The Indianapolis Colts are working very diligently to finalize their draft board, with the 2023 NFL draft days away. Their current roster isn’t completely set and some holes still need to be plugged. One of those is the safety position.
At first, this may not be the position many Indianapolis Colts fans initially considered. However, when you look at the current roster and the playing time the group of safeties has, you can see that it’s a young squad.
Julian Blackmon is the most experienced with three years of service. After him is Henry Black with two years, or 25 games played. But he didn’t play at all last season. Then it’s last year’s rookie selections, Rodney Thomas (17 games) and Nick Cross (16 games). The team could use some more talent in this group, especially if the Indianapolis Colts are open to playing Blackmon in the slot a little more.
Then of course there is the fact that Blackmon’s current contract is up after this season. So, while the safety position may not be a big need, it’s certainly one that has to get some attention in this year’s event.
With all of that in mind, here are five safeties the Indianapolis Colts could target in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
Antonio Johnson out of Texas A&M has the size to play safety at the NFL level, and the demeanor to play linebacker. Also, he’s arguably the best actual safety in the class. Johnson was a four-star prospect coming out of high school and had a productive collegiate career. However, his junior saw a bit of a decline in his pass coverage metrics. This leads to some concerns about him.
His deep coverage abilities leave something to be desired and he will need help. His route recognition is poor which leads to him being hesitant and susceptible to double moves. And when he is trailing receivers he gets grabby. When he’s in the slot or in coverage his backpedal is upright and stiff. He also allows a lot of cushion in coverage and has average speed.
Now, he is drawing comparisons to some New England safeties in Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips. Also, there is a lot to like about Johnson as well. He’s aggressive in getting downhill, loves to tackle, and is an asset in shutting down the opposing run game. So, it’s no surprise he’s comfortable playing in the box. While it was previously stated that his backpedal is upright and stiff he is able to effectively cover the slot.
Jordan Battle, Alabama
Jordan Battle is the other safety out of Alabama that isn’t getting the same kind of attention as Brian Batch. Now, as the draft is drawing closer Battle is starting to gain more attention, and rightfully so. Last season Alabama was able to employ the best safety duo in the NCAA. The two played really well together, especially since their strengths complimented each other’s weaknesses.
His profile as an NFL safety is an interesting one, as he’s probably better off as a strong safety rather than a free safety. However, he does have enough athleticism and range not to be a liability in coverage with his smooth hips and fluid coverage. He does a good job of reading the quarterback’s eyes in coverage and has good awareness and ball skills. Battle has the speed to stay with receivers in coverage and is better in man-to-man than zone. And his highlight tape is littered with plays of him blowing up receivers over the middle.
Unfortunately, he is not a thumper like a traditional strong safety and he isn’t as good of a tackler as he likes to deliver the big hit than just making a tackle. He tends to have a high backpedal and unfortunately loses a step in transition. At times his timing is off when he tries to make an interception and misses. And there are some concerns that he can stay with the truly explosive receivers.
Ji’Ayer Brown, Penn State
Ji’Ayer Brown is another player who has not been getting a lot of attention lately. Now, some of that could be because of his stock dropping as a result of his poor performance at the combine. He was thought to run a sub 4.5 40-yard dash time. Instead, he ran a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash, which is now raising concerns if he has the speed to play at the NFL level.
Then there are the other concerns with Brown. When he’s playing off in coverage he gives a lot of cushion and plays conservatively. He doesn’t get off blocks well and if the quarterback comes back to Brown’s side of the field late in the QBs progression, Brown can be slow to react. His ability to stay with route breaks is inconsistent. When he does play aggressively he can lose focus of the field and quarterbacks can take advantage. Whether that’s by the QB looking him off or a double move from the receiver.
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Despite all of this he is a tremendous leader who brings passion and energy to the team. Like other safeties listed prior to him, he can also play some nickel corner. He does an excellent job of diagnosing the quarterback’s intentions and triggering downhill. Over the last two years of his being a starter, he’s intercepted 10 passes. He can offer support in stopping the opponent’s run game too as he’s a willing tackler.
Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame
Brandon Joseph is a decorated safety coming out of Notre Dame. But Notre Dame is the second school he played, with his first being Northwestern. His transferring of schools caught some by surprise as they thought he might have entered the draft after his junior year. Joseph is a player who is the classic low-ceiling high floor type of player, as he does everything well but nothing exceptional.
In the NFL he will most likely need a deeper setup when given single high looks as his backpedal is slow, his coverage is adequate, and his speed isn’t great (4.6 40-yard dash time). His tackling is a bit bizarre as his technique needs work and at times he’ll throw himself at the lower half of a runner instead of just wrapping them up. He is inconsistent in getting off his blocks, and he needs to do a better job of reading routes and taking better pursuit angles.
Now, with all of this being said he does have 10 career interceptions. So, he does have a bit of a knack for being around or near the ball. He does a good job of tracking the ball downfield and has soft hands. This might have something to do with his receiver background. Even though he’s not the most athletic he does have a very high football IQ. Finally, he has experience as an interchangeable safety and on special teams.
Jammie Robinson, Florida State
Jammie Robinson may not check off the Chris Ballard measurables (five-foot-eleven and 191 pounds) but Robinson can certainly play. Not only is Robinson a little undersized but he also has short arms and a small wingspan too. In truth, he might have been a better fit for former Colts defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus’ scheme. Robinson is a high motor and never takes a play-off kind of player.
As previously stated, Robinson is a high-motor guy whose aggression sometimes takes him out of play or has him playing wild. And once he’s in the trail position, whether that’s because he’s fallen for a double move (which he’s susceptible to) or due to his wild play, he gets grabby. He can be hesitant and late in reading the receiver’s routes and cuts. Also, at this time it can be argued that he is better at man coverage than zone coverage.
Now, this dude loves to hit and is very quick to trigger downhill when he diagnoses a run play. He totaled 14 pressures in 2022 alone. Also, when it’s a pass, he’s timed up his jumps perfectly with the quarterback’s release. Much like all of the other safeties on this list he can play in the slot. In fact, in this group, it’s possible that his ability to play nickel is what could have him getting on the field to start his NFL career. College quarterbacks had a mid-70s grade when targeting Robinson’s receiver in the slot. He is excellent at defending crossing routes, as he can run from sideline to sideline. He is drawing comparisons to Damarious Randall.