in short order he can compete for a starting job.

8. USC S Calen Bullock – Junior – 6-2, 188 – 4.48

For a Trojans’ defense that struggled to keep points off the board, Bullock was one of the unit’s bright spots last season and throughout his time at the program. Often acting as the centerfielder on the backend, his athletic and ball skills allowed him to make a lot of plays. Off the snap, he makes the proper reads and has a quick first step to the action. He makes the most of his long frame to hang with receivers and layout to make tackles.

Bullock has room to add to his lean build, which he will need going up against more physical matchups. In run defense, he will need to improve his angles to break down and bring the ball carrier to the ground. He can be caught out of position on pass plays, and understanding NFL offenses may take time. As a fast player with versatility as a safety or corner, he can become a starting defensive back if he can keep his mistakes to a minimum.

9. Georgia S Tykee Smith – Redshirt Senior – 5-10, 202 – 4.46

Georgia S Tykee Smith – Photo by: USA Today

Smith does a lot of things that defensive coaches will appreciate. After transferring to Georgia in 2021, he saved his best season for last in 2023. Both he and Javon Bullard were catalysts on defense, and when it came to production, he outperformed his safety contemporary. Smith was asked to do a lot on defense, and thanks to his high football IQ and understanding of the game, he filled in seamlessly wherever he needed to.

He has above-average speed and agility, pairing that with a well-developed frame. He is aggressive in run support and as a tackler while also capitalizing on a quarterback’s mistakes, coming down with four interceptions last season.

All of these are positives, but Smith can struggle to hang with and recover against more dynamic route-runners in the passing game. His size may also limit him to filling more of a nickel role, however, his game suggests that he will be a valuable contributor as a safety who can fill in as a starter or in the slot where his instincts and physicality would play up.

10. Auburn S Jaylin Simpson – Redshirt Senior – 5-11, 179 – 4.45

Simpson is a unique safety prospect, coming in almost ten pounds lighter than the next person on this list. With a lighter build, he uses it to fly around the secondary. For the Tigers and throughout Senior Bowl week he showed above-average ball skills, hauling in difficult throws. He times up where he needs to be, and that aids him when coming across the field to make things happen.

What will give some teams pause is Simpson’s size and the fact that it does affect his playstyle. He tries to compensate for his lean frame by taking erratic pursuit angles, and if he gets caught in blocks it is hard for him to escape. While it may keep him from being drafted by some teams looking for a bigger, more physical player, he shows enough promise as an instinctual ball hawk to carve out a role on an NFL defense.

11. Oregon State S Kitan Oladapo – Sixth-Year Senior – 6-2, 216 – 4.58

Oregon State S Kitan Oladapo – Photo by: USA Today

Oladapo is a burly, muscular safety, and that makes him fearless when it comes to tackling and going head-on. Not only is he physical, but he is versatile, starting as a cornerback for the Beavers before moving over to safety. That experience serves him well in coverage and diagnosing plays, and he makes his presence known when coming down on run plays.

Oladapo has average speed and his relative lack of twitchiness and suddenness will cap his ceiling, but he would be valuable depth and projects to be a special teams ace.

12. Maryland S Beau Brade – Senior – 6-0, 203 – 4.65

There is little doubt when watching Brade play that he likes to be a defensive enforcer. He is a physical tackler who not only wraps up players on the outside, but he gets down on run plays to stall plays at the line of scrimmage. In coverage, he displays enough anticipation to stay with wide receivers and not be manipulated by the quarterback.

Brade lacks the speed to make up for the times he does not recognize the scope of the play, and that affects his ability to hang with guys one-on-one on the perimeter or up the middle of the field. That carries over to how he plays, as he is conservative trying to not get beat, which means that he will give up passes instead of taking a chance to make a play. His traits will give him some run at the next level, but he may not grow into much more than a depth piece in the secondary.

13. Washington S Dominque Hampton – Sixth-Year Senior – 6-2, 213 – 4.45

Hampton has plus size for the safety position, pairing that with great speed. That helps his cause when it comes to having range, and he fluid in his hip movements which keep him in plays. He burst onto the season for the Huskies last season, recording 109 total tackles across 15 starts, adding in nine pass deflections and two interceptions. With that kind of production, his tackling ability is one of his calling cards, as he is a big hitter who uses his frame to take down his targets efficiently.

There are concerns when it comes to Hampton knowing what to do in coverage and moving to keep pace with his assignments. Having one big season in six years will hurt him, and he did not show enough to suggest that he be a consistent playmaker. His impressive size, speed, and tackling prowess will give him the chance to see the field as a team’s third or fourth safety.

