IDP Rookie Safeties: Impact Players and Sleepers

The 2024 NFL Draft is behind us, and it’s time to take a look at some of the impact IDPs out there, with a few sleepers mixed in for good measure.  Let’s move on to the safeties.

If you want to reference our defensive rookie rankings, they can be found here.

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IDP Rookie Safeties: The Big 3

Tyler Nubin, NY Giants

There are a few safeties that landed in pretty solid spots, the first of which is the ex-Gopher Nubin.  Gone is Xavier McKinney, leaving a gaping hole at the strong safety spot for the G-men.  Dane Belton is an intriguing name who has produced when called upon, but Nubin offers way more upside and Belton is probably better suited for a situational/rotational role.  Nubin has great size for the position and is adept at both the run-stopping and in pass coverage.  He should step right in as the starter alongside Jason Pinnock.  He’ll offer lower-level DB1 upside from Day 1. 

Javon Bullard, Green Bay

Another rookie safety that’s landed in a solid spot as a potential starter is Bullard, the ex-Georgia Bulldog.  Bullard is a tremendous athlete with a high football IQ and ball skills.  He will likely get the starting nod alongside the aforementioned Xavier McKinney in Green Bay.  Nubin probably offers a higher floor given his strong safety spot and run-stopping prowess, but Bullard may have better big-play ability in the passing game.  He offers high-end DB2 upside as a rookie.

Cole Bishop, Buffalo

And finally, there’s Bishop, who also has some starting potential.  The Bills let Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer walk, opening up a spot for Bishop and the re-signed Taylor Rapp.  Rapp will handle Hyde’s old spot, which came with a higher floor but a lower ceiling.  Bishop will take Poyer’s old spot, which may have a little more variance in terms of weekly production but a bit of upside in terms of big-play scoring.  Bishop has tremendous size for the free safety spot (6-foot-2, 207 pounds) but is incredibly versatile and quick to the runner and potential receiver of the football.  He’s got great instincts and a high football IQ, which will allow him to easily step right into the Bills’ aggressive defense from the start of the season.  Check out some of Bishop's highlights here.