This is the tenth post in a series that will delve in to each NFL position, ranking the top 12 for all. After each has been dissected, I will give my final top 12 players in the NFL. To see the previous post in the series, click here.
Enforcers.
Punishers.
Destroyers.
Menaces.
Terminators.
Hitmen.
Safety?
Somehow the words that come to mind when thinking of this position contradict each other - but those words describe the elite's well. Playing the box, defending the backend, running side-to-side, and toppling receivers running full sprint across the middle.
Boom, bang, pop. The sounds you here when they make contact. It's painful yet beautiful to watch - unless it's too over the top, then they deserve fines and suspensions of course. Normally the quarterback's of their respective defenses, they captain it, watching from the back, reading the offense, calling the shots (sometimes it's the linebacker's job to analyze), and making the game changing plays.
You get it. Now moving on.
*In case you wonder why a player is on the list or why he is so high, some of these players are where they are based on how I think they will do in 2017. I will be including past achievements and experience - but not as much. So if you see someone that surprises you, it could be that I think they are set to explode this upcoming season.
Key:
- SS = Strong Saftey
- FS = Free Saftey
- Tckl = Tackles
- TFL = Tackles For Loss
- Sck = Sacks
- PD = Passes Defended
- INT = Interceptions
- FF = Forced Fumbles
Top NFL Safeties of 2017
12. Reggie Nelson (FS) - Oakland Raiders (2007)
2016: 65 Tckl; 11 PD; 5 INT
Nelson is a playmaker. A veteran at this point, he has a nose for the ball and what's about to happen, making the big tackle. I think his move to Oakland was a smart one, of course in hind sight anyone would say that. But it's true. He will continue to flourish in the Black Hole on a defense filled with stars led by himself.
Proj. 2017: 60+ Tckl; 2 TFL; 0.5 Sck; 14 PD; 8 INT
11. Byron Jones (FS) - Dallas Cowboys (2015)
2016: 89 Tckl; 3 TFL; 9 PD; 1 INT; 1 FF
Jones took a big leap forward from his rookie year - but I expect a bigger leap this season. He had more consistent plays with great athletic ability that resulted in impressive performances. Now I want awe dropping performances. He said himself that he's working on getting more picks and more creating more game changing plays. I agree that's where he's lacking. The oomph. But he will this year. He's got the basics of a great safety. Now start making those huge moments that win ball games. During all this he needs to be learning how to read, understand and make calls before the snap. Right now he's an exciting young player who follows but needs to become a leader who takes charge and not just the kid who makes plays. Of course Sean Lee is there so he won't become the official captain of the D, but he can still hold a leadership role there nonetheless.
Proj. 2017: 70+ Tckl; 5 TFL; 2 Sck; 12 PD; 5 INT
10. Malcolm Jenkins (FS) - Philadelphia Eagles (2009)
2016: 73 Tckl; 3 TFL; 1 Sck; 9 PD; 3 INT
*Tied for first in defensive touchdowns (2)
These next ten players are super close to each other in terms of talent. If you swapped them around just slightly I wouldn't argue it. If you had a graph, from far away it would look like a single line they are so close. So regardless of where each is, they all deserve praise for being such great competitors at the position.
We all know the special gift that Jenkins has: a knack for scoring after making a great play. He's got six since entering the league, four coming over the last three seasons. But that's not all. As he likes to call himself, Jenkins is what you'd call a hybrid safety. Part of the new breed of Safeties who are part linebacker, part regular safety, hybrids play in the box, stop the run, defend the pass, go after the QB, and all that jazz.
Jenkins has gone toe to toe with Antonio Brown and done well. Did Brown have 140 yards that day? Yes. But Malcolm wasn't covering Brown every play. He can do corner stuff but he isn't one. He's a safety. But when he was asked, he was up to the challenge, allowing the NFL's #1 third down converting receiver to zero catches on third down.
Proj. 2017: 55+ Tckl; 4 TFL; 3 Sck; 8 PD; 4 INT
*2 Defensive TD's
9. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS) - Green Bay Packers (2014)
2016: 80 Tckl; 0.5 Sck; 1 TFL; 7 PD; 5 INT; 1 FF
Clinton-Dix has developed into quite the player for Green Bay. Already a leader with magnificent ball-playing skills, he got his first Pro-Bowl nod in 2016 for another year of stellar play, along with a Second Team All-Pro selection, and cracked the Top 100 players list at 77th. Ha Ha carries great tackling technique with him and isn't afraid to get down and dirty as most safeties shouldn't. A hard hitter and with great hands to defend the pass, he helps guide the Green Bay D botb mentally and emotionally. An all around safety, Green Bay won't let Clinton-Dix out of their grasp for a while.
