Three Pack of 2025 NFL Draft Prospects- Safeties

The 2024 college football season is coming to an end, so you know what that means? The 2025 NFL draft is coming soon, as well. Draft Nation is here to guide you through the prospects and how they can help NFL teams.

Here is a three pack of safeties who are looking to get selected in the 2025 NFL draft.

Safety Andrew Mukuba, Texas

6-foot-0  185 lbs

14 games 63 tackles 5 interceptions

What to like about Andrew Mukuba

Mukuba is an athletic safety that has cornerback speed, and the athleticism to make big plays. He reads the quarterback's eyes well and takes away routes effectively. For a safety, his movements are fluid and his feet are quick, allowing him to cover one-on-one in most matchups. He tracks the ball well, much like a wide receiver, and does a good job of timing his deflections.

Mukuba has a lean build, but has the frame to add muscle and strength. He’s a good run stopper who can put big hits on ball carriers. He takes the right angles in pursuit and does a good job of using the sideline to his advantage.

Reason for concern

On the downside, Mukuba’s aggressiveness gets him in trouble, biting on play action which allows him to be beaten overtop from time to time. He’s also been sloppy with penalties, and had some pass interference issues during the past season from being beat on play action. Lastly, he does a good job tackling in a crowd but can struggle at times making tackles in space. 

NFL Comparison

Antoine Winfield Jr.

Antoine Winfield Jr. would be a nice NFL comparison for Andrew Mukuba if he can add 10-15 lbs. to his frame. The aggressiveness and big play abilities are there.

Draft Projection

2nd or 3rd round pick

Safety Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

6-foot-0  203 lbs

14 games 66 tackles 6 interceptions 1-touchdown

What to like about Xavier Watts

Xavier Watts plays safety like he is a wide receiver (which he was) and has a very strong knack for going after and every pass like it is his. He is a physical tackler who keeps receivers looking over their shoulders when they make a catch over the middle and does a solid job of tackling runners in the open field. He has an exceptional burst which NFL teams will covet.

Watts was once a receiver and has a lot of the strong traits left over from his time on the offensive side of the ball. He could be one of the quickest safeties coming out and his hands are strong for a defender. The fact that he has played on both sides of the game gives him the ability to read routes and make plays that other prospects do not see coming.

Reason for concern

He has sloppy tackling mechanics, which can be expected from an ex-wide receiver and will need to clean up his mechanics to be successful at the NFL level.

Watts is a ballhawk who excels in zone coverages. He struggles at man-to-man and a lot of that has to do with his footwork. This is something that should be strengthened through experience.

NFL Comparison

Jabril Peppers

Watts athleticism and versatility reminds Draft Nation of New England Patriots safety Jabril Peppers. Peppers was a playmaker at Michigan and also grew up on the offensive side of the ball. Watts will need to work on his tackling and footwork but has all the tools to be a quality NFL safety.

Draft Projection

3rd round pick

Safety Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

6-foot-3  218 lbs

13 games 88 tackles 4 interceptions 2 touchdowns

What to like about Nick Emmanwori

Nick Emmanwori is a physical specimen at 6-foot-3 and runs a 4.38 in the 40-yards dash, a combination that can cause some serious havoc in the secondary. In his football career so far he has played inside linebacker, safety and some nickel. With his speed and versatility an NFL defensive coordinator should have fun using him in different spots. 

Emmanwori is a reliable tackler and is able to line up and play man to man against tight ends and wide receivers.

Reason for concern

There is not much to dislike about Emmanwori's game, but at times he can play out of control and be overly aggressive. He can be baited by a pump fake or a play action, and although he is physical and athletic, he has the frame to add some mass to his upper body which may go a long way in his one on one battles with NFL offensive lineman. Emmanwori is definitely a better man to man defender than he is in zone coverage. While in zone coverage, he gets impatient and loses his coverage area.

NFL Comparison

Tyler Nubin

Nick Emmanwori is a faster version of Tyler Nubin, which should worry NFL offenses. Nubin was a second round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2024 and has stepped right in and become a quality starting safety for the Giants. Nubin is an versatile safety with excellent tackling ability. Emmanwori may honestly have a higher ceiling than Nubin, due to his speed and playmaking ability.

Draft Projection

2nd round pick