Triple take: Safeties

Boxing in safeties simply as free or strong is a thing of the past. Today’s safeties should not only be interchangeable, but able to step up and cover a slot receiver, as well.

In fact, that isn’t just something teams would like to have, it’s a necessity.

The beauty of using a safety in the slot is that he’s more physical than most cornerbacks, which makes him better capable of handling a detached tight end or some of the bigger receivers who also line up inside the numbers. And they’re also better able to help out in the running game.

#5 – Jartavius Martin, Illinois (5-11, 194 lbs.) – Martin aligned in the slot on 493 snaps last season, but also saw 177 snaps as a deep safety. He’s exactly what a lot of teams are looking for in today’s NFL with his size and speed as a slot corner with safety skills. Martin ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and had a ridiculous 44-inch vertical jump. Martin is a versatile chess piece who could see early playing time in the NFL. He also filled up the stat sheet last season with 63 tackles, 11 pass defenses, a sack and three interceptions.

#4 – Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M (6-2, 198 lbs.) – A box safety with some size, Johnson also lined up in the slot 280 snaps in 2022 after playing 603 snaps there in 2021. Didn’t have great ball production in college with just seven pass breakups and one interceptions in three seasons, though he had 150 combined tackles the past two years. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, which is more than good enough to fill his role.

#3 – Sydney Brown, Illinois (5-10, 211 lbs.) – The twin brother of running back Chase Brown, Sydney Brown has a lot to like. He ran a 4.47-second 40 at the Combine with a 40.5-inch vertical jump. That athleticism shows in his tape as he flies around whether in the box or lined up in the slot. Had six interceptions last season to go along with 59 tackles. Also had four forced fumbles the past three seasons. He’s a playmaker. But Brown also will…