The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 safeties in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia, 6-1, 197
Can play both safety spots and slot coverage. Three-time All-American will be vocal leader within short order. Ranges from sideline to sideline. Reliable tackler. Made 42 straight starts but maintained heavy special-teams presence. Slow shuttle times at NFL combine. Can throw deep over his head.
2. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, 6-3, 220
Downhill enforcer who cleans up against the run and undercuts routes. Oozes competitiveness. Will use size/speed combination to stay with pass-catching tight ends down the seam. Six career interceptions, including two pick-sixes. Caught flat-footed on some big gains. Susceptible to cutbacks.
3. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, 6-0, 204
Instincts, field awareness and ball skills (FBS-best 13 interceptions over the past two seasons) offset questions about average speed and man-to-man coverage ability. Quarterback of a defense. Tone-setting toughness. Former receiver learning defensive nuances to play under more control.
