NCAA Preseason Positional Watch List of 2019 NFL Draft Prospects: Safety

USC safety Marvell Tell
(Harry How/Getty Images)

To begin the 2018 NCAA Football season, sorting through some of the top returning performers and prospects at each position I've created a "watch list" of draft-eligible players. While throughout the season and in the future I will create content that provide an in-depth focus on a specific group of players who identify as the elite prospects at each spot — specifically with the potential to be first and early round picks — this positional watch list is to serve as a broad view of a number players. Serving as a preliminary group of names for those who are "draft-eligible" to have in the back of your mind during the upcoming season of college football soon to start.

Just because a player's name is found on this list doesn't guarantee they will be called during the 2019 NFL Draft. The opposite also holds true, as a prospect whose name may go unsighted here doesn't necessarily preclude them from possibly being on an NFL roster this time next year. Certain players performance will fluctuate throughout the season, as well as some under the radar players who will emerge throughout the season as true prospects to be taken into consideration.

With that said, here is an initial look at some of the names at the safety position for the 2018 NCAA Season that may soon find themselves preparing for their rookie season in the NFL. 

• Johnathan Abram, Mississippi State

Transferring to Mississippi State from junior college, where he was ranked the number one safety prospect, Abram was second on the Bulldogs in 2017 with 71 tackles, including 5 for loss, 2 sacks, 5 PBU (pass breakup), and 2 forced fumbles. The physical 6'0, 215 pound senior began his career at Georgia where he started in four games as a freshman. He'll form one of the top safety tandems in the country with teammate Mark McLaurin. 

• Nasir Adderly, Delaware

The do-it-all defensive back for the Blue Hens began his career at cornerback before making the move to safety. Starting in all 33 games since a freshman, Adderly showed he's capable of making plays wherever he's positioned recording 78 tackles, 2 for loss, 5 interceptions, 3 PBU, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 2017 being named first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association. He enters 2018 as a Preseason FCS All-American. 

• Marlon Bridges, Jacksonville State

The 6'0, 200 pound redshirt junior returns for what was arguably the best defense at the FCS-level last season, ranking top five nationally in multiple categories. The two-time All-American honoree was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year) in 2017 when he had 81 tackles, 6 for loss, 3 interceptions, and 5 PBU. Bridges is a Preseason FCS All-American and on the Buchanan Award Watch List for 2018.

• Lukas Denis, Boston College

Transitioning from cornerback, Denis had a standout 2017 season as a first-year starter at safety. The 5'11, 185 pound prospect exhibited elite ball skills and earned All-ACC honors as he finished second in the country with 7 interceptions and 10 PBU, adding 83 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. He enters 2018 considered one of the best defensive backs in the nation, as a consensus Preseason All-American and on the watch list for the Bednarik, Nagurski, and Thorpe Award. 

• D'Cota Dixon, Wisconsin

Entering his third season starting in the secondary for Wisconsin, Dixon has garnered All-Big Ten honors the past two seasons. The 5'10, 204 pound safety contributed to a Badger defense which was among the nation's elite in 2017, finishing first in pass efficiency (96.4). For his career he's amassed 136 tackles (80 solo), 6 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 13 PBU, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. He'll enter 2018 having been named to the Bednarik, Nagurski, and Thorpe Watch List. 

• David Dowell, Michigan State

Earning the first start of his career in the fourth game of the season against Iowa, Dowell proved why he deserved to be on the field. He ended the 2017 season tied for second in the Big Ten in interceptions with five — having all come against national powers Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State. The 6'1, 196 pound safety also collected 52 tackles, 4 PBU, and 2 fumble recoveries while earning all-conference honors and being named Academic All-Big Ten for his work in the classroom. 

• Mike Edwards, Kentucky 

A two-time All-SEC honoree, Edwards enters his senior season with 31 consecutive starts under his belt. The 6'0, 200 pound safety followed his 2016 season of 100 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 8 PBUs, with 96 tackles, 4 for loss, 1 sack, 4 interceptions, and 7 PBU in 2017. The senior returns in 2018 as one of the country's most consistent performers and has been named to the Bednarik, Nagurski, and Thorpe Award Watch List to begin the season. 

• Jordan Fuller, Ohio State

A New Jersey native, Fuller earned All-Big Ten honors in 2017 as a first-year starter, while patrolling the backend of a Buckeye defense that finished 9th nationally in yards allowed per game. The 6'2, 204 pound junior-to-be ended last season with 70 tackles (leading the team with 57 solo stops), while also adding 2 for loss, 2 interceptions, and 2 PBU. Also an Academic All-American, he'll enter 2018 having been named to the Thorpe Award Watch List. 

• Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida

Capable of playing any spot in the defensive backfield, Gardner-Johnson started in all 11 games at safety as a true sophomore in 2017. He ended the season on a three game surge, coming up with his two interceptions on the season in back-to-back games, before breaking up two passes in the season finale against Florida State. The 6'0, 208 defensive back also finished his freshman season strong when he won MVP of the Outback Bowl against Iowa with two interceptions, returning one for a TD.

• Kiy Hester, Rutgers 

Having transferred from Miami (FL) before he step foot on the field his freshman year, Hester has been a consistent performer for the Scarlet Knights since 2015. With 19 starts in 29 games played the 6'0, 208 pound defensive back enters his redshirt senior season having 125 tackles (76 solo), 8.5 for loss, and a sack to his credit during his career. Last season he earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors when he got his hands on 3 interceptions (returning 2 for TDs) and had 10 PBU.

• Khaleke Hudson, Michigan

Replacing Heisman Trophy Candidate/ NFL first round pick Jabrill Peppers at Michigan's hybrid safety/linebacker "viper" position, Hudson had a better output on the defensive side of the ball in 2017 than his predecessor the year before. Tying an NCAA-record with 8 tackles for loss in a game against Minnesota, en route to an All-Big Ten Selection as he ended the season with 83 tackles, 19 for loss, 8 sacks, 2 interceptions, 9 PBU, and 2 forced fumbles. The 6'0, 220 pound junior is on the Bednarik and Nagurski Watch List.

• Chris Johnson, North Alabama

A transer from the University of Albany, Johnson was a steady presence in the Lions secondary during 2017 as he grabbed 6 interceptions and added 3 PBU in 10 games, while collecting 50 tackles, with 2 coming for loss. For his production he was named first-team All-Gulf South Conference and a consensus Division II All-American. Now a senior, the 6'3, 200 pound safety will look to improve upon those numbers as North Alabama enters it's first season at the DI/FCS level.

• Jah'Shawn Johnson, Texas Tech

Entering 2018 as a fourth-year starter, Johnson was an All-Big 12 selection last season as he totaled a career-high 97 tackles (68 solo), 4 for loss, 5 PBUs, and a forced fumble, while serving as a captain for the Red Raiders. During his career the 5'10, 185 pound ballhawk has recorded 264 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 1 sack, 5 interceptions (1 returned for TD), 14 PBU, 6 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. Prior to the season the senior was named to Thorpe Award Watch List. 

• Jaquan Johnson, Miami (FL)

Largely responsible for "The U" ranking 3rd nationally in takeaways, Johnson was many times the cause of the famous turnover chain in 2017 as he collected 4 interceptions (returning 1 for a TD), had 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries during the season. An All-ACC selection he also led the team with 96 tackles, 4 for loss, a sack, and 4 PBU. The 5'11, 195 pound senior enters 2018 as a consensus Preseason All-American and on the Bednarik, Nagurski, and Thorpe Award Watch List. 

• Tyree Kinnel, Michigan 

Steadying a Wolverine defense that finished 1st in the country in passing yards allowed per game (150.1), Kinnel had a solid season as a first-year starter in 2017. The 5'11, 215 pound safety earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his game against Cincinnati when he tallied 9 tackles (7 solo), an interception return for TD, and a pass breakup. He finished the season with 70 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 1 sack, 7 PBU, and a forced fumble being named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten.

• JoJo McIntosh, Washington 

On a stacked Huskies unit that ranked 9th in the country in total defense, McIntosh was a second-team All-Pac 12 selection as he recorded 50 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup, and a fumble recovery in 2017. A third year-starter, entering his senior season, the 6'0, 209 pound enforcer of the Washington secondary, has totaled 155 tackles (97 solo), 2.5 for loss, 2 interceptions, 6 PBU, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery during his career. 

• Mark McLaurin, Mississippi State

The 6'2, 215 pound safety ended the season on a high-note when he picked off three passes from Heisman Trophy winner and first round pick, Lamar Jackson, against Louisville, winning MVP of the TaxSlayer Bowl. McLaurin set a school-record and led the SEC with 6 interceptions in 2017, while also recording a team-high 79 tackles. For his career, the Preseason All-SEC honoree has managed 150 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, 14 PBU, 1 forced fumble, and 2 recoveries. 

• Adarius Pickett, UCLA

Having considered entering the NFL Draft following the end of last season, the cornerback turned safety returned for his redshirt senior year with the Bruins. Pickett finished second on the team with 85 of his 151 career tackles in 2017, having recorded 5 TFLs, 5 interceptions, 9 PBU, 1 forced fumble, and a fumble recovery during his time at UCLA. The 5'11, 198 pound defensive back also returns punts and was named to the Lott Impact Trophy Watch List ahead of the 2018 season.

