Best Safeties in NFL 2023 – Ranking the Top 10

Best Safeties in NFL 2023

A safety in American football is a defensive player whose primary role is to protect against deep passes and provide support in stopping the running game. The “Best Safeties in NFL 2023” would refer to the players who are currently considered to be the best at their position in the NFL during the 2023 season.

The criteria for determining the best safeties in the NFL may vary depending on who you ask. Some factors that may be taken into consideration include a player’s stats, impact on their team’s defence, leadership ability, and overall skill level. Ultimately, the players who are considered to be the best safeties in the NFL are likely to be those who are most effective at stopping the opposing team’s offence and helping their own team to win games.

Top 10 Best Safeties in NFL 2023

PFF’s NFL Draft Guide has identified the top 10 safeties for this year’s draft class. The following list presents the cream of the crop in terms of talent, skills, and potential in the safety position, as evaluated by PFF’s experts.

S. No	Best Safeties
1	Brian Branch, Alabama
2	Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
3	Sydney Brown, Illinois
4	Jammie Robinson, Florida State
5	Jordan Battle, Alabama
6	Christopher Smith, Georgia
7	JL Skinner, Boise State
8	Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State
9	Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
10	Quindell Johnson

1. Brian Branch, Alabama (14)

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Brian Branch played football for Sandy Creek High School, where he was a standout player on offence, defence, and special teams. During his senior year, he was named the Georgia 5A Ironman of the Year by conference coaches, an award given to the league’s top two-way player. This achievement earned him a spot in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio. After high school, Branch was highly sought after by college recruiters and was rated as a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports, RIVALs, and ESPN, with a scout’s rating of 0.97. Ultimately, he chose to play for the University of Alabama. During his freshman year in 2020, Branch played in 11 games and primarily played at the slot corner position. He made 21 tackles, 4 assists, and 9 stops. He also had 5 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and allowed a quarterback rating of 79.1 when targeted in coverage. As a sophomore in 2021, Branch played in 15 games and saw action on 624 snaps. He recorded 45 tackles, 11 assists, and 22 stops. However, he did not have any interceptions and allowed a slightly disappointing quarterback rating of 110.9 when targeted in coverage. On the positive side, he was able to contribute as a pass rusher, recording 10 pressures and 2 sacks. In 2022, as a junior, Branch played in 12 games and saw the field for 720 snaps. He had an impressive season, recording 63 tackles, 14 assists, and 34 stops. In the secondary, he forced 6 pass breakups and 1 interception while allowing a much improved quarterback rating of 75.5 when targeted in coverage. He also contributed 6 total pressures and 2 sacks as a pass rusher.

2. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M (47)

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Antonio Johnson played football for East St. Louis High School, where he excelled on both offence and defence as a wide receiver and defensive back. He was highly regarded as a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports, with a scout’s rating of 0.960. After receiving considerable attention from college recruiters, Johnson ultimately decided to play for Texas A&M. During his freshman year in 2020, Johnson was thrust into action early due to injuries and played in 6 games, primarily at the cornerback position. He recorded 12 tackles, 1 assist, and 6 stops. However, he did not have any interceptions and allowed a disappointing quarterback rating of 144.6 when targeted in coverage.

As a sophomore in 2021, Johnson emerged as a dominant force, playing in 12 games and logging 800 snaps for the Aggies. He recorded 58 tackles, 18 assists, and 26 stops. In coverage, he had 1 pass breakup, 1 interception, and an impressive quarterback rating of 71.2 when targeted.

During his junior year in 2022, Johnson played in 9 games and saw the field for 582 snaps. He recorded 55 tackles, 16 assists, and 28 stops. In the secondary, Johnson did not force any pass breakups or interceptions and allowed a quarterback rating of 91.2 when targeted in coverage. However, he did contribute 7 total pressures and 1 sack as a pass rusher.