Hopefully.
Proj. 2017: 80+ Tckl; 2.5 Sck; 1 TFL; 11 PD; 3 INT; 2 FF
8. Devin McCourty (FS) - New England Patriots (2010)
2016: 83 Tckl; 1 TFL; 6 PD; 1 INT; 1 FF
Word that comes to mind when thinking of Devin McCourty: Consistent. Leader. Mature.
Over the years Belichick has had lots of stars and players who put up big numbers who then leave to other teams and their absence isn't felt. Imagine New England without their defensive captain? It'd be rough. It's like with Tom Brady. You can lose Gronk, Welker, Edelman or the next running back who comes and then leaves. Why are there never any problems? Answer: Brady. Imagine an entire year without Brady. Or forever. Yeah. Same goes for New England's D. You lose your defensive QB and everything goes to hell. You're done. I don't care how good your coach is. You just won't be the same. You might not be bad. But you won't be great either.
Seriously, McCourty is as reliable as they come. He can be leaned on to do anything for his team without question. Like Brady, he might not lead the league in any categories, but he wins. Not hard to see why he's one of the most respected defensive players around. If you do your job, do it well, take responsibility, you will keep a job in this league. He's that player that you know who he is, seems like he's always the one stopping you, and he's annoying to play against cause he acts as that thorn in your side that just won't go away. Two thumbs up for this dude.
Proj. 2017: 70+ Tckl; 2 TFL; 11 PD; 3 INT
7. Harrison Smith (FS) - Minnesota Vikings (2012)
2016: 91 Tckl; 4 TFL; 2 Sck; 2 PD (14 games)
The Hitman. You know your good when the league places this title upon your shoulders. Wha I love about Smith? He's incredibly smart. He knows the game so well. Studying, watching, and practicing. Always improving. He's not the teams captain, but he plays like it. Flying around the back end whilst getting behind the line of scrimmage more than most defensive backs would, he's everywhere - flat out pummeling people in the process. Oh and statistically speaking, he's one of the best - if not the best - safety in the NFL. While we all know that's not true, stats don't lie. The Hitman is a force to be reckoned with in Minnesota.
Proj. 2017: 100+ Tckl; 6 TFL; 1.5 Sck; 7 PD; 2 FF
6. Tyrann Mathieu (FS) - Arizona Cardinals (2013)
2016: 35 Tckl; 3 TFL; 1 Sck; 4 PD; 1 INT; 1 FF (10 games)
2016 Mathieu was most certainly not the same Mathieu from 2015 who went from the 28th ranked player in the NFL to not even on this years list. If he had put together multiple 2015 caliber seasons he'd be higher. Nagging injuries led to inconsistent play (can you blame him?) in 2016 but I expect him to return to form in 2017. Of course if I expect him to play like in 2015, how isn't he in the top three? Top five no less? As usual, I'd probably take two other players (fifth and fourth) over him mainly for consistent play. Mathieu has that big play ability who can play anywhere on the field, making him incredibly dangerous and a great toy for coaches to play with. A blue chip quality player that can be the foundation for a team to build around, Mathieu always has the ability to dominate and win ball games as long as he's healthy.
Proj. 2017: 85+ Tckl; 5 TFL; 2 Sck; 11 PD; 5 INT; 3 FF
5. Kam Chancellor (SS) - Seattle Seahawks (2010)
2016: 85 Tckl; 3 TFL; 8 PD; 2 INT; 1 FF
"Bam Bam Kam". You've heard that term before. He's easily the biggest hitter in the NFL by far. Of course it's my opinion. But you don't garner the nickname The Enforcer for no reason. Or the line Bam Bam Kam for that matter. He makes receivers run in terror from him, begging their coaches to not make them play anywhere near him. Well don't play offense then. 'Cause The Enforcer is everywhere, lurking around with that tall, big body of his. His one negative? Kam is a little one dimensional. Hitting and blowing people up is basically all he can do. But man is he the best at it. Along with his partner in crime Earl Thomas III (safeties usually come in pairs), the best defensive duo in football complement each other perfectly. Kam may be one dimensional, but he's not a 97 overall rating on Madden for no reason - nor the 34th ranked player in the league for no reason. Kam must be respected at all times during a game. His hard hitting style has single handedly one ball games for Seattle. Who's to tell him to stop? I most certainly will not.
