Mel Kiper ranks Top 10 safeties ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday, April 27 at 8 p.m. ET. Despite there being multiple months before the draft gets underway, all eyes are already on the makeup of this year’s class.

As bowl season continues to get underway, ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper has revealed his top ten safeties in the 2023 class. 

Last season, three safeties were selected in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft — Kyle Hamilton of Notre Dame was picked No. 14 overall by the Baltimore Ravens, while Daxton Hill of Michigan and Lewis Cine of Georgia went back to back at No. 31 and No. 32 to the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings respectively.

This year’s NFL Draft class has significant talent at safety, and multiple athletes have a claim to being the top player at the position. There could be multiple safeties taken in Round 1, and the depth of the class extends further than just what we see at the top.

Here’s who Mel Kiper of ESPN has as his best choices to lead the backend of defenses for the coming future.

Top 10 safeties ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, per Mel Kiper:

1) Brian Branch, Alabama Crimson Tide
2) Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M Aggies
3) Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State Nittany Lions
4) Christopher Smith, Georgia Bulldogs
5) Jordan Battle, Alabama Crimson Tide
6) Jammie Robinson, Florida State Seminoles
7) Sydney Brown, Illinois Fighting Illini
8) Evan Williams, Fresno State Bulldogs
9) Daniel Scott, California Golden Bears
10) Quindell Johnson, Memphis Tigers
Just missed: JL Skinner, Boise State Broncos; Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Alas, a bevy of safeties have the chance to be the first selected, but right now Kiper is projecting either Branch or Johnson to lead the way. Still, plenty could change before the 2023 NFL Draft begins.

Following Round 1 on Thursday, Apr. 27, Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

Players in this year’s class will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and value at their respective pro days, and the 2023 NFL scouting combine will also be held from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.