Sorting through the grittiest defensive backs in the 2025 NFL Draft and looking for Detroit Lions-type guys.
The Grit Index positions series rollout concludes by taking a look at the grittiest defensive backs in the 2025 NFL Draft . If you missed any of our previous articles in this series, make sure you check out:
- Introduction to the Grit Index
- Offensive skill players
- Offensive linemen
- Interior defensive linemen
- Edge rushers
- Linebackers
Tier 1
Only a handful of players make it to the top tier of the Grit Index, and so far (amongst the articles published), we’ve seen 12 prospects make the cut:
- Tyler Booker, LG, Alabama: 97.3
- Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA: 90.72
- Tate Ratledge, RG, Georgia: 86.3
- Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State : 85.83
- Will Campbell, LT, LSU : 85.3
- Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina: 84.87
- Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State: 83.39
- Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State: 83.4
- Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia: 81.59
- Mason Graham, DT, Michigan 80.9
- Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State: 80.9
- Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State: 80.5
As we explore the defensive backs in the 2025 class, we add our final four players to the Tier 1 mix:
Malaki Starks, S/NB, Georgia: 85.92
Starks is one of the elite players in this year’s class, both in his play on the field and on the Grit Index. Starks showed up multiple times in each of our six index areas, which should help him immediately compete for a starting role and develop into a potential locker room leader early in his career.
Here’s a excerpt on Starks from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s The Beast :
“Competitive against the run and breaks down in space to react with ball carrier… played full-time on punt coverages all three seasons… Genuine leader because of humble attitude and commitment.. (Georgia) secondary coach Travaris Robinson: ‘He holds people accountable, and he holds himself accountable. I think that’s his greatest trait.’ … Terrific communicator, coaches put extra helpings on his plate by asking him to play every position in secondary… Reliable player, started 42 straight games to finish career.”
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas: 82.61
After spending the early part of his career inside, Barron shifted to outside corner this past season and flourished. His positional versatility, dependability, leadership, and character have drawn comparisons to Lions defensive back Brian Branch.
Here’s a excerpt from ESPN’s Jordan Reid
“Barron is a versatile defensive back who played star and nickel before transitioning to outside corner last season… When QBs tested him, it didn’t go well for them; Barron picked off five passes. He is also a scrappy run defender who’s willing to get dirty. He’s capable of playing several positions in the NFL but projects best as a nickel corner.”
Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame: 81.12
A two-time captain and two-time consensus All-American, Watts was a noted tone setter for the Fighting Irish’s defense. He’s extremely disciplined and operates as a constant role model, allowing coaches to lean on him throughout the last two years.
Here’s a excerpt from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein
“Watts plays with rare feel and instincts on the back-end, allowing him to range over the top in single-high or read and drive on throws as a split safety… His ball skills and production are intoxicating.”
Andrew Mukuba, SAF, Texas: 80.58
A highly-motivated and driven athlete, Mukuba is constantly working to improve his game. He displays terrific learning skills and has a history of playing in multiple spots in the secondary—though he is probably best suited in a free safety role.
Here’s a excerpt from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s The Beast
“Shot out of a cannon when driving downhill on run fits… Plays with route recognition to read passing concepts and anticipate receiver’s breaks… Driven individual; left Clemson because he ‘wasn’t being pushed enough’… former defensive coordinator Brent Venables: ‘He’s easy to coach and cold-blooded on the field. … He’s a self-starter and really ambitious.’”
Cornerbacks
Tier 2 corners Darien Porter and Robert Longerbeam are names for Lions fans to keep tabs on. Porter checks in at 6-foot-3 and ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash (part of a 9.99 RAS), but his character as a person is even more impressive. Longerbeam was the heart and soul of the Rutgers defense and was tasked by coaches to help reset the culture in the locker room.
Safeties
Nick Emmanwori will get the majority of the headlines as a potential first round pick with a 10.0 RAS, but Lions fans should be keeping their attention on Tier 2’s Jonas Sanker and Malachi Moore. Sanker is an ideal replacement for Ifeatu Melifonwu, as he can play all three safety positions at a high level, is very competitive, and will live on special teams. Moore took over Alabama’s STAR (nickel safety) role after Branch left for the NFL, playing a pivotal leadership role in the Crimson Tide’s defense over the last two seasons.