4. Reshad Jones (SS) - Miami Dolphins (2010)
2016: 51 Tckl; 4 TFL; 0.5 Sck; 4 PD; 1 INT (6 games)
Like Mathieu, Jones missed out on much of 2016 due to injury - but if he's anything like 2015 Reshad Jones, he is easily one of the best in football. No offense to the other Miami players, but Jones is their best player. Period. In six games last season he was at the top of his game. Want proof?
Jones was on pace to lead all safeties in tackles with 136 before his injury. He was also on pace for 10 TFL's, 10 PD's, and most likely would have boosted his INT and sack totals by a few, making his season Defensive Player of the Year caliber. But alas. That darn rotator cuff. Still not convinced? Just watch the tape fam. He's not "The Safety" - but he may be my personal favorite to watch. And I'm a Jets fan. So you know he's gotta be good.
Proj. 2017: 120+ Tckl; 7 TFL; 3.5 Sck; 13 PD; 6 INT; 3 FF
3. Landon Collins (SS) - NY Giants (2015)
2016: 125 Tckl; 6 TFL; 4 Sck; 13 PD; 5 INT
What a spectacular player. In two years, Landon Collins has gone from off and on rookie to being nominated for Defensive Player of the Year. He was by far the best safety in the NFL in 2016. He's got so much to improve but it all comes in due time. I don't see him slowing down. As the two safeties above him get old, he will eventually become the NFL's #1 safety and will be one of. those players that's always competing for "best defensive player". He's had only one great year, but I'm buying into this guy. A huge reason for NY's defensive resurgence, Collins reminds me somewhat of Troy Polamalu - NY is lucky to have someone like this at cheap for another couple seasons before time comes for Collins to get a mega deal.
Proj. 2017: 115+ Tckl; 9 TFL; 2 Sck; 17 PD; 2 INT; 3 FF
2. Eric Berry (SS) - Kansas City Chiefs (2010)
2016: 77 Tckl; 2 TFL; 9 PD; 5 INT; 1 FF
*Tied for first in defensive touchdowns (2)
Berry's story is one of triumph. Over coming Hodgkin's lymphoma between 2014-2015, Berry returned with a vengeance, winning the the 2015 AP Comeback Player of the Year Award, that vengeance bled into 2016, with Berry making play after play, reminding us why he was the best defensive back in the country during college and now the best strong safety in the game today. Kansas City has had one of the top three defenses in all of football for a few years now, and Berry is at the forefront of a loaded team. For his performance in 2016, Berry was honored with his fifth Pro-Bowl, third First Team All-Pro, and the 13th spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.
Proj. 2017: 85+ Tckl; 1 TFL; 6 PD; 3 INT; 3 FF
1. Earl Thomas III (FS) - Seattle Seahawks (2010)
2016: 48 Tckl; 10 PD; 2 INT (11 games)
The Safety. Earl Thomas III. There is no one else. The Seahawks have had one of the top D's for the better part of this decade. They've had so many stars at different positions, who come and then go. Fun fact: of all the defensive starters for Seattle, Earl Thomas has been there longer than anyone else except teammate Kam Chancellor, but even Chancellor was drafted after Thomas, proving he was more vital to their plans. Thomas is the best of the talented 2010 safety draft class - five of them are on this list with a sixth (TJ Ward) just barely missing out of the list, finishing as my 13th best safety.
Seattle couldn't over come the loss of their defensive star last season, not looking quite like their dominant selves with their leader gone. Forget Bobby Wagner. Forget Kam Chancellor. Forget Michael Bennett. Forget Richard Sherman. Forget Cliff Avril. Forget KJ Wright.
There is a reason Thomas was chosen as the beginning of this historic D. The core. The anchor. Without Earl, Seattle never does what they do so well. I'm going to go even further and say they never would've have played the way they did in 2013 without Thomas in the ranks, nor would they have won the Super Bowl that season. Boom. And the Legion of Boom? Non existent. You saw how much worse they were when he left. They weren't terrible. They weren't winning no Lombardi with that play though. Oh, and Thomas? Looks amazing in training camp so far. Look out for a revived and angry Thomas to take the NFL once again by storm, lifting Seattle back to a Super Bowl caliber team.
Proj. 2017: 75+ Tckl; 2 TFL; 1 Sck; 16 PD; 4 INT; 2 FF