3. Sydney Brown, Illinois (57)

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Sydney Brown, who attended St Stephen’s Episcopal High School, was considered a 3-star prospect by 247 Sports, with a scout’s rating of 0.830, but was not ranked by ESPN. After completing high school, Brown decided to join Illinois. During his freshman year in 2018, Brown played in 10 games and spent a total of 585 snaps at safety for the Fighting Illini. He achieved 38 tackles, 17 assists, and 9 stops. Brown also managed to record 3 pass breakups, 1 interception, but had a disappointing QB rating of 115.7 when targeted. In his sophomore year in 2019, he played in 11 games and spent 685 snaps on the field. Brown made 70 tackles, 11 assists, and 16 stops. In terms of coverage, he recorded 1 pass breakup, 3 interceptions, and had a QB rating of 94.3 when targeted.

Brown played in 6 games during his junior year in 2020 and contributed to 360 snaps. He managed to accumulate 28 tackles, 10 assists, and 5 stops. In the secondary, Brown forced 1 pass breakup, no interceptions, and had a QB rating of 104.7 when targeted. As a senior in 2021, Brown played in 12 games and spent 796 snaps on the field. He achieved 67 tackles, 11 assists, and 23 stops. In coverage, Brown had 2 pass breakups, no interceptions, and surrendered a QB rating of 96.3 when targeted. In his fifth year as a senior in 2022, Brown played in 12 games and spent 742 snaps on the field. He achieved 56 tackles, 15 assists, and 25 stops. In coverage, Brown had 5 pass breakups, 6 interceptions, and surrendered an elite QB rating of 47.8 when targeted.

4. Jammie Robinson, Florida State (63)

Jammie Robinson, who attended Lee County High School, was rated as a 3-star prospect by 247 Sports with a scout’s rating of 0.890, and was considered a four-star prospect by ESPN. After completing high school, Robinson decided to join South Carolina, after being heavily recruited. During his freshman year in 2019, Robinson played in 12 games and spent a total of 679 snaps as a cornerback for the Gamecocks. He achieved 49 tackles, 13 assists, and 18 stops. In terms of coverage, Robinson recorded 3 pass breakups, 1 interception, and had a solid QB rating of 85.6 when targeted. In his sophomore year in 2020, Robinson played in 10 games and spent 679 snaps on the field for the Gamecocks. He made 56 tackles, 13 assists, and 18 stops. In coverage, Robinson totaled 3 pass breakups, 1 interception, and had a QB rating of 95.8 when targeted. 

At the end of the season, Robinson transferred to Florida State where he played as a junior for the Seminoles in 2021. He played in 12 games and took part in 755 snaps. Robinson accumulated 58 tackles, 13 assists, and 19 stops. In the secondary, he forced 2 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and gave up a QB rating of 76.0 when targeted.

As a senior in 2022, Robinson played in 12 games and spent 710 snaps on the field. He achieved 54 tackles, 22 assists, and 17 stops. In coverage, Robinson recorded 3 pass breakups, 1 interception, and surrendered a QB rating that was not mentioned in the given information.

5. Jordan Battle, Alabama (73)

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Jordan Battle, who attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School, was rated as a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports with a scout’s rating of 96. After high school, he initially joined Ohio State but later switched to Alabama. During his freshman year in 2019, Battle played in 13 games and was on the field for a total of 400 snaps for the Crimson Tide. He recorded 19 tackles, one assist, and 6 stops. In coverage, he managed one pass break up, one interception, and a QB rating when targeted at 48.8. In his sophomore year, Battle earned the starting job for the Crimson Tide and played in 13 games, participating in 820 snaps. He made 51 tackles, 19 assists, and had 13 stops. In coverage, he totaled 3 pass breakups, one interception, and had a QB rating when targeted at 91.2. Additionally, he forced 6 total pressures as a pass rusher.

