Budda Baker Is No Longer The Top Dog: Ranking The Top Safeties Of 2022
Joe Sargent. Getty Images.I recently ranked the Top 100 players in the NFL, but now will break them down by position groups. Here's how I view the Safeties going into this season.
8) Micah Hyde - Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has a dynamite Safety due with Hyde and Jordan Poyer (more on him later) and both can do it all. Hyde had 5 INTs and 4 TFLs. His instincts are crazy and he can truly play Centerfield. Look at this insane pick vs. Mac Jones.
7) Budda Baker - Arizona Cardinals
Baker was my #1 ranked Safety last year and while he didn't perform at the exact same level last year, he's still a Pro Bowl player. At 5'10" 195 lbs., he's undersized, but he's dripping with instincts and will hit you in the mouth.
6) Kevin Byard - Tennessee Titans
At ironman at the position, he hasn't missed a game in his six year career and he's coming off probably his best season. 1st Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler with 5 INTs and 13 passes defensed, he can really play Centerfield. He also has terrific awareness and will punch a ball out if he's got the opportunity.
5) Antoine Winfield Jr. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winfield was a 2nd round pick two years ago and garnered immediate attention giving Tyreek Hill the dueces in Super Bowl LV. Winfield followed that up with a Pro Bowl season in Year 2 where he made plays all over the field. Despite his lack of ideal height at 5'9", he can still climb the ladder and make plays when needed.
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4) Derwin James Jr. - Los Angeles Chargers
After an injury plagued 2019 and missing the entire 2020 season, James returned to Pro Bowl form in 2021 and set a career-high in tackles (118). He's the anchor of the backend of a LOADED Chargers defense in 2022 so hopefully he can stay healthy as they're primed for a huge year in the City of Stars.
3) Jordan Poyer - Buffalo Bills
Last year I left Poyer off my Top 100 list. His wife, Rachel Bush took umbrage with that. She had her reasons, which I respect and this year, her husband left no doubt. He's clearly one of the top Safeties in the league after his 5 INT, 3.0 sack, and 8 TFL season and making 1st Team All-Pro in 2021. Poyer proved he can both knock you out and also make plays on the ball and with Hyde (#78 on the list) form the best Safety duo in the league.
UPDATE: Ms. Bush is happier with the placement this year.
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2) Justin Simmons - Denver Broncos
Simmons didn't make the Pro Bowl this year but he is without question one of the top Safeties in the game. His instincts and range are outstanding and he continually makes big plays. I'm excited to see him continue to shine in the rough and tumble AFC West.
1) Minkah Fitzpatrick - Pittsburgh Steelers
I have Fitzpatrick ranked as my top Safety. He does it all. He has outstanding instincts, range, and on-ball production. He's also not afraid to stick his nose in a gap and hit you as he finished 2021 with a career-high 124 tackles.
Here's the full list: