The Los Angeles Rams have overhauled their safety depth chart in recent years by drafting John Johnson, moving Lamarcus Joyner from nickel corner, signing Eric Weddle and selecting Taylor Rapp in the 2019 draft. Joyner is gone, but Johnson, Weddle and Rapp give Los Angeles an elite group of safeties.
That’s evident when comparing them to the rest of the division’s players at that position. The Rams top our list of the six best safeties in the NFC West with not only the top player, but the two best.
1. John Johnson, Rams
With no Earl Thomas, Johnson now becomes the best safety in the NFC West. To take it a step further, Johnson should be considered one of the top safeties anywhere in the NFL. Despite not making the Pro Bowl (yet), Johnson put up eye-popping numbers in 2018 with 119 tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defensed.
He can play either safety spot, cover tight ends, drop down in the slot and fill running lanes, making him a do-it-all defender on the backend. That’s extremely valuable in today’s NFL where offenses are so versatile and explosive. His 83.7 overall grade from PFF last season was seventh best among safeties.
2. Eric Weddle, Rams
Yes, the Rams have the two best safeties in the division with the addition of Weddle and the departure of Thomas. Like Johnson, Weddle can do a variety of things in the secondary. Around the line of scrimmage, he uses his instincts to close up holes and bring down ball carriers, while his filed vision when playing deep also allows him to thrive in coverage.
At this point in his career, being 34 years old, Weddle’s best asset is his football IQ, which more than makes up for his declining speed. He’s still one of the better safeties in the NFL and in Wade Phillips’ defense, he should have another successful season.
3. D.J. Swearinger, Cardinals
Swearinger is an underrated defender and has been for quite a while. The Redskins shockingly released him last season after he made comments about the coaching staff, which allowed the Cardinals to scoop him up off waivers. That was a great addition by Arizona and it’s really going to pay dividends in 2019.
Swearinger is a violent hitter, rangy in coverage and provides value in run support, too, beyond just laying big hits on ball carriers. In 15 games last season, he had four interceptions, three forced fumbles and 53 tackles.
4. Bradley McDougald, Seahawks
McDougald had a nice season as a starter for the Seahawks last season, especially with Seattle lacking Thomas for most of the year. He finished with three interceptions, three forced fumbles and 78 tackles, earning a 74.7 overall grade from PFF (No. 22 safety).
On a team with very little stability at safety, McDougald is providing some assurance to the Seahawks that they will have at least one quality defender in the secondary. He’s certainly not in the top tier of safeties right now, but McDougald has turned into a solid starter for the Seahawks.
5. Budda Baker, Cardinals
Baker has the ability and potential to be an elite safety in the NFL, but he has yet to put it all together. A versatile player in the secondary, Baker can line up at free safety, strong safety and cover the slot. That’s invaluable for a defensive coordinator, providing excellent flexibility in the defensive backfield.
He has some improving to do before he becomes a Tyrann Mathieu-type player, but it’s impossible not to see those comparisons. By moving to safety full-time, Baker should continue to improve as a defender in addition to being a Pro Bowl special teams player.
6. Jaquiski Tartt, 49ers
Tartt was enjoying a breakout season in 2017 before he suffered a broken arm in Week 9 and missed the rest of the year. He didn’t quite return to that form last season, but he was once again limited to just eight starts.
In only half the season, though, he still had 42 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception. His PFF grade was only 66.6 (No. 54 safety), but Tartt’s ceiling is high. he just needs to prove he can play the way he did in 2017 for a full 16-game season because durability is definitely a concern.
