The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy reveals his top 10 safeties in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
1. Trevon Moehrig, TCU, 6-1, 202 pounds
Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation’s top defensive back in 2020. Versatility is the top asset coveted for safeties right now. Reliable tackler in the box, good instincts in the deep post and speed to cover in the slot.
2. Jevon Holland, Oregon, 6-1, 207 pounds
One of only four FBS players with at least four interceptions in both 2018 and 2019 — he will high-point 50/50 balls — before opting out of 2020. Also a dangerous punt returner who thinks “touchdown.”
3. Richie Grant, Central Florida, 6-0, 197 pounds
Center fielder with 10 interceptions and six forced fumbles over his final three years. Played special teams — a bonus for NFL teams — throughout his 46-game career. Improved tackler in 2020.
4. Andre Cisco, Syracuse, 6-1, 216 pounds
Queens native ended his career as the FBS active career leader in interceptions, with 13 in just 24 games. Played just two games last season before an ACL injury. One year of varsity high school football.
5. Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech, 6-3, 226 pounds
At his best packing a punch against the run in the box and on special teams. Playing outside linebacker in nickel and dime defenses is an option. Could struggle in man-to-man coverage.
TCU’s Trevon Moehrig chases down Reggie Roberson Jr. Getty Images6. Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State, 6-3, 215 pounds
Grew up playing basketball and wide receiver, but looks like prototypical box safety. Athletic tackling machine who can blitz. Showed leadership returning from ACL rehab to play in final two games in 2020.
7. Talanoa Hufanga, USC, 6-0, 199 pounds
Injury history includes broken collarbone, concussion and dislocated shoulder, so durability concerns push the 2020 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year down the list. Nose for the ball and rarely out of position.
8. Damar Hamlin, Pittsburgh, 6-1, 201 pounds
One of two Pitt safeties, with Paris Ford, expected to be mid-round or late-round picks. Missed time with injuries in three of five seasons, but still collected nearly 300 career tackles.
9. Jamar Johnson, Indiana, 5-11, 205 pounds:
Jamar Johnson, Indiana, 5-11, 205 pounds: Showed good range in 2020, with eight passes defended, including four interceptions. Failed to wrap on some tackles, allowing big plays. Charged with resisting arrest in 2018.
10. Tyree Gillespie, Missouri, 5-11, 207 pounds
Played mostly deep part of the field, but curiously had zero interceptions in 27 games. Takes the proper angle to cut off ball-carriers. Gunner on punt coverage.
Late risers
Moehrig: Could sneak inside the top 20 picks. Some safety-needy teams regret letting Xavier McKinney and Antoine Winfield slip to the second round last year.
Falling Fast
Caden Sterns, Texas, 6-1, 207 pounds: Popular opinion is the former Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year would have benefited from another season to cut down missed tackles. Seems to know he is slipping to Day 3 because he declared he will be the “steal of the draft.”
Small School Wonder
Christian Uphoff, Illinois State, 6-2, 209 pounds: One-year starter (FCS season was moved to spring due to COVID-19) who creates lots of intrigue in the scouting world as a developmental prospect. Size and athleticism could give trouble to receiving tight ends.
