The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching. With the Senior Bowl officially in our rearview mirror, the NFL Combine represents the next opportunity for prospects to improve their pre-draft stock ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Every year, outstanding athletic testers elevate themselves a full round or two due to exiting the NFL Combine as a point of conversation.
With that in mind, we've identified five safeties who could raise their draft stock at the NFL Combine.
TYLER NUBIN, MINNESOTA
Minnesota's Tyler Nubin is a flat-out playmaker with outstanding instincts. The holder of the program's all-time interceptions record with 13, Nubin also broke up 24 passes, highlighting rare ball skills. An Academic standout, Nubin will also take advantage of the formal interview process to showcase his football IQ.
Nubin should test exceptionally well at the NFL Combine. I particularly expect the All-Big Ten First Team selection to run the gauntlet like a pro, where his ball skills and effortless change of direction will impress decision-makers. Nubin should establish himself as a second-round pick in Indianapolis.
JADEN HICKS, WASHINGTON STATE
On a recent media call with Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, Nagy touted Jaden Hicks to potentially be the first safety drafted in April. It would only be a surprise to those who didn't watch enough Washington State football during the season. Hicks is an instinctual three-level defensive back.
Hicks totaled 155 tackles, 13 passes defensed and three interceptions over the previous two campaigns. Vertical speed has been questioned by scouts—so Hicks will have to run an acceptable 40 to check that box—but Hicks is a fluid mover that makes smooth transitions.
SIONE VAKI, UTAH
Sione Vaki is a 5-foot-11, 211-pound compact prospect that competed in Mobile. A former running back who was still utilized as a two-way player in 2023, Vaki showcased improvement with his downhill trigger, proven by his career-high 8.5 tackles for loss. Vaki also totaled 520 yards of offense and five touchdowns. It takes a special kind of athlete to play on both sides.
Vaki has previously bench-pressed 400 pounds, vertical jumped 39 inches, and broad jumped 10 feet, 5.5 inches, according to Bruce Feldman. Had Vaki posted those leaping numbers in 2023, he would have placed in the top five among all participating safeties in both categories. Vaki might jump out of the gym.
MALIK MUSTAPHA, WAKE FOREST
Malik Mustapha is a high-energy player who's going to maximize his opportunities in Indianapolis. A prospect that thrives around the football, Mustapha totaled 80 tackles, 10 career passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions. Instincts and burst are at the forefront of Mustapha's skill set.
Should he participate, Mustapha is a candidate to sit atop the safety leaderboard in the bench press. The Charlotte, North Carolina native has also vertical jumped 36.5 inches and reached 23 MPH on the GPS. Mustapha pairs athleticism with high-level football IQ.
TYLER OWENS, TEXAS TECH
Tyler Owens is a rocked-up 6-foot-2, 213-pound safety. Owens is a first-guy-off-the-bus kind of intimidating prospect. A former Texas Longhorn, Owens broke up five passes and forced two fumbles as a Red Raider.
Owens was the fastest player in attendance at the East-West Shrine Bowl, reaching 21.55 MPH and previously crossed 23 MPH in a game. An alien-like athlete, Owens vertical jumped more than 40 inches this past offseason, according to Feldman. Owens is going to improve his pre-draft stock next week.
