2023 NFL Draft: Brian Branch, Kelee Ringo Reside Atop Updated Safety Rankings

The safety group in this year’s NFL Draft is an interesting one, to say the least. With several of these prospects capable of playing multiple spots in the secondary, it makes for a difficult time ranking them. But, without further ado, allow me to introduce my top 15 safety prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.

SAF15: Benny Sapp III (Northern Iowa)

Benny Sapp was once a three-star recruit for the Minnesota Gophers. He appeared in 24 games but never garnered the playing time he desired, leading to a transfer to Northern Iowa. The Panthers gave Sapp what he was after, as the star defensive back became one of the best players in the FCS.

His ball skills stood out during his time with UNI, and the physicality he plays with makes for a versatile prospect. Sapp is a victim of over-pursuing ball carriers and can get beat by twitchy speedsters from the slot. He is a developmental piece, but worth taking on day three.

NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 3

SAF14: Jay Ward (LSU)

Jay Ward can play cornerback and safety in the NFL, but I see a higher upside playing deep due to inconsistency in outside coverage. Ward is a phenomenal athlete with exceptional range and improving ball skills and boasts a high football IQ. Look for a team to take Ward on day three, giving him a chance to compete for reps immediately in training camp.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

SAF13: Daniel Scott (California)

Daniel Scott is one of my favorite players to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is an underrated athlete, displays insane versatility and top-tier ball skills, and boasts a frame capable of holding up throughout a season.

Scott’s age is hard to ignore, as he is already 25 years old. Additionally, his tape is littered with missed tackles, most of which come as a result of poor form. NFL coaching can unlock the rest of Scott’s potential, but it is fair to wonder how much more there is to unlock.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

SAF12: Brandon Joseph (Notre Dame)

Brandon Joseph has a superb feel for the game. His production at Northwestern and Notre Dame jumps off the screen, as well as his relentless motor. Joseph lacks top-end athleticism, as is evident by his average testing numbers at the Combine.

Still, Joseph is one of the safest bets at the position in this class. You know exactly what you are getting: a proven leader, strong ball skills, a hot motor, and a willing run stuffer, but a low ceiling. If Joseph makes a few Pro Bowls, it would not surprise me, but I am more willing to bet on higher-upside prospects on day two.

NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3

SAF11: Jammie Robinson (Florida State)

Watching Jammie Robinson reminds me a bit of Jalen Pitre, a former second-round pick by the Texans. Robinson is best suited in the box, closer to the line of scrimmage. This positioning allows him to flex his elite tackling ability and showcases his dominant play strength.

Robinson gets in trouble the further away he is from the line. He lacks the speed to cover receivers downfield, resulting in less-than-ideal range for a safety. Furthermore, Robinson is late reacting at times, leading to chunk yardage by his assignment.

Still, Robinson is a fringe day-two pick as long as the team drafting him has a plan in place. The ideal situation is one similar to the aforementioned Pitre.

NFL Draft Grade: Fringe Day 2