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

— 5. Calen Bullock (Jr., USC, 6-2, 188)

Bullock was the No. 7 athlete in the 2021 recruiting class. He played both free safety and nickel for the Trojans, intercepting nine passes in three seasons while averaging 23.7 yards per return. He was one of just eight FBS players with at least nine interceptions and two pick-sixes the last three seasons. As a run defender, Bullock's poor recognition and bad angles were one of the reasons it seemed like every time you looked up, someone was breaking a big play or scoring a touchdown on USC's porous defense. Perhaps an NFL strength program will help him fill out his thin frame, but he's already a good athlete with excellent speed, quick processing capabilities and top-tier ball skills. It wouldn't shock me if a team targets him as a cornerback. Bullock is one of the few prospects in this class who won't be able to legally pop champagne during draft weekend. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 6. Jaden Hicks (So., Washington State, 6-1, 215)

Hicks is a two-year starter and tone-setting striker who consistently makes plays downhill. His size and athleticism could make him a capable slot eraser in the NFL. Hicks was highly-productive for the Cougars in 2023, producing 79 tackles, including six for a loss, with 2.5 sacks, six passes defensed, two interceptions (one for a TD), a forced fumble and a blocked field goal. I almost certainly would have included him in my 2025 way-to-early mock draft as a potential first-rounder had he returned to Pullman for his junior year. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 7. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Sr., Texas Tech, 5-10, 197)

The former three-star recruit at running back won the state championship in the 200 meters (21.66 seconds) as a senior in high school. He's undersized, and doesn't possess the type of play strength the position requires, but he runs like the wind and has the instincts and ball skills to potentially thrive as a nickelback. He had never played defense in his life before committing to the Red Raiders and developed into a rangy ball-hawk, who led the team in interceptions the last three seasons. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 8. Daijahn Anthony (Sr., Ole Miss, 6-0, 194)

The former no-star recruit began as a walk-on for Shepherd, earning a scholarship, before transferring to Liberty as a preferred walk-on when Shepherd's season was canceled because of the pandemic. Anthony's play earned him an opportunity in the SEC with the Rebels as a super senior, where he led the team in interceptions, passes defensed and forced fumbles. He doesn't feature premium athletic traits, but he brings the pain every time he hits someone. It sounds similar to when a batter in baseball makes contact on the sweet spot of the bat and blasts a moonshot. Projected: Rounds 5-7

— 9. Trey Taylor (Sr., Air Force, 6-0, 206)

Taylor is quicker than fast, but he features solid size for the position and an embarrassment of riches when it comes to intangibles. He was the first player in school history to win the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 2023. He was also honored with last season's Defender of the Nation Award, which is given to a player from one of the nation's service academies based on exceptional leadership qualities, performance on and off the field, and a high standard of integrity. Some teams might shy away based on his speed, but he's technically proficient at everything he'd be asked to do in the pros. Taylor's cousin is Pro and College Football Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 10. Tyler Owens (Sr., Texas Tech, 6-2, 216)

Owens was the No. 9 safety in the 2019 recruiting class and an accomplished track athlete in high school — he was No. 29 on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" in 2023. After playing primarily on special teams his first two seasons with Texas, Owens entered the transfer portal in a search of more playing time. He's only started 12 games in five seasons, but he features the type of rare size/speed combo defensive coaches salivate over. He's also been elite on special teams with 10 career tackles and two blocked punts. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Beau Brade (Sr., Maryland, 6-0, 203)

Brade was a backup and played special teams until his junior season. As a two-year starter, he produced 170 tackles, 14 passes defensed, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three interceptions for a program known for producing solid defensive backs. The two-time All-Big Ten honoree led the Terrapins in tackles both seasons and was voted team captain in 2023. Brade possesses adequate athleticism to compete in the pros. He is a capable run defender and doesn't fall for a quarterback's tricks in coverage. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— BONUS: Tykee Smith (Sr., Georgia, 5-10, 202)

