Safeties never seem to get the respect they deserve despite having one of the most difficult jobs in football. Maybe it’s the fact that you can’t even see them on the broadcast angle during most games, but the position has been largely undervalued. That said, teams that don’t have enough talent at this spot are generally going nowhere fast. Let’s show them some love.
Here’s how we rank the top 10 safeties in the league going into 2020.
10. Tre Boston
Boston admittedly wasn’t one of the league’s top safeties when he was drafted by the Panthers in 2014. He improved with time though, especially after he was released three years later and got signed by the Chargers. During his one season there and another with the Cardinals, Boston developed into an excellent free safety. His superb range and plus ball skills (three interceptions, 11 pass breakups in 2019) finally helped him cash in with a three-year, $18 million deal.
9. Devin McCourty
It’s extremely rare for safeties to play at a high level for a decade, but that’s what McCourty has done. Since the Patriots picked him in the first round back in 2010, he’s played 155 games, totaling 26 interceptions and 86 pass breakups. McCourty has made the Pro Bowl twice and won three Super Bowls and he’s still going strong. Last season, he only allowed a 61.0 passer rating when targeted and just 125 yards after the catch.
8. Justin Simmons
Outside of Denver, Simmons barely gets any attention. That will change if he continues to play like he has, though. Simmons led all safeties during the 2019 season with 16 pass breakups and opposing quarterbacks only completed 52.8% of their pass attempts when targeting him. For his efforts, Pro Football Focus gave Simmons a 90.8 overall rating for the year. That’s higher than anyone else on this list.
7. Anthony Harris
Simmons certainly has to be in the running, but Harris might be the most underrated safety in this group of 10. Harris’ coverage was incredibly stingy last season. In addition to giving up zero touchdowns, Harris allowed a 44.2 passer rating and a remarkable 38 yards after the catch. He also has a talent for creating turnovers – Harris tied Stephon Gilmore and Tre’Davious White for the NFL lead with six interceptions.
6. Tyrann Mathieu
The Chiefs signing Mathieu to a three-year, $42 million deal last offseason was perhaps the most impactful move any team made in free agency all year. Along with new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Mathieu helped transform a bad secondary and a mediocre-at-best defense into one of the league’s best in 2019. Mathieu continued to make clutch plays throughout the season, including in KC’s first Super Bowl win in 50 years.
5. Harrison Smith
Minnesota has an embarrassment of riches at this position and no other team comes close. While Harris patrols the deep middle of the field, Smith can line up practically anywhere and cause havoc for the offense. In addition to outstanding pass coverage – Smith gave up zero touchdowns and a 41.7 passer rating in 2019 – he’s disruptive as hell in the box. In his career, Smith has totaled 13 sacks, 26 quarterback hits and 37 tackles for a loss. He’s made five Pro Bowls so far and is building a strong case for the Hall of Fame.
4. Derwin James
James only played five games for the Chargers last season due to a stress fracture in his foot. However, his sensational rookie year proved that he has the potential to be the best safety in football some day. James’ ability to line up at multiple positions and make an impact is unmatched by any other defender currently in the league. Assuming he stays healthy, it’s unlikely he will rank this low again.
3. Earl Thomas
For the last 10 years, Thomas has redefined what’s possible for a relatively undersized safety in the NFL. He was the single indispensible piece for the greatest defensive teams of this era and continues to make plays nobody else can for the Ravens. Thomas’ range is still unparalleled. In 2019, he gave up zero touchdowns, a 44% completion rate and a ludicrous 24.2 passer rating when targeted. A seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All Pro, Thomas already has his ticket to Canton punched. The only question is if he’ll add anothe ring to his resume before he’s done.
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick
While the Chiefs getting Mathieu was probably the best free agent pickup of the year, the Steelers pulled off the trade of 2019 by getting Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins. In the 14 games he played for Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick allowed just one touchdown in coverage to go with five interceptions and nine pass breakups. Quarterbacks posted a 46.3 passer rating and 52% completion rate targeting him. Fitzpatrick looks like he’ll be one of the NFL’s most accomplished safeties for a long time.
1. Jamal Adams
All of the safeties on this list are capable in coverage, but none of them can match the overall impact of Adams, who is the top run defender and pass rusher at his position by far. In addition to allowing just 58 yards after the catch last year, he posted Brian Burns-like numbers when getting after the quarterback. Adams totaled 6.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits in 2019. If the Jets don’t pay him, it may be the single most Jets thing they’ve ever done.