• Taylor Rapp, Washington

Combining with JoJo McIntosh to create one of the top safety duos in the country, Rapp earned first-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2017, after being voted Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. The 6'0, 200 pound junior enters the 2018 season with 112 tackles, 4 for loss, 2 sacks, 5 interceptions, 2 PBU, and 2 forced fumbles to his credit. He's widely considered one of the nation's top safeties, having been voted Preseason first-team All-American and to multiple award's watch list.

• JR Reed, Georgia

After transferring from Tulsa, Reed started in his first season with the Bulldogs for one of the country's top defenses that dominated offenses on it's way to the National Championship. During the 2017 season he produced 79 tackles, 5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 6 QB hurries, 5 PBU, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries while being named 2nd team All-SEC. Standing 6'1, 194 pounds, the son of former NFL player Jake Reed, was named to the 2018 Thorpe Award Watch List.

• Darnell Savage, Maryland

Entering 2018 as a third-year starter, the senior has had back-to-back seasons of 12 starts at safety and 59 tackles. Having began his college career at cornerback, Savage made plenty of plays on the ball in 2017 when he recorded a team-high 3 interceptions and 10 PBU, being recognized as an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten performer. The 5'10, 200 pound defensive back was named to the Senior Bowl Watch List and ranked in Pro Football Focus top five safeties of NFL Draft prospects.

• Marvell Tell, USC

A rangy and instinctive safety, Tell has made plenty of plays since stepping on the field for the Trojans as a true freshman. Now a senior, and third-year starter, the captain returns to USC having been voted first-team All-Pac 12 in 2017 when he had 85 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 3 interceptions (1 returned for TD), 2 PBU, and a fumble recovery. The 6'2, 195 pound prospect enters 2018 on the Bednarik, Nagurski, and Thorpe Award Watch List. 

• Jalen Thompson, Washington State

Just a junior, Thompson has earned plenty of attention for his positive play over two seasons. Starting in all 26 games since he step foot on campus, the 6'1, 190 pound safety was named a Freshman All-American in 2016 and was an All-Pac 12 performer in 2017 when he helped lead the Cougars to a top 10 finish in the country for passing yards allowed (170.9 per game). Named to the Bednarik Watch List, he finished 2017 with 73 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 4 interceptions, 2 PBU, and 3 fumble recoveries.

• Nigel Warrior, Tennessee 

Cousin to Georgia's JR Reed, Warrior also has done damage playing in the SEC. The 6'0, 194 pound junior was a first-time starter in 2017 and produced a stat line of 83 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception (returned 70 yards for a TD), 3 PBU, 1 forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, helping his team finish with the third best pass defense in the country (161.7 ypg). The son of former All-American at Tennessee and NFL All-Pro Dale Carter enters 2018 on the Bednarik Award Watch List. 

• Andrew Wingard, Wyoming 

One of college football's top defensive performers year-in and year-out since his freshman season, Wingard enters 2018 with three consecutive 100+ tackle seasons to his credit. The 6'0, 210 pound safety was once again consistently around the ball in 2017, totaling 114 tackles (70 solo), 8 for loss, 1 sack, 5 interceptions, 3 PBU, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Now a senior, he's a consensus Preseason All-American and on the Bednarik, Nagurski, and Thorpe Award Watch List.

• Zedrick Woods, Ole Miss

An experienced secondary player that has started at both free and strong safety for the Rebels, the 5'11, 203 pound senior has recorded 152 tackles (84 solo), 4.5 for loss, 4 interceptions (1 for TD), and 7 PBU during his career. He led the team in interceptions during the 2016 seasons, with 3, which ranked fifth in the SEC. One of the more underrated defenders in the conference, Woods is a Preseason All-SEC selection to kickoff 2018. 

• Evan Worthington, Colorado

Suspended for the 2016 season, Worthington returned in 2017 starting in 12 of 13 games, totaling 87 tackles (a team-high 66 solo), 7 for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 6 PBU, 1 forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Capable of playing cornerback, safety, and linebacker, the 6'2, 210 pound prospect lines up all over the Buffalo defense to maximize his ability, which earned him Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 honors last season.

• Jalen Young, Florida Atlantic

A standout performer since day 1 for the Owls, Young has received C-USA (Conference USA) All-Conference honors in each season of the last three years. During 2017 the 5'11, 185 pound defensive back led C-USA and was second in the country with 7 interceptions, playing a large factor on a FAU team that won the conference title. For his career the Thorpe Award Watch List member has 246 tackles (150 solo), 7 for loss, 12 interceptions. 5 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.