The former three-star recruit earned All-American honors his first two seasons at West Virginia before transferring to Athens. A broken foot and torn ACL cost him most of his first season with the Bulldogs. Smith started at nickel last season, earning second-team All-SEC recognition. He plays with the mindset of a linebacker when he's near the line of scrimmage (8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2023). He is opportunistic in coverage (eight career interceptions) and played on all four special-teams units the last two seasons at Georgia, earning particular praise with the kickoff return group. Projected: Rounds 4-6

— BONUS: Kitan Oladapo (Sr., Oregon State, 6-2, 216)

Oladapo was a former no-star recruit with a rugby background who was a walk-on for the Beavers, spent six years in Corvallis and was voted team captain in 2023. He isn't going to wow you with his athleticism, but he's strong, instinctive and earned All-Pac-12 honors each of the last three seasons. Oladapo would complement a ball-hawking safety, where he could mostly wreak havoc around the line of scrimmage and be utilized as a blitzer. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Sione Vaki (So., Utah, 5-11, 213)

After serving a religious mission, he joined the Utes prior to the 2022 season. Vaki was a finalist for the Hornung Award in 2023, given to college football's most versatile player — Colorado's Travis Hunter won. He played safety and running back (520 total yards and five TDs) because of injuries, and became the first Utah defender with two rushing touchdowns in a single game since Eric Weddle in 2006. There are significant limitations in coverage, but the second-team All-American is a productive tackler with a nose for the ball on special teams. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Malik Mustapha (Jr., Wake Forest, 5-10, 206)

A former zero-star recruit, Mustapha began his collegiate career at Richmond before playing his final three seasons with the Demon Deacons. He's undersized, but he looks and hits like a linebacker. Mustapha earned second-team All-ACC honors and was voted team captain in 2023. He might struggle in coverage against bigger targets, and lacks premium athletic traits, but he's disciplined and features above-average play recognition. Mustapha has experience as a gunner on special teams. He suffered a torn ACL late in 2021 and it caused him to miss three games the following season. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Evan Williams (Sr., Oregon, 5-11, 206)

The former three-star recruit earned All-MWC honors three times while he was at Fresno State before transferring to Eugene for his senior season, where he was selected second-team All-Pac-12. Williams' coverage skills don't translate downfield, but he's capable enough to handle tight ends and backs out of the backfield. He's also a strong tackler, effective blitzer (4.5 sacks in 2023 for the Ducks), and has blocked two kicks in his collegiate career, a punt and a PAT. Williams' father (Garey) played safety at Cal and was a member of the kickoff-return team for "The Play" in 1982. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Jaylin Simpson (Sr., Auburn, 5-11, 179)

The former four-star recruit spent most of his collegiate career at cornerback before switching to free safety last season. He may be switching back in the pros depending on who drafts him. Simpson earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2023, but most teams will consider him too lean for the position. His above-average athletic traits and ball skills should earn him a shot. Simpson suffered a litany of injuries in high school, including a fractured wrist, turf toe and he had to have ankle surgery. Projected: Rounds 4-7

— BONUS: Demani Richardson (Sr., Texas A&M, 6-0, 210)

The former four-star recruit was a five-year starter and two-time team captain. Richardson is an aggressive tackler with a special-teams pedigree, but features limited agility and cover talent. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Patrick McMorris (Sr., California, 6-0, 207)

McMorris is a former three-star recruit who spent four seasons at San Diego State before transferring to Berkeley. He was a two-time All-MWC honoree and team captain for the Aztecs. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Kenny Logan Jr. (Sr., Kansas, 5-10, 209)

Logan led the Jayhawks in tackles each of the past four seasons, earning All-Big 12 recognition each year. He's produced at least 95 tackles his final three years. The lack of prototypical size or speed might pigeonhole him as a special-teamer. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: Emany Johnson (Sr., Nevada, 6-1, 218)

Johnson had a breakout super senior season, earning first-team All-MWC honors while leading the Wolf Pack in tackles (100) and interceptions (three) after spending five seasons as a reserve and special teamer. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: Omar Brown (Sr., Nebraska, 6-0, 205)

Brown set the bar high with six interceptions as a true freshman corner for Northern Iowa, earning the FCS Defensive Freshman of the Year, before transferring to Nebraska for his final two seasons, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten as a senior. Projected: PFA

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