The 12 Tallest Safeties in the NFL (2024)
In the NFL, a league where every inch and pound can make a difference, the role of safety is typically associated with agility, speed, and football intelligence more than sheer size. However, some exceptional players break this mold, combining the traditional skills required of a safety with an imposing physical stature.
Our exhaustive analysis of nearly 150 NFL safeties from Week 1 rosters of the 2023 season has identified 12 individuals who stand out not just for their defensive prowess, but also for their extraordinary height.
This article spotlights these towering safeties, examining how their unique physical attributes contribute to their role on the field and offer a different dimension to the safety position in the NFL.
Tallest S in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Simmons | 6’4″ | New York Giants |
| Jayron Kearse | 6’4″ | Dallas Cowboys |
| JL Skinner | 6’4″ | Denver Broncos |
| Kyle Hamilton | 6’4″ | Baltimore Ravens |
| Israel Mukuamu | 6’4″ | Dallas Cowboys |
| Isaiah Pola-Mao | 6’4″ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Jeremy Chinn | 6’3″ | Carolina Panthers |
| Ameer Speed | 6’3″ | New England Patriots |
| Ifeatu Melifonwu | 6’3″ | Detroit Lions |
| Sam Franklin Jr | 6’3″ | Carolina Panthers |
| Grant Delpit | 6’3″ | Cleveland Browns |
| Ryan Neal | 6’3″ | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
The distinction between these 12 safeties, all standing at 6’3″ or taller, and the average safety in the NFL, who typically measures around six feet, is quite striking. This height difference not only makes these players physically imposing on the field but also lends them certain advantages.
Taller safeties can have a longer reach, which is beneficial in breaking up passes and making interceptions. Their height also provides a unique perspective in reading the offense and can be intimidating for opposing players.
However, despite these advantages, these players must still exhibit the agility, speed, and intelligence that are hallmarks of a skilled safety, blending size with the traditional attributes of the position.
Player Bios
Here is more information on the tallest safeties in the league:
Isaiah Simmons
Height: 6’4″
Position: Safety
Team: New York Giants
College: Clemson (2016–2019)
NFL Draft: 2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8
Isaiah Simmons is currently a linebacker for the New York Giants. At Clemson University, Simmons showcased exceptional versatility, playing linebacker, defensive end, cornerback, and safety. Redshirting his first year, he transitioned to linebacker in 2018, amassing 97 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception.
His stellar performance in 2019 earned him the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker. Simmons’ NFL Combine performance was notable, leading all linebackers with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash.
Drafted eighth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, he was traded to the Giants in 2023 after starting all 17 games in the 2021 season, recording 105 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
Jayron Kearse
Height: 6’4″
Position: Safety
Team: Dallas Cowboys
College: Clemson
NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 7 / Pick: 244
Jayron Kearse, a safety for the Dallas Cowboys, hails from Fort Myers, Florida. Kearse was a four-star recruit and played college football at Clemson University under head coach Dabo Swinney. From 2013 to 2015, he accumulated 164 total tackles, seven interceptions, and 11 pass breakups.
Kearse was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played for the Vikings until 2019, then had brief stints with the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens before joining the Cowboys in 2021.
In his first season with the Cowboys, Kearse started 15 games, recording career-highs with 101 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, and 10 passes defensed.
JL Skinner
Height: 6’4″
Position: Safety
Team: Denver Broncos
College: Boise State University
Draft Status: 6th Round, 2023 NFL Draft (Denver Broncos)
JL Skinner, standing at an imposing 6’4″, was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 6th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. A standout at Boise State University, Skinner’s collegiate career was marked by his exceptional physicality and athleticism.
He demonstrated a unique combination of size and speed, making him a versatile defender against both the pass and the run. During his time at Boise State, Skinner racked up impressive stats, including a standout season where he recorded over 90 tackles and showcased his ball-hawking skills with multiple interceptions.
His ability to play both in the box and in deep coverage made him a valuable asset to Boise State’s defense. In the NFL, Skinner’s presence in the Broncos’ secondary is expected to bring a mix of hard-hitting tackles and playmaking ability, making him a promising talent to watch in the coming seasons.
Kyle Hamilton
Height: 6’4″
Position: Safety
Team: Baltimore Ravens
College: University of Notre Dame
Draft Status: 1st Round, 2022 NFL Draft (Baltimore Ravens)
Kyle Hamilton, drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, is an exceptional talent out of Notre Dame. At 6’4″, Hamilton blends his towering stature with outstanding athletic ability.
In college, he was known for his remarkable range and instincts, leading to numerous pass breakups and interceptions. His versatility allowed him to excel in various roles, from deep safety to playing in the box. Hamilton’s collegiate accolades include being named an All-American and one of the top defensive backs in the nation.
His transition to the NFL has been highly anticipated, as he brings a unique skill set that could redefine the safety position.
Israel Mukuamu
Height: 6’4″
Position: Safety
Team: Dallas Cowboys
College: University of South Carolina
Draft Status: 6th Round, 2021 NFL Draft (Dallas Cowboys)
Israel Mukuamu was drafted in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
At the University of South Carolina, Mukuamu distinguished himself with his impressive ball skills, recording several interceptions throughout his collegiate career, including a notable performance against the Georgia Bulldogs with three interceptions in a single game.
His size and length make him an intimidating presence in the secondary, capable of matching up against taller receivers and tight ends. Mukuamu’s ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball was a hallmark of his college career, and he continues to develop these skills at the professional level.
Isaiah Pola-Mao
Height: 6’4″
Position: Safety
Team: Las Vegas Raiders
College: University of Southern California
Draft Status: Undrafted in 2022, Signed as Free Agent
Isaiah Pola-Mao is a standout safety from the University of Southern California. Despite going undrafted in 2022, Pola-Mao’s college career was marked by several notable achievements.
He demonstrated a knack for making big plays, evidenced by his multiple interceptions and consistent tackling. His height and physical play style made him particularly effective in USC’s defensive schemes, where he often played a key role in both pass coverage and run support.
Pola-Mao’s ability to impact the game, combined with his size and athleticism, led to him signing as a free agent, where he aims to prove his value in the NFL.
Final Thoughts
These towering safeties not only stand out for their height but also for their significant contributions to their teams. Their ability to impact the game in multiple facets, be it through hard-hitting tackles, disrupting passes, or creating turnovers, makes them invaluable members of their respective defenses.
As the NFL continues to evolve, players like Isaiah Simmons, Kyle Hamilton, and Israel Mukuamu redefine what it means to be a safety in modern football.
