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NFL: Top 10 safeties ahead of the 2018 season

By Keegan Jackish

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Torrey Smith #82 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a third quarter touchdown past Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Torrey Smith #82 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a third quarter touchdown past Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Honorable mentions

Jamal Adams (New York Jets): Adams was one of the best safeties to come out of college in recent seasons, primarily due to his leadership abilities and intelligence as a football player. Adams lived up to the hype in his rookie season, and I believe that the safety pairing of Adams with Marcus Maye will get a lot better this season thanks to the addition of Tremaine Johnson to the Jets secondary.

Keanu Neal (Atlanta Falcons): Neal is a speedy football player who is gushing with talent and intangibles. It’s crazy to think he will be only 23 when the regular season starts. I really like the Falcons’ secondary heading into the season. It’s not excellent but it’ll get the job done.

Morgan Burnett (Pittsburgh Steelers): The Steelers made a great move when they signed Morgan Burnett, he was one of the bargain signings of the offseason. The Packers will regret letting him walk if Josh Jones struggles to fill the void.

Burnett, in a Packers uniform, was a great example of a leader who can set the tone for a defense. I fear that letting Burnett walk will be a move reminiscent of the Casey Hayward and Micah Hyde debacles of the past two offseasons.

Tony Jefferson (Baltimore Ravens): The safety pairing of Jefferson and with Eric Weddle is one of the best in the league. The Jefferson signing by Baltimore was a great move looking back.

Lamarcus Joyner (Los Angeles Rams): Joyner is a key player in one of the best secondaries in football. As good as Joyner is, it’s possible the Rams let him walk at the end of this season, given the fact they have so many big contracts coming up. Still, Joyner came very close to making the top 10 of these rankings.

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