New 2024 NFL Draft prospects pop up weekly, while some fly under the radar. Each week, I’ll highlight a few players that need more attention. We’ll see iron sharpening iron more often as we continue the conference schedule.
In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we look at the top safety in the draft and the best defender out west.
Top Underrated 2024 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in CFB Week 13
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Tyler Nubin has been the best of the bunch in a really good safety class. After recording eight interceptions over his first three full seasons of college football, Nubin elected to return for his redshirt senior year. That decision has paid dividends, as he has solidified himself as an elite safety prospect.
He has four interceptions this year, further displaying that he can be an elite ball hawk at the next level. Not only does the football find him, but Nubin’s range, ball-tracking ability, and instincts allow him to create turnovers continually.
Nubin has true single-high ability, the most coveted aspect of the safety position. He is never fooled by quarterbacks trying to manipulate him with their eyes, and he always seems to be in the right spot.
In the run game, Nubin has developed into a sure tackler. He is urgent and explosive coming downhill, too. Nubin is so good in coverage, but he can also be very effective in the box. When looking at the safety class, there are a lot of good players, but no one is as complete as Nubin.
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Teams that need a safety prospect shouldn’t hesitate to select Nubin in the first round. Nubin will be a quality player from Day 1 and the anchor on defense early on. He is incredibly safe while also having Pro Bowl potential.
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Medicals will be important, but Laiata Latu would be a clear top-10 pick next April based on pure ability. He wins with unbelievable hand usage and closing burst. His ability to avoid the tackle’s punch and dip under them is hard to stop.
When linemen overset, Latu can counter quickly with an inside move. His pass-rush plan will translate well at the next level and make him an impact player as a rookie.
Latu’s motor always runs hot. He tracked down the quarterback on several plays when the structure broke down. No matter the point in the game, Latu was always going 100%, which coaches will love. UCLA kicks him inside where Latu has the quickness and bend to beat guards.
Latu is very slippery as a run defender and has the play strength to shed blockers. The most underrated part of Latu’s game is his ability to finish wins. He has that extra burst to get to the quarterback, leading to 13 sacks this season. Latu’s production has been off the charts and wreaked havoc essentially every week.
It’s a weak edge group this year, and Latu has helped tremendously to elevate it. He possesses the upside to be a true No. 1 pass rusher in the NFL. A technician with high-end athleticism, Latu is a blue-chip prospect in this class.