Gabriel Santiago

NFL Hall of Fame Game 2025: Chargers vs. Lions Preview

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After just three professional campaigns,<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/kyle-hamilton/2600"> Kyle Hamilton</a> of the<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/baltimore-ravens-depth-chart"> Baltimore Ravens</a> is arguably the league's top overall safety. Hamilton is a brilliant athlete at 6-foot-4, displaying no issue covering the entire defensive backfield. He's already earned two All-Pro designations which includes a First-Team nod in 2023. That year, Hamilton registered 81 total tackles, four interceptions (one TD), 10 TFL and three quarterback sacks. He did well to add 107 more tackles last season. For his efforts in 2024, Hamilton clocked a 90.1<a href="about:blank"> Pro Football Focus grade</a>—good enough for third among all NFL safeties.
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Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) runs after the catch against Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/detroit-lions-depth-chart">Detroit Lions</a> defensive back <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/kerby-joseph/2109">Kerby Joseph</a> is fast, tough, and instinctive. He boasts experience at both safety positions, can run like a cornerback, and hit like a linebacker. In 2024, Joseph attracted First-Team All-Pro honors behind 83 combined tackles, 12 pass breakups, a league-leading nine interceptions and one touchdown. Ahead of the 2025 NFL campaign, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Joseph with 50/1 <a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl?tab=awards">odds to win Defensive Player of the Year</a>, which is presently the shortest label for any safety.

Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) takes the field during payer introductions before their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

2. Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions

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After four seasons with Big Blue, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/green-bay-packers-depth-chart">Green Bay Packers</a> safety<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/xavier-mckinney/1047"> Xavier McKinney</a> truly flourished in 2024. For his lone year with The Pack, McKinney posted 88 tackles, 11 passes defended, and eight picks en route to First Team All-Pro accolades. He also showcased a 90.0 coverage grade at<a href="https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/xavier-mckinney/55775"> PFF</a>, which ranked third at the position. 
Look for the Alabama alum to play a key role in Green Bay's secondary in 2025 and beyond.

Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Bears won the game, 24-22, on a 51-yard field goal as time expired. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

3. Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/arizona-cardinals-depth-chart">Arizona Cardinals</a> safety<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/budda-baker/2397"> Budda Baker</a> is among the most respected defensive backs in the NFL. After eight seasons of work, Baker has a fair shot to reach 1,000 career tackles in 2025, especially after a personal-best 164 in 2024. He also has the chance to be named to his fifth All-Pro team moving forward, which would leave him in rare company. 
Baker brings an unrivaled mindset; don't expect that to change with an improved squad in Arizona.
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Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

4. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jessie-bates/2528">Jessie Bates III</a> of the<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart"> Atlanta Falcons</a> possesses top-notch ball skills and a high football IQ. Since coming over to the NFC from Cincinnati in 2023, Bates has compiled 234 total tackles, 21 pass breakups, 10 interceptions (2 TD), and seven forced fumbles. 
Just when you think he is out of the play, he is not. Opposing QBs will continue to have a tough time contesting Bates' range.

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) runs for a touchdown after intercepting a pass against the New York Giants during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

5. Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons

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"Hitman" <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/harrison-smith/1273">Harrison Smith</a> has become a true staple of the Twin Cities. In 2025, he is entering his 14th campaign with the<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/minnesota-vikings-depth-chart"> Minnesota Vikings</a>. That tenure includes experience at both safety spots, as Harrison's 6-foot-2 frame provides him with fantastic versatility. 
The two-time All-Pro is in the twilight of his career but still plays like he has unfinished business. And with Minnesota's lack of playoff success, Harrison is as hungry as ever.

Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) practices during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

6. Harrison Smith, Miinnesota Vikings

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Quietly, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/denver-broncos-depth-chart">Denver Broncos</a> safety<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/brandon-jones/1527"> Brandon Jones</a> had a prolific season in 2024. He joined Denver after four years in Miami, and the on-field product certainly shone. In all, Jones issued 115 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and three picks. It was good enough to earn an 86.7<a href="https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/brandon-jones/43049"> PFF grade</a>, which was the third-highest overall rating at safety.

Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) looks to evade the tackle of Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

7. Brandon Jones, Denver Broncos

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Fresh off a Super Bowl title, safety<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/cj-gardner-johnson/2120"> C.J. Gardner-Johnson</a> is joining the<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/houston-texans-depth-chart"> Houston Texans</a>. Gardner-Johnson's arrival in H-Town will mark his fourth different stop around the NFL, and, transparently, he has performed well at all junctures. CJGJ collected 12 passes defended and six interceptions in 2024 en route to an 81.3<a href="https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/cj-gardner-johnson/49371"> PFF coverage grade</a>. 
Now playing for the defensive-minded DeMeco Ryans, Gardner-Johnson will hope to get Houston over the hump.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

8. C.J. Gardner-Johnson

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/cam-bynum/1277" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cam Bynum</a> proved his talents over the past four years, and<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/indianapolis-colts-depth-chart" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/indianapolis-colts-depth-chart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Indianapolis Colts</a> subsequently rewarded the former California Golden Bear with a $60 million contract. Bynum managed 233 combined tackles, 19 pass breakups, and five interceptions over his final two seasons in Minnesota. He'll look to provide reinforcements to a secondary in Indy that needs help.

Indianapolis Colts safety Camryn Bynum (0) walks up the field Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.

9. Cam Bynum, Indianapolis Colts

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Free safety<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/julian-love/1407"> Julian Love</a> has put the NFL on notice since joining the<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/seattle-seahawks-depth-chart"> Seattle Seahawks</a> from New York. After two seasons in the Pacific Northwest, Love has contributed 22 pass breakups, seven interceptions, and four forced fumbles. 
In 2024, he registered an 82.2<a href="https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/julian-love/51081"> PFF grade</a>, which was the eighth-best rating amongst all qualified safeties.
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Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) celebrates a missed field goal by the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

10. Julian Love, Seattle Seahawks

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/los-angeles-chargers-depth-chart">Los Angeles Chargers</a> safety <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/derwin-james/1108">Derwin James</a> has been bruising up opposing receivers, tight ends and running backs for quite some time now. Throughout six NFL campaigns, James has amassed nearly 600 total tackles. He is strong, athletic, and instinctive, continually making plays in the backfield. In 2024, he contributed 10 TFL and 5.5 sacks. James will bring more of that in the coming year along with edge, attitude, and experience.

Jan 5, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) refuse to let go of the ball after the end of a play during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

11. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

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Along with the aforementioned Kerby Joseph, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/brian-branch/2114">Brian Branch</a> is part of arguably the NFL's top safety tandem. Last year was Branch's first full season as a starter for the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/detroit-lions-depth-chart">Detroit Lions</a>, and he certainly answered the call. He logged 109 combined tackles last year while intercepting four passes and breaking up 16 more. Keep an eye on Branch's development in 2025.

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) is tackled by Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) after a catch during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

12. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions

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The <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/new-england-patriots-depth-chart">New England Patriots</a> are thrilled to return safety <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jabrill-peppers/1951">Jabrill Peppers</a> for a fourth campaign in Foxborough. Overall, 2025 will be Peppers' ninth NFL season out of Michigan and he appears as motivated as ever following a shortened 2024 (wherein he scored an 83.1 PFF grade). Look for him to fly around the defensive backfield alongside other talented players in New England's secondary.

Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) works out at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

13. Jabrill Peppers, New England Patriots

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/minkah-fitzpatrick/2159">Minkah Fitzpatrick</a> is back in South Beach as a member of the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/miami-dolphins-depth-chart">Miami Dolphins</a> in 2025. Over his six previous seasons with the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/pittsburgh-steelers-depth-chart">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, Fitzpatrick earned two more First-Team All-Pro designations. He has high-quality ball skills and the required coverage abilities to match up all over the formation. Riding a streak of three-straight Pro Bowl nods, expect Fitzpatrick to be motivated after being traded for a second time.

Jul 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) looks on from the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

14. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/san-francisco-49ers-depth-chart">San Francisco 49ers</a> safety <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/malik-mustapha/60094">Malik Mustapha</a> was amongst the top rookie secondary players in 2025. Already known for booming hits, Mustapha logged 72 total tackles (five for a loss) and five pass breakups last year. He also showcased his skills in the tackle box, earning a 72.1 pass rush grade at PFF. He'll start the upcoming season on the IL (knee), but when he returns, look for Mustapha to play with his hair on fire.

Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha (6) celebrates after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (not pictured) pass is incomplete during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

15. Malik Mustapha, San Francisco 49ers

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As leaders in the secondary, a quality safety is typically an overall indicator of a strong defense. How does the current batch of NFL safeties stack up?

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