2025 Defensive Backs

 NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION CORNERBACKS  

95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 8/10-year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, excels in all phases of pass coverage, absolute shut down in Man and his Zone is the one the other team will not throw nearby. He must want to cover the other team's best WR and must shut down his portion of the field. Must possess elite level quickness and speed to run with any WR> MUST be just as dominant in run game when called upon.  Looking for a LB mentality playing on the edge. Must have complete understanding of coverage audibles and misses NOTHING!! High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, defensive team leader, likely team Captain no injury concerns.  TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK

90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected 8+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF discussion. Must excel at all aspects of the game, dominant in pass coverage, excels at both Man and Zone and be elite at one, must have elite quickness and top end speed, must be completely committed to run defense and be effective, shows complete understanding of the defense, rarely misses the correct audible, team leader, character very important no injury concerns   1st Round pick

85-89 Solid at the position 5/8-year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Consistently very good and occasionally great. Must be solid in all phases of pass coverage and can excel at one. Must have at least elite quickness or top end speed. Looking for a player at least willing and competent in Run game. Can at least handle the defensive calls and audibles, has an understanding of all coverage schemes. Very solid and dependable player but the team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years.     2nd round through Mid 3rd round

80-84  Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns  4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic.  Looking for CB3 and CB4 players here with upside. Possible specialist in Man or Zone coverage. Player must at least show interest and effort in run defense. Player must at least be able to make basic audible calls. Likely a quality back up/role player for several years, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year.  Draft Mid 3rd/Late 4th round

75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns.  3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Possibly excells at at least one aspect of the position. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start.  Will play for multiple teams over career.  Draft Late 4th/5th round

70-74  Back up /specials teams.   Could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or  scheme in college career or  simply lack of physical attributes.  Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Player must at least show ability to line up defense, make some basic calls. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long.   Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live  on the  bubble.  Draft 6th/7th round

65-69 Developmental Practice squad player,could develop into role player with tenacity and patience, has basic skill set needed for position, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career.Draft late 7th round / Priority Free Agent  (PFA)

60-64  Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

Under 60  Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!!  Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. 

 EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS

BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard.  Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk.   This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight.  There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.  

UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts.  These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.

SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.

POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables  will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.  

CHARACTER ALERT!!!  This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!  
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term.   If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$           

           2025 OUTSIDE CORNERBACKS

This year I will continue to split up the CB position, with evolution the NFL game has created a need for both outside and inside CB's with both requiring specific skills.  Sucess at one does not automatically guarantee success at the other. 

2025 OUTSIDE CORNERBACK OVERVIEW:

Well, here is another spot where I'm not on the hype train like others.  I've been watching Revel for some time, so I've seen him play, he has is all, elite length, great strength, speed, solid technique and has no fear of tackling. The only negative is he is coming off injury. Next, I like Barron, very well built, great speed and quickness and fierce in run support. Now we get to Hunter, his obsession with playing two positions costs him major, a decent WR but he would be the clear #1 here and possibly overall had he just concentrated his effort at CB! If he does, he's likely Canton bound. if not, well, we'll see, I may have to eat this one! Now the rest. Hairston is very versatile, able to easily more in the slot if needed, solid in run support, lack of great length is a problem, Amos played top competition not only in games but practice, Johnson has great length and talent but major character questions to me after this past season when his injury really dragged on and felt like he was just checked out after his team's season was not what he wanted, yep, I'll say out loud what many think already! Now we get into players who will have to play special teams as well as fill in as back-ups.  Thomas, Morrison and Alexander have the best potential out of this pack, and with Porter and Williams a move to FS might be in order. Then we get in a group that will HAVE TO be core special teamers to make teams, out of that bunch, Burke, Dotson, Strong, Kone, and Vaughn have the most upside, excellent tools and versatility to surprise. 

            CORNERBACKS/CLASS GRADE B+

Rank     Name                Sch      Ht       Wt     Rtg    Rnd Value                                                                                                                       

1.Shavon Revel        ECar      6-2      194     93     Mid 1st

2.Jahdae Barron        Tex     5-11     194     92    Late 1st

3.Travis Hunter            Col      6-0      188     91    Late 1st

4.Maxwell Hairston     Ky    5-11     183     86    Late 2nd

5.Trey Amos                 Miss     6-1      195     85    Early 3rd

6.Will Johnson           Mich     6-2     194      85    Early 3rd

7.Azaryeh Thomas  FlaSt     6-2     197      83    Late 3rd

8.Ben Morrison      NDame   6-0     193      82    Late 3rd

9.Zy Alexander            LSU     6-1     187      80     Mid 4th

10.Nohl Williams        Cal      6-0     199      79     Mid 4th

11.Darien Porter      IoSt       6-3     195      78    Late 4th

12.Denzel Burke       OhSt    5-11   186      76    Mid 5th

13.Mello Dotson         Kan     6-1     192      75    Late 5th

14.Dorian Strong     VaTch   6-1    185       75    Late 5th

15.Jordan Hancock OhSt    6-0    195       74    Early 6th

16.Bilhal Kone          WMich   6-1   190       72    Late 6th

17.Jermari Harris     Iowa     6-1   191       71    Early 7th

18.Zemaiah Vaughn Utah     6-2   185       70    Mid 7th

19.ODonnell Fortune SCar   6-1   185       69    Late  7th

20.Caleb Ransaw       Tula     5-11  197       69    Late 7th

21.Jason Marshall      Fla       6-0    199       68    Late 7th

22.Korie Black             OkSt    6-0    190       67    PFA

23.Triweze Bridges     Fla      6-2    200       66    PFA

24.Cam Lockridge     FresSt 6-0    182       64     UDFA

25.Garnett Hollis        WVir    6-1    201      61      UDFA

26.Corey Thornton    Lou      6-0    194      60      UDFA

27.Warren Burrell     GaTch  6-0    195      58      UDFA

28.Jordan Oladokun BGrn  6-0    190      56      UDFA   

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               2025 SLOT CORNERBACKS

A continued new position in 2020 and all years to follow, NFL execs would do themselves a favor if they adopted this as well. Today's NFL with at least 3 WR's on the field most downs this has become an actual position and one I believe should be evaluated and drafted for.  Short area quickness and "twitch" are both vital as well as effective tackling skills. Slot WR's can vary widely from larger framed leapers to diminutive "water bug' types so versatility is paramount to excelling at this position. Many players are of the smaller and quick mode, but you will also see a few larger players who I believe their skill sets fit better here.  While these players will be valuable pieces of the defense, on the field quite often and at times entire games rarely will you find a player I consider solid 1st round value.

2025 SLOT CORNERBACK OVERVIEW:

1st, Since I created rating, this position FIVE FUCKING YEARS AGO, I've seen most other sites start!!! Now to this season, Riley is a clear #1 here and he has the ability to play outside and be effective but best here, tough, quicker than fast, solid in run support, 34 PD's and 15 INT's over the past 5 seasons! Mohammad while undersized is lightning quick, fearless and has 35 PD's the last three seasons. The next group brings different skills, Bryant has nice length for the inside, could play outside if needed, Smith excels in run support, Simmons has excellent size, can play outside and has plus ball skills, Huzzie who I rank higher than others and has 27 PD's and 10 INT's the past three seasons. Then we get into players who will need to be core special teamers while the work at their game as back-ups, Longerbeam, Stout, James and Purchase have interesting skill sets that may develop past these rankings and deserve a long look. The others are topped out where they are rated.

               SLOT CORNERBACKS/CLASS GRADE

Rank            Name           Sch      Ht      Wt     Rtg     Rnd Value       

1.Quincy Riley               Lou    5-11   194     91       Late 1st

2.Jabbar Mohammad Ore     5-9    182     86       Late 2nd

3.Cobee Bryant              Kan     6-0    180     85      Early 3rd

4.Jaylin Smith                USC   5-11   187     84       Mid 3rd

5.Shamari Simmons  AzSt     6-0    195     81       Early 4th

6.Alijah Huzzie              NCar   5-10  193     77       Early 5th

7.Jacob Parrish           KanSt   5-10  191     76      Mid 5th

8.Robert Longerbeam  Rut   5-11  175     75      Late 5th

9.Marcus Harris               Cal    5-11  189     73      Early 6th

10.Mac McWilliams        UCF  5-10  191     71      Early 7th

11.Justin Walley           Minn   5-10  190     70     Mid 7th

12.Upton Stout               WKy     5-9   191     69     Late 7th

13.Fentrell Cypress     FlaSt   5-11  182     69     Late 7th

14.Lamareon James     TCU    5-10  190     68     Late 7th

15.Myles Purchase       IoSt       5-9   202     68     Late 7th

16.Nikko Reed                  Ore      5-9   180      67    PFA

17.Jordan Clark          NDame   5-9  190      66    PFA

18.Kemton Shire             Vir       5-11 191      65    UDFA

19.Cam Stone                   Haw   5-10  200      63    UDFA

20.Jalen Kimber         PennSt   6-0   181      60    UDFA

21.Cam Oliver                UNLV     6-1    175     59    UDFA

22.Melvin Smith            SArk     5-10  185     56    UDFA

23.Amari Jackson      BostC     5-10   190     55   UDFA 

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     NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION SAFETY

95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Looking for 8/10-year career at elite level Top 5 player at position yearly. Perennial Pro Bowler. Likely Hall of Fame career. Elite at all phases, excels in all phases of pass coverage, his area of of the field is "no mans" land and is the one the area the other team will not throw near, must have CB Man ability with Safety size along with excellent ball skills.  MUST be just as dominant in run game. Looking for a LB mentality playing on the back end. Must have complete understanding of coverage audibles and misses NOTHING!! High character, one of the faces of the Franchise, defensive team leader, likely team Captain no injury concerns.  TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK

90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career. Top 5/8 players at position yearly. Numerous Pro Bowls expected 8+ year career at top level. Likely a few more with another team. In HOF discussion. Must excel at all aspects of the game, dominant in pass coverage, shuts down his area of the field of the field and is excellent in man coverage as well, must be completely committed to run defense and be effective, shows complete understanding of the defense, rarely misses the correct audible, team leader, character very important no injury concerns   1st Round pick

85-89  Solid at the position 5/8 year career at top level. Player should finish in top half of players at position most years. Perhaps a Pro Bowl or two. Consistently very good and occasionally great. Must be solid in all phases of  pass coverage and can excel at one. Looking for a player who embraces the Run defense . Can at least handle the defensive calls and audbles, has an understanding of all coverage schemes. Very solid and dependable player but the team will be looking for replacement after about 5 years.     2nd round through Mid  3rd round

80-84  Flaws that can be overcome/Injury concerns  4/6 year career max at best level in most cases with some patience, good coaching, and personal work ethic.  Looking for solid backup  players here with upside. Possible specialist in Man or Zone coverage. Player could be an excellent run defender. Player must at least be able to make basic audible calls. Likely a quality back up/role player for several years, potential to become starter for few years but the team will always be looking for a better option. Often living on the bubble year to year.  Draft Mid 3rd/ Mid 4th round

75-79 Player developmental possibilities, with limited skills or injury concerns.  3/5 year career, one contract with drafting team, then several years of living on the bubble. Could have great size/speeed and unrealized potential. Possibly excells at at least one aspect of the position. Could carve out a longer career as a backup or special teams ace. Another reason for this rating could be major injury concerns, other reason would lack of dominant NFL skills With intense work ethic player could evolve into solid back up/special teams/role player even start.  Will play for multiple teams over career.  Draft Mid 4th/5th round

70-74  Back up /specials teams.   Could be receiving this rating due to injury concerns lack of fit or  scheme in college career or  simply lack of physical attributes.  Could develop a role and possibly into more depending on patience and work ethic. Player must at least show ability to line up defense, make some basic calls. Must be a special teams ace to stick around long.   Player likely will not finish rookie contract with drafting team if it's more than 2 years. Will live on the bubble.  Draft 6th/7th round

65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, couldcould develop into role player with tenacity and patience, has basic skill set needed for position, must be able to play special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Draft late 7th round / Priority Free Agent (PFA)

60-64 Player for Training camp or Practice Squad Likely will only be active when a team desperately needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams' ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week. 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only.  (UDFA)

Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 can make more of this. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. 

EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS

BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard.  Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk.   This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise. 

OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight.  There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system. 

UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts.  These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.

SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.

POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.  

CHARACTER ALERT!!!  This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning their character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must vet, weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!  

INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also, could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term.   If you are missing time on the field, you are costing your team $$$$        

STRONG SAFETY.

This position it is a MUST to excel in run support, being fearless, confident at the same time having the athletic ability to cover the RB's and the increasingly athletic TE's as well as WR's moving through their zone.                             .   

 2025 STRONG SAFETY POSITION OVERVIEW  

While not the strongest class this year if some of the late round projects blossom it could improve, quickly! At the top we have yet another Penn St player. Winston has prototype size, plus speed, quickness, athleticism and is a vicious and sure tackler who looked to be on his way to huge season before an ACL injury. He will need to improve in coverage and advanced schemes. Ransom may even be more ready to start, great speed, quickness, strong, sure tackler, rock solid in coverage and experienced, having played countless high-level games. Next, we have Wohler, strong in run game but RB's and more athletic TE's will give him fits, Sanker is a hard-hitting tackle machine with 15 PD's and four FF in the past two seasons, Woodson is versatile enough to play either Safety position. In the next group Wright has LB size and may need to move there, I like Burns better than most, if he figures out how to use his athleticism he will explode, same with Paige, he's had flashes, but consistency has avoided him. After that Singleton has prototype size but needs some work in coverage, Hook is undersized but fearless and very active, he had over 350 career tackles, Verdon has crazy measurables and has got better every season. The rest will need to be special teams' demons to keep a job as a back-up

