The Indianapolis Colts are approaching the 2023 NFL draft where they could be looking to add some depth at the safety position.
Though they have some intriguing names already in the room such as Rodney Thomas II, Julian Blackmon and Nick Cross, the Colts could be looking to add some depth and competition to the position on Day 3 of the draft.
As we break down the prospects by round, think of the “rounds” as tiers and when I believe the team should begin to consider drafting them.
We also created big boards at the following positions:
| Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Interior OL | Offensive Tackles |
| Defensive Tackles | Edge Rushers | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties |
Here’s a look at my big board for the safeties as it relates to the Colts in the 2023 NFL draft:
Round 1
There aren’t any safeties the Colts should consider in the first round even in the unlikely event they trade back from the No. 4 overall pick.
Round 2
1. Brian Branch, Alabama
With three years of starting experience, Branch projects as a versatile safety even if he is a bit undersized. His assignments included coverage from the nickel while adding a presence in the box as well. He’s a sure-tackler and can add to the pass rush as a nickel blitz.
Round 3
2. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
Johnson was a two-year starter for the Aggies working mostly as a strong safety near the line of scrimmage. He’s a physical force against the run but also has experience working in the slot and as a deep safety. Johnson is still a work in progress in coverage, especially when it comes to consistent ball skills.
3. Jartavius “Quan” Martin, Illinois
A five-year starter and team captain in 2022 for Illinois, Marting projects as an intriguing slot option for the Colts late on Day 2 or on Day 3. He’s not the biggest safety in the class, but he has great speed, explosiveness and footwork from the nickel position. He recently moved from boundary corner to nickel safety and wracked up 22 passes defended in 21 starts.
Round 4
4. JL Skinner III, Boise State
A big, athletic prospect, Skinner was a three-year starter for Boise State. Has good size, range and length for the position while working both as a nickel and in the box to defend against the run. Skinner showed off good ball skills with 20 passes defended and seven interceptions in his carer. He has versatility but could be used mostly as a nickel/robber safety.
5. Jordan Battle, Alabama
A three-year starter at Alabama, Battle was also a team captain in 2022. He brings admirable size, length and physicality against the run. He may have some limitations as an athlete, but he could be a nice addition as a box safety who also contributes on special teams.
6. Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
A fifth-year senior and two-year starter, Brown was a team captain for the Nitanny Lions in 2022. Brown has good size for the position and shows off some impressive explosiveness but lacks top-end speed. Where he excels is his physcial mentality against the run and ability to make plays on the ball, evidenced by his 18 passes defended and 10 interceptions over his final two seasons.
Round 5
7. Sydney Brown, Illinois
A five-year starter, Brown was a team captain for Illinois in 2022. He lacks height but makes up for it with a stout build and long arms. An elite athlete, Brown posted a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash along with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-10-inch broad jump. He projects best as a box defender but has the athleticism to work as a robber as well.
8. Marte Mapu, Sacramento State
A fifth-year senior and two-year starter, Mapu will turn 24 years old during his rookie season. He brings impeccable size at 6-foot-3 and 221 pound with 33.5-inch arms. He projects more closely to a linebacker or box safety role who shows off a physical mentality with impressive ball skills—20 passes defended and six interceptions over final 25 starts.
9. Christopher Smith, Georgia
A fifth-year senior and three-year starter, Smith doesn’t profile as the type of safety the Colts typically target. He’s an instinctive free safety who wants to be physical, but he has limitations with size and speed that may cause issues at the next level. He’s a good leader and can contribute on special teams.
10. Daniel Scott, California
A sixth-year senior and two-year starter, Scott was a team captain for the Golden Bears in 2022. His advanced age and late development will be red flags, but Scott is an elite athlete with good size. He lacks length but contributes on special teams, though he will be 25 years old as a rookie.
11. Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech
A fifth-year senior and four-year starter, Conner was a team captain for the Hokies in 2022. He presents good size and length with impressive speed and elite explosiveness. He’s a versatile player with experience all over the second and third levels of defense, and he can contribute on special teams right away.
Round 6
12. Jason Taylor II, Oklahoma State
A fifth-year senior and two-year starter at Oklahoma State, Taylor is a bit of a late bloomer. He has good size, length and speed to go along with some elite explosive traits. He showed off some impressive ball skills with 19 passes defended and eight interceptions over his final 26 starts. He offers special teams abilities and likely projects best as a split-zone safety.
13. Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State
A two-year starter, Hickman offers good size and impeccable length. He has experience working both as a box defender/robber and as a free safety. Hickman also has plenty of experience playing on special teams.
14. Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State
A five-year starter, Johnson Jr. was a team captain for the Hawkeyes in 2022. He moved from cornerback to safety for his final season. Johnson Jr. offers good size and length with some impressive explosiveness and short-area quickness even if he lacks top-end speed. He has experience working on the boundary and in the slot. He brings high character and special teams work as well.
15. Gervarrius Owens, Houston
A sixth-year senior and four-year starter, Owens was a team captain for the Cougars in 2022. He’s a bit lean but offers good length and explosiveness with adequate speed. Owens will be 24 years old during his rookie season. He offers special teams contribution and needs to develop further in terms of ball skills and consistent leverage when tackling.
