Coverage Kings: Ranking the Safeties with Elite Coverage Skills in the 2025 NFL Draft

In today’s NFL, where passing offenses reign supreme, a safety’s ability to cover ground and shut down receivers is more critical than ever. Just ask Patrick Mahomes, who can dissect a defense in a matter of seconds if given the opportunity. The 2025 NFL Draft boasts a class of safeties with exceptional coverage skills, capable of transforming a defense from vulnerable to virtually impenetrable. This year’s safety class showcases a remarkable blend of athleticism, versatility, and ball-hawking instincts. From intercepting passes to delivering bone-jarring hits, these coverage kings are poised to make an immediate impact on their respective teams.

The Modern NFL Safety: Coverage is Key

The evolution of the NFL has placed a premium on defensive backs who can excel in coverage. Gone are the days of safeties solely focused on run support; today’s game demands versatile players who can seamlessly transition between covering speedy slot receivers, tracking deep routes, and disrupting passes in the end zone. According to NFL scouts, a safety’s coverage skills are paramount, and those who possess fluid hips, quick change-of-direction ability, and exceptional instincts are highly coveted.

Ranking the Coverage Elite

Here’s a look at some of the top safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft who have demonstrated exceptional coverage abilities:

Malaki Starks, Georgia: Starks has been on the radar of NFL scouts since his freshman year. A five-star recruit, Starks immediately stepped into a starting role for the Bulldogs, showcasing his elite range and man-to-man coverage skills. His ability to read quarterbacks and react quickly makes him a true playmaker in the secondary. Starks’ strengths include his impressive top speed (he has a sprinter background), fluid hips for maximizing deep coverage range, and elite ball skills. However, some scouts note that his movements can occasionally appear uncontrolled, and he can be overly aggressive in pursuit angles. Several analysts have compared Starks’ playing style to that of Jessie Bates III, praising his scheme versatility and potential to excel in any defensive system.
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina: Emmanwori is a physical specimen with the size and athleticism to excel in multiple roles. His impressive performance at the NFL Combine solidified his status as a top prospect, with scouts raving about his 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 43-inch vertical jump, and 11.5-foot broad jump. Emmanwori’s coverage skills are complemented by his ability to contribute in run support, making him a valuable asset in any defensive scheme. Some analysts see similarities between Emmanwori and Divine Deablo, highlighting his potential as a hybrid safety-linebacker.
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame: Watts is a versatile safety with a knack for creating turnovers. His ball skills and instincts make him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks, and his ability to read routes and break on the ball is exceptional. Watts’ strengths include his all-around athleticism, balance, and strong, reliable hands. However, some scouts note that he lacks elite top speed and has limited experience versus press coverage.
Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State: Winston possesses the ideal height and length for man coverage, allowing him to disrupt the catch point and make plays on the ball. His downhill speed and tackling ability make him a force against the run, while his coverage skills allow him to match up with tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Winston’s strengths include his good height/length for man coverage and great downhill speed.
Andrew Mukuba, Texas: Mukuba is a versatile defensive back with experience playing both safety and cornerback. His coverage skills and ball skills make him a valuable asset in the secondary, and his ability to play multiple positions adds to his versatility. Some analysts have compared Mukuba to Julian Blackmon, praising his ability to excel in various defensive schemes.

The Importance of Versatility

In today’s NFL, versatility is a highly valued trait for safeties. Defenses are increasingly relying on players who can seamlessly transition between different roles, whether it’s covering slot receivers, blitzing off the edge, or providing run support in the box. Safeties who possess the ability to excel in multiple areas are more likely to see the field and make a significant impact on their teams.

Beyond the Top Tier

While Starks, Emmanwori, and Watts headline this year’s safety class, there are several other prospects with intriguing coverage skills who could emerge as valuable contributors at the next level. Players like Sebastian Castro (Iowa), Lathan Ransom (Ohio State), and Billy Bowman Jr. (Oklahoma) all possess the potential to develop into reliable coverage safeties with the right coaching and development.

The Impact on NFL Defenses

The influx of talented coverage safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft is poised to have a significant impact on NFL defenses. Teams that prioritize coverage skills in the secondary will be well-equipped to defend against the league’s high-powered passing offenses. These coverage kings have the potential to transform defenses and help their teams compete for championships.