14. Ohio State S Josh Proctor – Sixth-Year Senior – 6-1, 199 – 4.55

Proctor offers solid size at the position, with the speed and acceleration to move in stride with his assignments and get in position when asked to provide run support. Whether asked to be in the box or act as the single-high safety, he can handle playing in a variety of defensive formations. All of this helps him see the field well, but it was a struggle for him to see the field during his time with the Buckeyes.

Riddled with injuries throughout his college career, Proctor did not play a full collegiate season across six years and will already be 25 years old before he enters the league. As well as this, there are some inconsistencies when it comes to him recovering on plays and wrapping guys up. The saying goes that the best ability is availability, and that will be a key factor in him seeing action in the NFL.

15. Utah S Sione Vaki – Redshirt Sophomore – 5-11, 213 – 4.51

Vaki has had quite the journey to be on the precipice of being drafted. After originally signing with Utah in 2019, he did not play for them until 2022 as he was away on a religious mission trip. When he did return to the football field, he did so as a two-way player, playing both at running back and safety. He made his mark on defense as a quick processor and came down to affect the run game with aggressiveness.

Vaki lacks the size and arm length for the position and his relative lack of game experience hurts his ability to recognize routes and have the field vision that others in this group do. His defensive instincts do not match up with what his positional versatility suggests, and it will prevent him from being much more than a special teamer. With the new kickoff rule in place though, he could be intriguing in that aspect.

16. Air Force S Trey Taylor – Redshirt Senior – 6-0, 206 – 4.59

Air Force S Trey Taylor – Photo by: USA Today

What may be the first fact most know about Taylor is that he is cousins with Ed Reed, the Hall of Fame safety who was a staple on some elite Ravens’ defense throughout the 2000s. But Taylor displayed that he could make the NFL on his own merit after three seasons at Air Force. Across 36 starts, he was able to impact the game in numerous ways, from using his instincts to hang with receivers and disrupt the passing game to finishing tackles coming across the field.

His intelligence and character have been highly regarded and in totality, these characteristics will lead to him finding a home. What will be crucial to his overall success will be overcoming his lack of top-end speed and grasping the movements he needs to take to stay in plays. He will need to work on his tackling and pursuit angles to finish more plays, but he offers enough to suggest that he can stick as a player in different defensive packages and as a depth piece who is constantly looking for ways to improve.

17. Texas Tech S Tyler Owens – Redshirt Senior – 6-2, 216 – N/A

Owens has elite athleticism and plus size as a safety, boasting a 41-inch vertical and 12-foot-2 broad jump, the second-best in NFL Scouting Combine history. He uses this to match receivers and get in spots where most safeties cannot. He gets where he needs to be in a hurry, showing the tools to eventually become a solid tackler.

While Owens possesses unteachable ability, he lacks game experience. With only 12 starts in five seasons and not emerging until last year, he is still raw. He will need to develop and anticipate everything going on around him to avoid being a defensive liability. With the traits to be molded into more over time, it will require some patience from a team taking a chance on him hoping to find a diamond in the rough.

Bucs’ Best Bets: Safety

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 1-3: Georgia S Tykee Smith

Smith would make for a perfect complement to Bucs safety Antoine Winfield Jr. long-term as he is at his best playing a box/nickel role. That would let Winfield play up top as a centerfielder. Smith is a physically imposing, hard-hitting strong safety type who is most effective near and behind the line of scrimmage. He had 8.5 tackles-for-loss in 2023 showing he has a penchant for getting into the backfield on blitzes. In coverage he holds up well against tight ends and power slots and shows a nose for the ball creating turnovers.

Smith doesn’t sacrifice his technical form as a tackler just to deliver a big hit. He’s just very physical as he drives through ball-carriers. He’s not the best or most fluid athlete but is functional and linear in that area. Smith isn’t likely to be taken in the first two rounds of the draft and so the Bucs may be able to select him with either of their two third round picks (No. 89 and No. 92 overall).

Bucs Best Bet – Rounds 4-7: Air Force S Trey Taylor

Taylor is a natural ballhawk that the Bucs have lacked in the secondary for several seasons. His six interceptions and 19 passes defensed over the past four seasons are both impressive numbers. He’s a solid athlete in both his size and movement skills. He’s quick to read and react and smoothy mirrors and matches receivers who release vertically. Taylor has special teams experience and has been praised for his character and makeup. Coming from a military school he is likely a disciplined player as well.

Taylor’s athleticism has a ceiling that can be exploited at the NFL level, and he will have to hedge against speedier receivers while learning not to use his hands in a way that will get called for holding and DPI. Whereas Smith has a more defined role, Taylor is more of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. He is likely a late day-three pick that the Bucs could look to select with either of their seventh-round picks (No. 220 and No. 246), or they could try to package them together to move up into the sixth round to ensure they secure Taylor’s services.