             STRONG SAFETY RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE C-

Rank      Name                Sch      Ht      Wt     Rtg    Rnd  Value 

1.Kevin Winston    PennSt   6-2     215       88    Mid 2nd

2.Lathom Ransom   OhSt     6-0    206       87     Mid 2nd

3.Hunter Wohler      Wisc      6-2    213       84     Mid 3rd

4.Jonas Sanker          Vir         6-0    206       82     Late 3rd

5.Craig Woodson      Cal         6-0    200       80     Mid 4th

6.Dericky Wright      Vand     6-4    229       77     Early 5th

7.Major Burns             LSU       6-2    193       76    Mid 5th

8.Makari Paige          Mich      6-3     208      75    Late 5th

9.Deshon Singleton Neb      6-3     210      74    Early 6th

10.Maxen Hook         Tol         6-1     202      73    Mid 6th

11.Malik Verdon      IoSt        6-4     218      73    Mid 6th

12.Zion Childress      Ky         6-0     190      71    Early 7th

13.Ben Freyler         IoSt         6-2     220      70    Mid 7th

14.Quinn Shulte     Iowa       6-1     209      70    Mid 7th

15.RJ Mickens         Clem      6-0     199       69    Late 7th

16.Jack Henderson Minn   6-2     215       69    Late 7th

17.Shilo Sanders      Col       6-0     195       65    UDFA

18.Dean Clark         FresSt    6-1    206       64     UDFA

19.Isheem Young     NTex   5-11   210       63     UDFA

20.Mike Smith            EKy      6-1    213       62     UDFA

21.Keondre Jackson IllSt    6-2   211       60      UDFA

22.Tamorian Wilson   CArk  6-1   215      58       UDFA

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FREE SAFETY:

The last line of the defense. These players require a versatile skill set. Not only do they have to cover half the field, or more they need to have CB cover skills, the tackling mentality of a SS. Having nice length make this spot easier but numerous smaller players have found great success here. I like taller college CB's to make this move sooner rather than later, but NFL execs and coaches are stubborn and frankly STUPID and refuse to accept this reality, they would rather to continually stuff round pegs into square holes!

    2025 FREE SAFETY POSITION OVERVIEW 

Excellent class!! One of the top free safety classes in recent memory! At the top Emmanwori, each of the past two seasons he has improved dramatically, with his combo of size and ridiculous athleticism the sky is the limit for him, no weaknesses, just places to keep getting better! In most years Starks would be an easy #1 here, good size, big hitter great speed and instincts, excellent in coverage. Then with Castro, Mukuba and Bowman it's pick your best fit, all have similar skills, Castro is disciplined in run game, well coached, consistent, Mukuba has 5 INT's last season and could play CB, Bowman has 11 career INT's and is strong in coverage. Watts had 6 INT's and 9PD's this past season and Moore became a force in the run game. Next I have Hill and Frazier, Adams who you will find on others lists at CB, this is where they would be best served, are NFL people smart enough to see this, well, I doubt it but I'll leave it here. Jackson and Brooks will need to be open to Special teams. Then we get into projects who will need to embrace Special Teams to make a team. Former CB's, small school studs, and players with holes in their game, take your pick. The UCLA duo of Kirkwood and Addison have major potential but played out of position in college

     FREE SAFETY RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE A+

Rank          Name            Sch      Ht      Wt     Rtg     Rnd Value 

1.Nick Emmanwori   SCar    6-3     220     96      Top 10

2.Malaki Starks             Ga       6-1    197      94      Mid 1st

3.Sebastian Castro   Iowa   5-11    203     88      Mid 2nd

4.Andrew Mukuba      Tex     5-11    186     87      Mid 2nd

5.Billy Bowman           Okl     5-10    192     85      Early 3rd

6.Xavier Watts        NDame   6-0      204     84      Mid 3rd  

7.Malachi Moore         Ala     5-11     196     82      Late 3rd

8.Tommie Hill               Neb    6-1       213     81      Early 4th

9.Zah Frazier              UTSA    6-3      186      80      Mid 4th

10.Dan Jackson           Ga       6-0      194      78     Late 4th

11.Aubrey Brooks     WVir   5-11    202      77      Early 5th

12.Brandon Adams   UCF     6-2      182      76     Mid 5th

13.Jon Baldwin         UNLV    6-1      200      72     Late 6th

14.Akili Arnold             USC    6-0      200       71    Early 7th

15.Jaylen Reed       PennSt   6-0     211       71    Early 7th

16.Kitan Crawford   Nev      5-11    202       70    Mid 7th

17.Rayuan Lane        Nvy      5-11    200       69    Late 7th

18.Isas Waxter           Vill        6-1      209       69    Late 7th

19.Devin Kirkwood UCLA    6-2     208       69    Late 7th

20.Yam Banks            Miss       6-1     208       68    Late 7th

21.Trey Tucker         OkSt      6-0      212       68    Late 7th

22.Dante Trader        Md      5-11     196       66    PFA

23.Marques Sigle   KanSt  5-11     199       64     UDFA

24.Bryan Addison    UCLA   6-4     185        62     UDFA

25.Alijah Clark          Syra    6-1     188        60     UDFA

26.Cam Silmon-Craig Col  5-10    185       58     UDFA