Editor's note: The Union-Tribune's Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 25-27). Here are his top 10 safeties, plus "bonus" players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

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— 1. Tyler Nubin (Sr., Minnesota, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds)

Nubin is a former three-star recruit at cornerback who moved to safety during his freshman season for the Gophers. The four-year starter doesn't feature top-tier speed, but that's about it. He's a conductor on defense. Nubin interprets the play, knows it inside out and keeps his teammates on time. The second-team All-American is a versatile, rangy defender who uses his size, athleticism and elite processing to disrupt a run game or pass attack. He's a turnover generator, producing a team record 13 interceptions during his collegiate career. Nubin was also a regular on special-teams coverages all five seasons in Minneapolis, producing 14 career tackles. Projected: Round 2

— 2. Kamren Kinchens (Jr., Miami, 5-11, 202)

The former four-star recruit thrives in coverage or as a run defender. Kinchens was the first Cane to reach double-digit career interceptions (11) since Sean Taylor. Ed Reed is the only other Miami player to do it this century. Kinchens doesn't feature a lot of premium athletic traits, and his draft stock has taken a dip since running a 4.65 40-yard dash at the combine, but it's not like he's walking around out there. He's more smooth in his movement than explosive and it's hard to argue with his consistent results. He's a first-team All-American (2022), two-time first-team All-ACC playmaker who wins with his toughness, instincts and intelligence. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 3. Cole Bishop (Jr., Utah, 6-2, 206)

A three-year starter for the Utes, Bishop was a standout lacrosse player in high school. He's an enforcer with the size and toughness NFL teams covet. He's athletic enough to neutralize tight ends in man coverage — a skill he showcased during Senior Bowl week — and can make plays at all three levels of the field. His hustle doesn't have an off switch, but his overaggressive tendencies make him a target for misdirection and occasionally leads to overruns. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 4. Javon Bullard (Jr., Georgia, 5-10, 198)

Bullard was the Defensive MVP of the Bulldogs' CFP Semifinal and National Championship victories in 2022. He was also voted the top safety on the American team during Senior Bowl practices earlier this year, so it's clear he can rise to the occasion. He's a bit undersized for the position, and lacks premium athletic traits, but he could thrive as a big nickel in run support. Bullard's spatial awareness, processing skills and football IQ give him an edge in coverage, but a defensive coaching staff will have to be mindful of the matchup. He doesn't lack physicality when he tackles, but he is inconsistent when wrapping up. Projected: Rounds 2-3

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