The 2023 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. The next class of players is preparing for another year of college football. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. Here is the 2024 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Safeties.
Javon Bullard, Georgia Bulldogs
Bullard was a highly-rated recruit out of Georgia who signed to play for the Bulldogs. He played sparingly as a freshman in 2021 before getting into the starting lineup in 2022. Bullard had 46 total tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended in 2022. He has helped the Bulldogs win back to back National Championships.
At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Bullard is undersized for the position. He’ll need to add strength to his frame to help him shed blocks and make more of an impact stopping the run. Bullard has good coverage skills, as he is able to play man-to-man or deep zone. If he can play more aggressively in 2023, he could be the first safety drafted.
Calen Bullock, USC Trojans
Bullock was a coveted recruit who decided to stay close to home to play for USC. He had 40 total tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended as a true freshman. In 202, Bullock totaled 48 tackles, five interceptions and five passes defended. He helped the Trojans make the Cotton Bowl in 2022 with his solid play.
The Trojan safety has great length at 6-foot-3, but needs to fill out his frame, as he is only 190 pounds. He could play with more urgency against the run. Bullock is good in zone coverage and has shown to be able to attack the catch point well. He is in a good position to be one of the first safeties drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Malachi Moore, Alabama Crimson Tide
Moore has plenty of experience over his three seasons in Tuscaloosa. He has 91 total tackles, four interceptions and 12 passes defended in his career. Moore has shown versatility during his career and aided the Crimson Tide in winning a National Championship during his freshman season.
At 6-foot and 198 pounds, Moore has a solid frame for the NFL. He has good route recognition and athleticism for the position. Moore lacks elite range and recovery speed, but his instincts help make up for it. He takes a lot of risks, which results in both good and bad plays.
Andrew Mukuba, Clemson Tigers
Mukuba was a big-time recruit who created an impact right away for Clemson. He had 47 total tackles and seven passes defended as a freshman. In 2022, his play improved, as he registered 54 total tackles, one interception and three interceptions.
He will need to add weight to his frame, as he is just 185 pounds. This will help him shed blocks better and match up with bigger receivers. He has good athleticism and range for a safety. Mukuba can play man-to-man and handle the duties of a single-high safety.
Other Draft Prospects to Watch
Cole Bishop, Utah Utes- Bishop is a bigger safety, who can really help a team stop the run. He shows good pursuit and tackling ability.
Cooper DeJean, Iowa Hawkeyes- DeJean has the ability to help against the run, but also has good ball skills.
James Williams, Miami Hurricanes- Williams is a good athlete, but needs to show more ball production to improve his draft stock by next year.
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