By Michael Stewart/@golferbad
Introduction: Moving onto the safety position in the 2019 NFL draft, the Giants could be in the market for when you consider that rookie Curtis Riley has under-performed and Landon Collins is in his final year and the Giants were listening to draft offers. If that’s the case, this year’s group has talent and it would make sense for the Giants to consider drafting one even if Collins remains a Giant. So let’s dive right in and here are my top 10 safeties in the 2019 NFL draft.
- Deionte Thompson (Alabama) 6’2/194: Thompson is currently ranked 1st among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. Thompson has good size, length and plays very physical at the point of attack. Athletically gifted, Thompson plays at high speed and his aggressiveness allows him be a playmaker not only in the secondary, but also behind the line of scrimmage in certain defensive packages.
- Jaquan Johnson (Miami) 5’11/190: Johnson is currently ranked 2nd among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. Johnson is another safety who likes to play physical either in the secondary or near the line of scrimmage. Johnson is a sound tackler and seems to always find the ball.
- Taylor Rapp (Washington) 6’0/212: Rapp is currently ranked 3rd among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft: Rapp reminds me of former safety John Lynch who roamed the secondary for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rapp plays with an edge, is a devastating tackler who also has a very high football IQ. Rapp does not have top end speed, but plays to his strengths.
- Juan Thornhill (Virginia) 6’1/195: Thornhill is currently ranked 4th among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. Thornhills ability to play the safety and cornerback position will certainly improve his draft stock. Thornhill is a sound coverage safety who also enjoys the physical part of the game. Has good length to defend larger tight ends and enough speed to protect the middle of the field.
- J.R Reed (Georgia) 6’1/194: Reed is currently ranked 5th among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. Reed is one of the best tacklers among the safeties in this draft and he plays with a purpose. Reed always seems to be in position and is extremely physical with a non-stop motor.
- Sheldrick Redwine (Miami) 6’1/195: Redwine is currently ranked 6th among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. Redwine has good size, strength and the mobility to depend larger tight ends and some wide receivers as well. Redwine is equally effective playing 20 yards back or in the box and plays with lots of passion.
- Ugo Amadi (Oregon) 5’9/195: Amadi is currently ranked 7th among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. What Amadi lacks in height, he makes up for with his physical game. Amadi has good speed and is athletic to match up against wide receivers. Needs to continue playing well for the rest of year and also have a solid combine to move up in the draft.
- Lukas Denis (Boston College) 5’11/188: Denis is currently ranked 8th among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. Denis does his best work as a pure centerfielder in the secondary. Denis has excellent pursuit angles and is true ball hawk for the Eagles. His stock could rise with a solid 2018 season and a good showing at the combines.
- Jah’Shawn Johnson (Texas Tech) 5’10/190: Johnson is currently ranked 9th among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. Johnson has outstanding speed and is extremely multi-talented when called upon to rush off the edge.
- Antoine Brooks Jr. (Maryland) 5’10/210: Brooks Jr. is currently ranked 10th among safeties in the 2019 NFL draft. Brooks jr. role with the Terps is more of a hybrid safety/linebacker as he often plays in the box. Certainly not your traditional safety, however; Brooks Jr. does add value and can contribute in many areas on defense.
Final Thoughts: The revamping and rebuild of the Giants entire roster will also include the safety position in 2019. GM Dave Gettleman will certainly consider drafting a safety this spring and perhaps look to trade for a more experience one as well. The Giants are high on Sean Chandler, who was a UDFA last off season and now excelling on special teams. He could give Curtis Riley a battle for the starting safety position in 2019. In regards to the fate of Landon Collins, multiple teams made offers to the Giants at the trading deadline; which was somewhere between a 2nd to 3rd round offers. The decision to hold onto Collins at the deadline, doesn’t mean he’ll remain a Giant by 2019 season opener. Expect GM Dave Gettleman to be active this off season; which could include trading Landon Collins.