Top 10 Safeties of the 2024 NFL Season 🏈
The conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, marked by the thrilling Super Bowl that crowned the Philadelphia Eagles champions, offers a retrospective look at player performances throughout the year. Among the positions that garnered attention, safeties stood out with their impressive skill sets, versatility, and crucial contributions on the field. Here’s a detailed assessment of the ten best safeties based on their performances during the regular season and playoffs.
1. Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions (90.4) 🌟
Kerby Joseph had a breakout season that captivated fans and analysts alike. After two somewhat uninspiring years, he transformed his game entirely in 2024, achieving personal bests in nearly every grading category—except for pass rushing, where he saw limited opportunities. Joseph led the league with nine interceptions and displayed standout performance with a 91.1 coverage grade, the highest among safeties. Additionally, his 83.6 run-defense grade placed him twelfth, showcasing his all-around abilities.
2. Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens (90.0) 🛡️
Just behind Joseph in the rankings, Kyle Hamilton emerged as one of the most versatile safeties in the league. With grades above 88.0 in run defense (89.2), pass rushing (88.1), and coverage (88.4), he proved invaluable to the Ravens' defense. His ability to adapt is reflected in his varied alignments; he played 407 snaps in the box, 355 as a free safety, and 292 as a slot cornerback—demonstrating how essential he was to the team's overall strategy.
Highest Run-Defense Grades Among Safeties in 2024 📈
Explore the best run defenders in the league by visiting detailed statistics!
3. Brandon Jones, Denver Broncos (84.8) 💪
Shifting focus to Brandon Jones, the Denver Broncos benefitted greatly from his contributions during the season. After moving from Miami, where he faced challenges, Jones surprised expectations by playing over 1,042 snaps—nearly double his previous career high. He significantly impacted the Broncos' defense, notably improving their ranking from last season, thanks to his career-best performance in overall grading (PFF Grade 84.8) and a stellar 89.8 coverage grade, the third highest at his position.
4. Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers (84.7) 🧤
Xavier McKinney turned out to be a high-impact signing for the Green Bay Packers, demonstrating a remarkable season following his lucrative contract. Recording a fantastic 90.2 coverage grade and securing eight interceptions, McKinney's ability to make plays was paramount. His tackling was notable, too, displaying an impressive 5.4% missed tackle rate, ranking him 12th among his peers.
5. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions (83.7) 🔄
Taking a look at Brian Branch, this versatile safety proved to be a valuable asset for the Lions. Playing in various roles—including 329 snaps as a free safety, 316 as a slot cornerback, and 235 in the box—he showed dynamic skills wherever aligned. His 90.8 run-defense grade was the highest among safeties, and his ability to generate pressure was remarkable—tallying 12 pressures on just 37 pass-rushing snaps, leading to an 88.0 grade in that category.
6. Jabrill Peppers, New England Patriots (83.1) 🔒
Jabrill Peppers experienced a season interrupted by off-field issues, limiting him to only six games with the Patriots. Nevertheless, his impact during those appearances was significant enough to land him on this list. In the time he spent on the field, Peppers approached solid grades—76.9 in run defense, 76.7 in tackling, and 81.7 in coverage—and made it difficult for opponents to pass, allowing just 44 yards on seven receptions.
7. Julian Love, Seattle Seahawks (81.2) 💥
Julian Love may not receive as much recognition, but his contributions to the Seahawks have been undeniable. Following his move to Seattle, he has enjoyed consecutive career years, with 2024 witnessing a record-high PFF overall grade and an impressive 89.5 in run defense. Love also managed to tally seven pass breakups, showcasing his knack for disrupting plays.
Julian Love: Career PFF Grades 📊
Check out more about Julian Love’s performance statistics!
8. Ar'Darius Washington, Baltimore Ravens (80.9) 🔍
Originally signing as an undrafted free agent, Ar'Darius Washington had a breakthrough season in 2024, ascending to the starting role and becoming a vital part of the Ravens' secondary. On over 830 snaps, Washington displayed standout coverage skills, with an 86.1 grade when engaging receivers. Despite his smaller stature, he was relentless, demonstrating his prowess around the line of scrimmage with 20 stops—highlighting his fearlessness.
9. Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers (80.8) ⚡
Derwin James remains a cornerstone of the Chargers’ defense, consistently showcasing his elite talents. His grades reflected a well-rounded performance, exceeding 75.0 across all categories. Notably, he registered an 87.9 in run defense, a personal best, and frequently applied pressure with six sacks, leading the group in this aspect and proving his value as a blitzing safety.
10. Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons (80.2) ✈️
Wrapping up our list is Jessie Bates III, who had a stellar year filled with big plays. He came up with four interceptions and forced four fumbles—the latter being unmatched by any other safety. His versatility shines through his solid grades in both run defense (80.4) and coverage (81.4). Bates has also proven to be remarkably durable, never dropping below 1,000 snaps in a season since entering the league.
With the 2024 season behind us, these players have distinguished themselves among the ranks of NFL safeties, proving their importance to their teams through stellar performances and game-changing plays. Who will dominate in the upcoming season? Only time will tell! 🎉