The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine officially got underway with the start of workouts Thursday, and they’ll continue Friday with the defensive backs and tight ends taking the field.
The Indianapolis Colts will have a keen eye on all three positions—safeties and cornerbacks are lumped together—considering they are relatively high priorities in terms of needs this offseason.
While the combine is mostly important for the medical reports and formal interviews with prospects, the on-field testing does carry some weight for the Colts. Their investment in high-end athletes has been well-documented throughout Chris Ballard’s tenure.
With Julian Blackmon potentially hitting free agency in two weeks, the safety position is one of the higher needs for the Colts this offseason.
Here are four safeties the Colts should watch during Friday’s workouts at the NFL combine:
1
Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
A three-year starter at Minnesota, Nubin is an excellent athlete with impressive size and coverage skills as a free safety. He brings excellent ball skills and has the versatility to play as a deep safety or in the box.
2
Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)
A strong athlete all around, Kinchens is a heat-seeking missile against the run and has shown impressive ball skills when making plays on the ball in coverage.
3
Jaden Hicks, Washington State
A two-year starter, Hicks profiles more as a box safety given his size and impressive skills as a run defender. He shows skills in coverage but likely profiles best as a split-zone safety than a man coverage option in the slot.
4
Calen Bullock, USC
If the Colts want more of a prototypical free safety to pair with Nick Cross, Bullock might be a target. He shows impressive range and movement skills with elite ball skills, but his slim frame brings questions about his potential as a run defender.