As a junior in 2021, Battle played in 15 games and contributed on 964 snaps, resulting in 63 tackles, 23 assists, and 16 stops. In the secondary, he forced 4 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and gave up an elite QB rating when targeted at 57.6. In his senior year in 2022, Battle participated in 12 games while playing 907 snaps. He made 42 tackles, 18 assists, and 11 stops. In coverage, he had one pass breakup, one interception, and surrendered a QB rating of 87.9.

6. Christopher Smith, Georgia (94)

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Christopher Smith, who attended Hapeville Charter Hornets High School, was given a 3-star rating by 247 Sports with a scout’s rating of 0.890, but was not ranked by ESPN. He decided to join the Georgia Bulldogs after graduating from high school. During his freshman year in 2018, Smith played in 5 games and was on the field for a total of 63 snaps as a safety for the Bulldogs. He recorded only 4 tackles and 2 stops, without any assists. In terms of coverage, Smith did not register any pass breakups or interceptions, and had a disappointing QB rating when targeted at 158.3. In his sophomore year, Smith played in 7 games and logged 78 snaps for the Bulldogs. He had only 4 tackles, 2 assists, and no stops. In coverage, he did not record any pass breakups or interceptions, and his QB rating when targeted was 56.3.

As a junior in 2020, Smith contributed in 9 games and played for 415 snaps, achieving 19 tackles, 9 assists, and 4 stops. In the secondary, Smith had one pass breakup, no interceptions, and allowed a QB rating when targeted of 69.8. In his senior year of 2021, Smith participated in 12 games, playing for 597 snaps. He recorded 30 tackles, 4 assists, and 9 stops. In coverage, Smith earned 2 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and allowed an elite QB rating when targeted of 53.8. During his fifth year as a senior in 2022, Smith played in 13 games while playing 699 snaps. He made 41 tackles, 10 assists, and 15 stops. In coverage, Smith earned 4 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and surrendered an elite QB rating when targeted of 50.6.

7. JL Skinner, Boise State (110)

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JL Skinner was a 4-star prospect from Point Loma High School with a scout’s rating of 0.900 by 247 Sports, although he was not ranked by ESPN. He was heavily recruited and ultimately chose to join Boise State. During his freshman year in 2019, Skinner played in 9 games, taking part in 89 snaps at safety for the Broncos. He recorded 5 tackles and no assists or stops, while earning 2 pass breakups, no interceptions, and a QB rating when targeted at 106.8.

In his sophomore year in 2020, Skinner participated in 6 games, logging 402 snaps for the Broncos. He made 31 tackles, 6 assists, and 12 stops, with one pass breakup, one interception, and a QB rating when targeted at 105.6 in coverage. As a junior in 2021, Skinner played in 12 games and contributed on 716 snaps. He accumulated 72 tackles, 16 assists, and 39 stops, with 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a QB rating when targeted of 91.8 in the secondary. In his senior year of 2022, Skinner played in 12 games while participating in 618 snaps. He made 52 tackles, 14 assists, and 19 stops, while earning 2 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and a remarkable QB rating when targeted of 37.8 in coverage.

8. Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State (116)

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Ronnie Hickman, who graduated from DePaul Catholic High School and was rated a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports with a scout’s rating of 0.950, chose to join Ohio State after being heavily recruited, despite ESPN leaving him unranked. In 2020 as a freshman, he played only 47 snaps in three games at safety for the Buckeyes, recording 2 tackles, one assist, and 2 stops. However, he failed to notch up any pass breakups or interceptions, and his QB rating when targeted was 56.3.

As a sophomore in 2021, he played in all 13 games for Ohio State, logging 705 snaps. He made a solid contribution with 79 tackles, 18 assists, and 27 stops. He also recorded one pass breakup, 2 interceptions, and gave up a QB rating of 110.8 when targeted in coverage. In 2022 as a junior, Hickman played in 12 games and was on the field for 700 snaps. He chalked up 38 tackles, 14 assists, and added 12 stops, and was able to force 4 pass breakups and one interception while giving up an elite QB rating of just 34.7 when targeted.

9. Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State (123)

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Ji’Ayir Brown, who attended Trenton Central High School and received a scout’s rating of 0.880 from 247 Sports, was a 3-star prospect and unranked by ESPN. After high school, Brown decided to join Penn State. In 2020, as a freshman, Brown played in 9 games and spent a total of 130 snaps at safety for the Nittany Lions. He had only 5 tackles, no assists, and one stop. He didn’t notch any pass breakups or interceptions in coverage but allowed a QB rating of 97.9 when targeted.

As a sophomore in 2021, Brown appeared in 13 games and played for 721 snaps with the Nittany Lions. He had a solid performance, making 66 tackles, 7 assists, and 18 stops. In coverage, he achieved 3 pass breakups and an impressive 6 interceptions, while allowing a decent QB rating of 79.2 when targeted. In 2022, as a junior, Brown participated in 12 games and played for 611 snaps. He performed well, achieving 54 tackles, 8 assists, and 25 stops. In the secondary, Brown forced one pass breakup, 3 interceptions, and allowed an impressive QB rating of 59.2 when targeted. Additionally, he recorded 10 total pressures and 3 sacks throughout the year.

10. Quindell Johnson, Memphis (157) 

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Quindell Johnson is a football player who played safety for the Memphis Tigers in college. He attended Horn Lake High School in Horn Lake, Mississippi, and was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports. As a freshman in 2019, Johnson played in 10 games for Memphis and made six tackles. In 2020, he played in all 11 games for the Tigers and started in four of them. He finished the season with 35 tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups.

In 2021, as a sophomore, Johnson played in all 13 games and started in 11 of them. He had a breakout season, finishing with 86 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. He was named to the All-AAC First Team for his outstanding performance during the season. Overall, Quindell Johnson is known for his physicality, athleticism, and ball-hawking ability in the secondary. He is expected to continue his football career at the next level, and some experts have him projected as a potential mid-round pick in the NFL Draft.

TRENDING

Who is the Best Safety in the NFL Right Now?

Brian Branch is a talented young safety who currently plays college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. While he has yet to play in the NFL, he is considered by many to be a top prospect at his position for the future. It remains to be seen how his skills will translate to the professional level, but he has shown a great deal of promise during his time at Alabama.

During his freshman season in 2020, Branch appeared in all 13 games for the Crimson Tide and played a key role on their defence. He recorded 22 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 2 pass breakups. He also earned SEC Freshman of the Week honours after his performance in a game against Arkansas, in which he recorded 6 tackles and a sack.

While it is still early in his career, many experts believe that Branch has the potential to develop into one of the top safeties in the nation. It remains to be seen how his skills will progress in the coming years, but if he continues to perform at a high level, he could very well become a top draft pick and a future star in the NFL.

Top 10 Best Safeties in NFL 2022

PFF’s NFL Draft Guide has compiled a list of top 10 safeties in the 2023 draft class based mainly on each player’s final defensive grades during the 2022 regular season. The grades factor in all defensive snaps played by each player in every game, with a minimum of 500 snaps required for consideration. While there is some flexibility in the final rankings, the grades from the end of the regular season are the primary determinant.

The rankings are solely based on each player’s performance during the 2022 regular season and not their past accomplishments. Safeties have the most versatile defensive position, with some players staying in a single-high role while others move around and play in different positions like the slot, in the box, or along the defensive line. Consequently, the opportunities presented to each player to be involved in plays differ, resulting in varying levels of grading for each player.

S. No	Best Safeties
1	Ryan Neal, Seattle Seahawks (85.6)
2	Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers (82.4)
3	Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints (81.2)
4	Kamren Curl, Washington Commanders (82.9)
5	Rodney Mcleod, Indianapolis Colts (80.1)
6	Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans (78.7)
7	Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens (82.3)
8	Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots (78.4)
9	Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers (77.8)
10	Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers (77.3)

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