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NFC North rankings: Five best safeties

By Dan Zinski

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NFC North features an intriguing array of safeties, from established veterans to young players, and these are the five best.

Welcome to part four of our on-going series where we run down the NFC North division’s top five players at each position. Today we will focus in on the safety spot.

Number one on this list was an easy pick. After that, the list features a couple of established veterans and a pair of young players looking to build up their reputations.

5. Adrian Amos

The Bears took Adrian Amos in the fifth round last year out of Penn State and got more than they ever could have hoped for out of the rookie. Amos was immediately placed in the starting lineup by John Fox and he rewarded his coach by posting 78 tackles, a sack and two passes defensed. Amos was named to the first team of the All-Rookie team.

4. Morgan Burnett

Burnett battled through some injuries last year but once he got healthy he played very well for Green Bay. Burnett is not someone who will get you a lot of interceptions but he’s a very good run defender and he does his job in coverage. A solid all-around safety.

3. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

After a bit of a rough rookie season, Clinton-Dix came on in year 2 and showed what he can do at the safety position. Ha Ha finished with 83 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions, proving that when the Packers drafted him, they drafted themselves a playmaker.

2. Glover Quin

Quin had another very productive season for Detroit last year, ending up with four interceptions including a pick-six, 67 tackles, one forced fumble and five passes defensed. There is some concern about Quin’s health right now after he underwent his second ankle surgery in two years. The Lions say they expect him to be ready for camp. If healthy, he’s one of Detroit’s best defensive players.

1. Harrison Smith

Smith is not only clearly the best safety in the division, he’s also arguably the best safety in the entire NFL. Whether he’s playing over the top, playing in the box or blitzing, Smith just gets the job done. He has tremendous football instincts, he’s a great tackler and if he gets a chance at a pick he won’t miss. One of these days the Vikings are going to give him a well-deserved huge contract extension.

Next: AD working on his overall game

Don’t forget to check out our lists of the top five edge defenders, offensive tackles and wide receivers in the division.

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