2025 CouchScouts All-22 Series: Defensive Back Prospects
Ahead of the NFL Combine, here's a look at the DB prospects to have on your radar for IDP leagues.
The Super Bowl is over and the NFL Scouting Combine is now on the horizon. The 2025 DB class is next for the All-22 treatment.
When preparing to look at this class, I felt like The Big Bang Theory squad when they were about to see The Force Awakens. I was a bit worried, nervous, excited, and scared that I wouldn’t be able to find any targets. Will Wheaton’s thoughts ahead of the movie were similar to mine: “If I don’t find good enough targets, it’s not the end of the world. We’ll have a few and work with those.”
At the end of the day, like Wheaton’s reaction at the end of the movie, I enjoyed this class more than I thought I would.
So, with that said, here are a few of the defensive backs you should have on your radar for IDP leagues as you start prepping for those rookie drafts.
These aren’t rankings, but guys I’ve watched ahead of the NFL Combine. I’ll be publishing my pre-draft IDP rookie rankings soon enough. There are some names conspicuous by their absence; it doesn’t mean I don’t like them. These are just the guys who’ve caught my eye. (Note: All-22 clips from CouchScouts unless otherwise captioned.)
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks is a three-year starter with plenty of experience under his belt: over 2,000 snaps during his stint with the Bulldogs, including big-game experience. He’s a versatile defender who can play where asked with the ability to make plays (6 INTs and 17 defended passes).
In this play, he’s lined up a few yards from the LOS, shows good balance, and is ready to react. Starks shows his IQ with his quick diagnosis of the play and takes a direct angle to the ball carrier. He makes a fundamental tackle with a strong base, wraps up the RB, and prevents any yards after contact:
On this play, Starks has a good quick step to the ball. He stays square to the blocker and stays level. He uses his hands and upper body to disengage and doesn’t get locked up. There’s no wasted motion when breaking off the block. He stays low and drives through to make the tackle:
Starks has range and his speed allows him to cover a lot of ground:
He’s a versatile safety and solid in coverage. He can cover the slot and is fluid in his movements, but also has good recovery speed—allowing him to keep up and stay tight. Here, he produces a tight window:
He’s a high motor, instinctive safety. He reads and reacts quickly and will take sharp, tight angles to the ball. He covers ground quickly, especially running downhill. In coverage, he locates the ball and will create a tight window.
Starks can sometimes be too aggressive in pursuit and get caught out of position. He also needs to improve his footwork a little bit. He needs to be a bit more aggressive breaking off blocks.
I still think he’s one of the top DB prospects of the draft.
Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
The other Malachi has over 64 games under his belt with Alabama.
Moore plays well near the line of scrimmage and has playmaking ability in the defensive backfield with ballhawking skills.
On this play, he’s lined up off the LOS but reacts to the play and takes a good angle. He diagnoses the play quickly and has an explosive first step. He’s not out of control, doesn’t overrun, and makes a disciplined tackle:
Moore shows balance and eyes on the backfield. At the snap, his eyes are on the QB and the screen. He explodes downhill and closes in on the ball carrier, making a low tackle, and taking out his legs:
On this play, Moore crashes the LOS with physicality, and fills the gap to get the tackle on the RB:
Moore is also a ballhawk. In coverage, he has fluid hips and backpedals, but is also keeping his eye on the QB. In this play, he displays that. Moore doesn’t bite on the scramble, and on the throw, he breaks and tracks the throw and high points it to get the INT:
Moore looks like a target in big-play leagues as he may not be able to play near the LOS consistently, but should see some snaps in the box. Moore had a 27% box rate this past season. His strengths are in coverage and he’s reliable as a safety valve in the defensive backfield. He’s a fundamental tackler and does well in space, takes direct angles, and limits any yards after catch.
He’ll need to improve his physicality and hand usage when disengaging from blocks.
Moore has the ball skills to excel in the NFL and could be a Day 2 pick. While he may not be a traditional box safety, he can also play the slot, so he should see LOS work in the NFL.
Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
If Caleb Downs were eligible for the draft, he’d probably be my DB1. Ransom, however, graded well and is a physical run-stopper.
He could be one of the under-the-radar safeties of the class. He's a versatile safety who can do anything and play anywhere. He showed steady development and increased production throughout his OSU career, excelling in run support and providing solid coverage.
Ransom tracks the man in motion and has great vision, keeping an eye on the receiver and the QB. Once he sees the ball going his way, he breaks on the receiver and makes a physical tackle, preventing any YAC:
I love Ransom’s burst. He explodes off the snap and takes a direct path to the runner. There was a bit of traffic and one of his teammates got in front of him to get there, but he looked to be involved:
Ransom displays good instincts in coverage and where he thinks the ball is going. He tracks #5 and picks him up, creating a tight window with no separation, resulting in an incomplete pass:
Once again, Ransom shows his strength in run defense. Pre-snap, he starts deep, but immediately starts moving up on the LOS. At the snap, he maintains his momentum, and hits the gap, stuffing the run:
I love his range and sideline-to-sideline speed. Ransom sees the QB scramble and then takes a direct path to the QB. He uses his closing speed to make a physical hit, preventing the first down. This speed should translate well to the NFL:
Overall, Ransom is an impact player who reacts quickly to pre-snap motions and offensive adjustments. He’s got the football IQ that a safety needs to process and diagnose plays effectively. He’s a solid cover safety and is physical to tackle tight ends and speedy to keep up with RBs in the backfield. He welcomes contact and is willing to engage blockers and square up on RBs.
Although he’s solid in coverage, he needs to cause more turnovers. He’ll need to improve his hands at the high point. He has average recovery speed, if he does get beat.
In a relatively shallow DB/safety class, I see him as one of the top rookie DBs in IDP leagues. He might be my DB flag plant.
Justin Barron, S, Syracuse
The converted WR made an easy transition to the defensive side of the ball. One of the things that stood out was the football smarts. He was a green dot wearer.
Barron keeps balanced and stays in control when in pursuit of the ball. He gets to the receiver ahead of any blocks. He has a strong base and wraps securely as opposed to going for the kill shot. Barron has a low pad level and finishes with strength:
On this play, Barron starts just behind his DL. The OL is focused on the defensive line and speeds right past the guard. He takes advantage of the gap created thanks to the RB picking up #15 and times his blitz to perfection, as the OL has no chance to react. The QB underestimates Barron’s sneaky speed:
Barron quickly diagnoses the play and his alignment allows him to take a good path and wastes no motion. He doesn’t make any lateral movement and goes from point A to point B, accelerating once he sees the open gap. Barron is really good at driving through the contact:
Barron shows patience and discipline here to get the sack. He comes in clean and doesn’t fall for any of the fancy moves, finally locking the QB up and taking him down:
Barron is in a good position pre- and post-snap. He doesn’t engage with the block and changes his direction on a dime. He stays disciplined and doesn’t overpursue. He closes the distance quickly and uses his fundamental tackling form to bring down the ball carrier:
Justin Barron has above average lateral quickness, especially in zone drops and reaction to route breaks. Occasionally, he can be a bit tight in his hips when transitioning downfield, but keeps his balance.
Barron has decent foot speed, but can be more explosive on a more consistent basis. Pre-snap, Barron is active, communicative and is always adjusting based on offensive formations. He wore the dot, so he’s a strong communicator. In coverage, he shows a strong backpedal, but can be a bit high, but just needs to jam up to disrupt routes more consistently.
Barron has all the fundamentals down—especially in zone coverage. He has steady footwork, and strong tackling ability. He just needs to refine his press technique. I think he’d fit well in Cover 2/3 scheme.
Maxen Hook, S, Toledo
Maxen Hook enters the draft with a wealth of experience. He played in 52 games and over 2,400 regular season snaps. He can play in the box and is an eraser in the defensive backfield.
He had solid tackle production over four full-time seasons with the Rockets.
