2025 Grit Index: Top Defensive Backs in the NFL Draft Who Fit the Dan Campbell Mold

Previously listed Tier 1 prospects:

• Tyler Booker, LG, Alabama – 97.3
• Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA – 90.72
• Tate Ratledge, RG, Georgia – 86.3
• Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State – 85.3
• Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina – 84.87
• Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State – 83.39
• Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State – 83.4
• Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia – 81.59
• Mason Graham, DT, Michigan – 80.9
• Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State – 80.9
• Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State – 80.5

Now, four defensive backs join the ranks as part of this year’s Tier 1 Grit Index class:

Malaki Starks, S/NB, Georgia – 85.92

Starks ranks among the top defensive players in this draft cycle, and his Grit Index numbers back that up. He scored across all six of the Grit categories, making him a strong candidate for early playing time and leadership. Dane Brugler of The Athletic notes that Starks excels in space, plays all over special teams, and shows natural leadership. Georgia secondary coach Travaris Robinson praised his accountability and communication skills, calling him the kind of player who sets the tone both on and off the field. Starks capped off his career with 42 consecutive starts, showcasing his reliability.

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas – 82.61

Barron began his college career playing mostly inside but transitioned to the outside last season with impressive results. His ability to play multiple roles and his gritty playing style have drawn comparisons to Lions standout Brian Branch. ESPN’s Jordan Reid highlighted Barron’s versatility and five-interception season, calling him a physical run defender and best fit for a nickel role in the pros.

Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame – 81.12

Watts was the emotional and strategic anchor of Notre Dame’s defense, serving as a team captain and earning All-American honors in back-to-back seasons. Known for his football IQ and instincts, he brings an elite ability to read and react from deep coverage. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein lauded his ability to make plays in both single-high and split-safety looks, saying his ball production is highly impressive.

Andrew Mukuba, SAF, Texas – 80.58

Mukuba is a high-energy defender who thrives on constant improvement. After transferring from Clemson to Texas to seek a more challenging environment, he continued to showcase his versatility and instincts. He’s especially sharp when reading routes and breaking on passes, and his downhill tackling pops on tape. Former coach Brent Venables described him as an ambitious and self-motivated player who is both coachable and fierce on the field.

Tier 2 Defensive Backs to Watch

Cornerbacks

Darien Porter and Robert Longerbeam headline the second tier. Porter, standing 6’3″ with elite speed (4.3-second 40-yard dash, 9.99 RAS), also has an outstanding off-field presence. Longerbeam, the emotional leader of Rutgers’ defense, was key in reshaping the team’s locker room culture.

Safeties

Though Nick Emmanwori may be the biggest name due to his perfect 10.0 RAS and first-round potential, Lions fans should also take note of Jonas Sanker and Malachi Moore. Sanker is a jack-of-all-trades in the secondary and a standout on special teams—ideal as a future replacement for Ifeatu Melifonwu. Meanwhile, Moore filled Brian Branch’s STAR role at Alabama and has been a vital piece of their defense, showing strong leadership over the last two years.