Introduction to the Top Safeties of the 2022 NFL Season
The NFL is home to some of the most extraordinary athletes in the world, and among them, the safety position stands out as one of the most versatile and crucial. Safeties must be adept at handling a variety of roles, from stopping powerful running backs to keeping up with lightning-fast wide receivers. They are the backbone of a defense, responsible for both run support and pass defense. Some even blur the lines between safety and linebacker. In this high-profile position, every move is scrutinized, and every play counts. Today, we are thrilled to present the top safeties of the 2022 NFL season.
Using data from Pro-Football-Reference.com and Stathead.com, we’ll evaluate the top safeties in various categories to determine who deserves the title of the best safety in the NFL for 2022.
Table of Contents
Contents
Tackling – The Last Line of Defense in the NFL
Tackling is a fundamental skill for any safety. They are often the last line of defense, and their ability to bring down ball carriers and receivers is crucial. Let’s dive into the numbers to see who excelled in tackling during the 2022 NFL season.
Julian Love
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5-11, 195lb
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
Julian Love of the New York Giants led all NFL safeties in 2022 with an impressive 124 combined tackles, including 79 solo stops. His tenacity on the field promises great things for the upcoming season as the Giants prepare to face formidable NFC East offenses.
Richie Grant
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6-0, 200lb
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
Richie Grant, a rising star for the Atlanta Falcons, came in second with 123 combined tackles in 2022. Grant, in only his second year from Central Florida, made 70 solo tackles, contributing significantly to his team’s defensive efforts.
Jalen Thompson
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 5-11, 190lb
- Team: Arizona Cardinals
Tying Julian Love in solo tackles for safeties in 2022 was Jalen Thompson of the Arizona Cardinals. Thompson, hailing from Washington State, contributed to 110 stops and even recorded one tackle for a loss.
Donovan Wilson
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6-0, 204lb
- Team: Dallas Cowboys
Donovan Wilson of the Dallas Cowboys had a unique role in leading the league in quarterback hits. He made a significant impact by recording nine hits on opposing quarterbacks, including five sacks and seven tackles for loss. Wilson’s timing and effectiveness were unparalleled, providing immense support to his team.
Fumbles – Creating Opportunities
Safeties often play a crucial role in creating turnovers by forcing fumbles or recovering loose balls. Let’s recognize the safeties who excelled in this area.
Vonn Bell
- Position: Strong Safety
- Height/Weight: 5-11, 205lb
- Team: Carolina Panthers
Vonn Bell of the Cincinnati Bengals wrestled away two balls from his opponents, creating excellent field position for his team. In addition to his fumble recoveries, Bell added four interceptions to his impressive resume during the season.
Camryn Bynum
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6-0, 200lb
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
Camryn Bynum, representing the Minnesota Vikings, stood out in recovering fumbles in 2022. Bynum recovered loose balls twice and returned them for a total of fifty-five yards. His ability to scoop and run with the ball showcased his exceptional skills.
Defending the Pass – Versatile Playmakers
Safeties must not only stop the run but also disrupt passing plays. Let’s recognize the safeties who excelled in pass defense during the 2022 season.
Rayshawn Jenkins
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6-1, 200lb
- Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Rayshawn Jenkins led all safeties in the NFL in 2022 with an impressive twelve passes defended, including three interceptions, one of which he returned for a score. Jenkins’ ability to disrupt passing plays made him a valuable asset to the Jaguars’ defense.
Minkah Fitzpatrick\
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6-1, 207lb
- Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Pittsburgh Steelers was a ballhawk in 2022, recording six interceptions, the highest among safeties. Fitzpatrick’s interceptions provided a significant boost to the Steelers, with 94 return yards and one returned for a touchdown.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5-11, 210lb
- Team: Detroit Lions
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was another safety with six interceptions in 2022. Gardner-Johnson, nicknamed “Ceedy Duce,” made a significant impact in the secondary, providing 54 return yards on his takeaways. His performance in just twelve games was exceptional, and his contributions to the Detroit Lions’ defense will be exciting to watch.
Justin Simmons
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6-2, 202lb
- Team: Denver Broncos
Justin Simmons, a seasoned player from Boston College, also recorded six interceptions in 2022. His 51 return yards from interceptions showcased his ability to make plays and disrupt passing attacks effectively.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the 2022 NFL season featured an array of exceptional safeties who excelled in various aspects of the game. While determining the absolute best safety may be subjective, the statistics highlight the impact these players had on their teams. Their ability to stop the run, create turnovers, and disrupt passing plays makes them key figures in the NFL’s defensive landscape. As we look ahead, these safeties have the potential to continue making history in the years to come.