Hook displays good range to come downhill in run support. He gets a quick jump off the snap. I think the only thing he could have done better is to continue running. He takes a slight stutter but still makes the tackle. If he takes a direct line, he could have tackled him around the 30:
On this play, he reacts and moves as soon as he sees where the QB is throwing. He breaks off his man and changes direction on a dime. He makes a solid tackle to prevent more yards after the catch:
Hook has good lateral movement here. While not dynamic athletically, he takes a good, controlled angle to the ball, sheds the block, and lowers his shoulder to make the tackle:
Hook can manage the slot and keep up with slot receivers. Here he tracks the man out of the backfield and keeps his eyes on him throughout the play—even when the QB starts to get pressured. Hook gets a good jump and takes a good angle to make the tackle:
Athletically, his traits don’t necessarily stand out and he’s not going to burn you with speed, but the kid is a football player and his football smarts and IQ hide some of those warts in his game. He doesn’t miss tackles and plays with physicality. Hook will sometimes take wider paths to the ball as opposed to a direct route, giving more space for the runner. He doesn’t offer much in man-to-man coverage.
His best fit for a landing spot is where he can play a big nickel where three safeties or a Cover 3/Tampa 2. He’d make a great robber in a Cover 3.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Nick Emmanwori has the size and speed combo and was a three-year starter with the Gamecocks. He’s a safety/linebacker hybrid and I think his physicality and dynamic ability will translate well to the next level.
I liked his consistent production throughout his three seasons and the fact he was a starter/three-down player right away.
On this play, Emmanwori is lined up slightly outside the box. At the snap, you see him immediately react and he charges toward the ball carrier with good footwork. The OL is preoccupied with the defensive line, and he doesn’t fall for the weak fake. Emmanwori’s speed is really on display here, as he cruises past his teammates, getting the TFL:
Here, Emmanwori displays his physicality and eagerness to initiate contact and mix things up. He’s good in goal-line situations, as he explodes to the LOS, keeping his eyes up and gets to the backfield, staying low:
Emmanwori possesses ballhawking skills. He positions himself in the route and stays with the receiver. The QB is trying to throw to a tight window, but Emmanwori sticks to the receiver on the route and high-points the ball. He’s someone who can cover in man or zone:
Here’s another example of his man coverage abilities. He tracks the receiver and bursts off of the snap. He stays with the receiver stride for stride and doesn’t give up any separation:
Nick Emmanwori is fluid and shows quick lateral movement and is balanced in his backpedals, but can overcommit when transitioning out of breaks with smooth hips. He maintains his leverage in routes and shows awareness—adjusting well to deep threats and breaking routes.
He shows good eye discipline and tracks the QB and WR effectively. Nick Emmanwori uses his hands to be disruptor without too much contact. He can improve jamming if in man coverage. He’s strong in zone, but needs to improve shadowing quicker route runners. He’s average in route anticipation, so he’ll need a bit of refinement.
He reminds me a bit of Jeremy Chinn and I think would fit in a zone-heavy/Cover 3 scheme. I also think he’d fit in the modern two-high shell system. I think Jacksonville or Atlanta would be a good landing spot for IDP.
Donovan McMillon, S, Pittsburgh
Donovan McMillon is a versatile safety who mostly played near the LOS/box during his time at Pittsburgh. He enters the draft with plenty of experience, with 50 games played, and has appeared in over 1,300 snaps over the last two seasons. He’s a hard-hitting DB who can play all around the LOS, including the slot.
He shows a good stance and reads the offense. He’s patient, makes his initial move, and shuts down the running lane, going in low so he wraps up the legs—not relying on an arm tackle—preventing the first down:
On this play, McMillon reacts to the play. As soon as the ball is snapped, he makes his move closer to the LOS. He maintains his balance, and as soon as he sees the QB hit the hole, he shifts and stays in position so that he can meet the QB with force, preventing a first down:
I like what McMillon does here. I would have liked him to continue his lateral movement behind the block, instead of taking a step back, but he does have a quick movement forward and still prevents the score:
On this play, he shows his ability in coverage as a safety. He has a smooth backpedal and keeps his eyes on the receiver. McMillon reacts well, maybe a bit late, and makes his break when he realizes the corner doubles the slot. He avoids any contact and gets his arm in to cause the PBU:
He’s a physical safety who isn’t afraid of contact and is willing to engage blockers and get in battles. He fights through blocks and uses his arms well to shed. He’s a reliable tackler and is a versatile safety who can play where asked. He’s a little stiff and slow in the hips. He could also improve his eye discipline and reading abilities in zone.
