Published Feb 25, 2022
NFL Draft: Top 10 safeties heading into the NFL Combine
circle avatar
Mike Farrell  •  Rivals.com
Rivals National Columnist

The NFL Combine is approaching as we head toward the NFL Draft in April. Here’s where I stand on the top 10 at each position, concluding today with the safeties.

*****

RELATED: Top 10 QBs heading into the NFL Combine | RB | WR | TE | OL | DT | DE | LB | CB

CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State | JUCO

CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State

TRANSFER PORTAL: Stories/coverage | Message board

RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Info for 2022 series

*****

1. Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame  

Hands down the best safety in this draft class, Hamilton covers more territory than any safety I’ve seen in the last few years.

*****

2. Jaquan Brisker, Penn State   

Brisker is physical, he’s a leader and when he’s on he can take over games.

*****

3. Lewis Cine, Georgia

The biggest hitter in this group, he plays with reckless abandon.

*****

4. Verone McKinley, Oregon   

He’s not the biggest safety, but he is one of the best in coverage and plays bigger than his size.

*****

5. Kerby Joseph, Illinois  

Joseph is an active tackler with good ball skills, but speed will be the big question.

*****

6. Smoke Monday, Auburn  

Monday has been around forever, it seems, and he would bring immediate experience and future leadership to an NFL team.

*****

7. Bryan Cook, Cincinnati  

The corners got all the attention for the Bearcats, but Cook covered up the rare mistakes.

*****

8. Nick Cross, Maryland   

Cross has size and long arms, so his measurables could move him up this list.

*****

9. Tre Sterling, Oklahoma State  

Sterling doesn’t do anything exceptionally well, but he’s steady and rarely makes a mistake.

*****

10. Leon O’Neal, Texas A&M  

O’Neal is a gambler in coverage at times, but he could be second behind Hamilton in overall athleticism.