Tyler Nubin – safety – 22 years old – Senior – Minnesota
Height: 1m86
Weight: 90 kilograms
2023 stats: 53 tackles, 4 passes defended, 5 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack
Estimated draft position: Second round
NFL Comparison: Marcus Williams
The safety class for this 2024 draft is very homogeneous. One of its best representatives is Tyler Nubin. The Golden Gopher is one of the contenders to be the first safety in this draft thanks to his many qualities. Can he be the new Devin McCourty?
Highlights of Tyler Nubin
– Instincts
– Football IQ
– Predator
– Versatility
Tyler Nubin is a player who spent five years at the University of Minnesota. Initially, he was recruited to be a cornerback, then he quickly slipped to the safety position. Holder since 2021 within the Golden Gophers defense, he was able to learn all the subtleties of the position and sharpen his instincts.
His instincts on the pitch are one of his main qualities. He became the player with the most interceptions in University of Minnesota history (13) proving his ability to be a playmaker. He developed a strong sense of anticipation allowing him to do this. Additionally, he has a high Football IQ. Nubin understands faster than everyone the opponent's game and where he will have to intervene to stop the opponent's offensive squad.
In addition to his ball stealing qualities, he is a real predator on the field. He is very aggressive and seeks to physically mark the opponent by tackling him. Nubin also likes to be used on blitzes and create confusion for the quarterback he's chasing.
Finally, the safety from Saint Charles, Illinois can be aligned anywhere on the field. Whether in free safety single high, strong safety, nickel cornerback or in the box. He will have utility on whichever team selects him.
Weaknesses of Tyler Nubin
– Tracking angles
– Speed
– Man to man
Unfortunately, his draft process was not very good. Injured in the knee, he was unable to participate in the NFL Combine, he had to settle for the Pro Day. In the 40-yard dash, he ran a time of 4.59 seconds, an average time for a player at that position. In addition, Nubin was not comfortable during workshops such as the Shuttle or the 3 cone. He must have lost a few places because of these different events.
Even though the Minnesota safety is decent against the ground game, he has problems on pursuit angles. He has a 9.4% missed tackle rate. This is explained by his sometimes questionable pursuit angles and his excess aggressiveness.
Finally, he suffers when he has to defend man-to-man against receivers. He was rarely put in this position, especially in the slot, because of this problem. His innocuous speed and acceleration are handicapping for him, especially in the red zone.
Possible destinations
Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys.
Versatile and complete, Tyler Nubin is of interest to many teams. Whether as a free safety or as a strong safety, he will satisfy the team that chooses him in the draft. He can start from the first week in the NFL depending on the franchise.
He could have been a first-round draft pick, but his below-expectations Combine hurt him and he will almost certainly be a second-round pick. His Football IQ and instincts are above the rest, he is the brains of the draft at the safety position. Thanks to his qualities, he has a chance of having a very good career in the NFL.