He reminds me a bit of Kamren Curl. He should fit with a defense that runs a two-high/big nickel scheme. Landing in a Cover 3 defense should allow him to play near the box/LOS.
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
I think Watts will draw comparisons to Kyle Hamilton, a fellow Fightin’ Irishman. I can see it, but he’s a touch slower. He’s a versatile, athletic safety who uses his strength and smarts to compensate for his speed.
His ballhawking skills were definitely a standout trait, as well as his ability to read and react. He’s comfortable playing anywhere you need him.
Here’s an example of his coverage ability. He has smooth footwork and hips, and he does a good job of diagnosing where the QB is going to go with the ball. He high points the ball and secures the INT:
I love Watts’ range and closing speed on this play. He gets a good jump off the snap and takes a direct angle to the ball carrier, so he doesn’t overrun the play. He leads with his shoulder and knocks him out of bounds, preventing the first down. Watts provides back-end support in run defense:
On this play, he shows his ability to get in position and read the play. He moves with purpose, and bursts into the gap, reducing any space between him and the runner. He secures the tackle and prevents any yardage after contact:
Here, he doesn’t fall for the fake and tracks #29 in motion. He knows exactly where the ball is going, gets a good first step off the snap, and closes in to get the tackle:
While not a classic stack and shed, he engages with the blocker, extends and controls, and then sheds the block. He does a good job using his lateral agility to avoid getting locked up, so he’s still free to make a play:
Watts plays with plus instincts and IQ which allows him to diagnose plays quickly. He’s efficient in his movements and closes in on gaps effectively and with urgency. He’s got good tackling skills and is smooth in coverage. He shows good route awareness and has fluid hips. He can sometimes approach too high and drop his hips and wrap. He’ll also need to speed up reaction time.
Watts reminds me a bit of Kyle Dugger and should be able to play near the LOS.
Jahdae Barron, CB, University of Texas
We have Malaki/Malachis, and we also have two Barrons. Jahdae Barron is projected to be one of the top corners in the draft.
His versatility allows him to play multiple positions and alignments. Barron was Mr. Opportunity throughout the 2024 season and made plays. His size and physicality are in his favor.
Barron has good vision in coverage, and on this play, his eyes are squarely on the backfield. He reacts and breaks on the receiver with no wasted motion and with fluidity. He accelerates and closes in with a solid tackle:
Barron has strong awareness and IQ. He does a good job reading the alignment and anticipating movements. He breaks off his block and quickly makes his move to the receiver out of the backfield. He maintains balance throughout, allowing him to make the tackle:
He’s an asset in run support. Barron’s lined up on the edge, and is explosive off the snap, getting past the blocker relatively untouched. The RB has nowhere to go:
Barron can be sticky in coverage out of the slot. He maintains a good base, stays with the receiver on his route, and is able to jump the route and get the defended pass:
Barron is quick enough and can be physical with TEs while in coverage. On this play, Barron is playing in the box, changes direction on a dime, and goes low to the midsection to get the tackle on Colston Loveland, limiting any yards after catch:
Barron displayed shutdown coverage underneath, has above-average route recognition, and disciplined footwork. He plays with physical play strength. His instincts and quick burst enable him to break on the ball carrier. He has limited experience in man coverage and doesn't have elite recovery speed.
I think he’d play well at nickel corner and could play some safety. He has nice footwork and high football instincts, as he seemed to shadow some receivers' routes. Minnesota seems like a great landing spot but he would fit in with any nickel-heavy defense that would allow him to be physical.
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Awesome stuff, as always, Mike! How "well-stocked" is the IDP all-22 film room at CouchScouts? I'm considering a yearly sub, but can't find any info on how much film is actually available. Cheers!