Saints NFL Draft: Top 3 safety options in first round
![PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Quintez Cephus #87 of the Wisconsin Badgers catches a pass against Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks during the third quarter in the Rose Bowl game presented by Northwestern Mutual at Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Quintez Cephus #87 of the Wisconsin Badgers catches a pass against Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks during the third quarter in the Rose Bowl game presented by Northwestern Mutual at Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fwhodatdish-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1197025069-850x560-3f91757c6059551e59fc33d6df975e85.jpg)
Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State University
Hamsah Nasirildeen is a senior safety coming out of Florida State University. He has been a huge reason for the success of the Seminoles over the last four years. That skill is not going unnoticed as Nasirildeen is a top-five safety going into this draft.
Taking 2020 out of the equation because of COVID-19, Nasirildeen improved every year from 2017 to 2019. He started his freshman year with 28 tackles and three passes defended. He ended his junior year with 101 tackles, three passes defended, two interceptions, and one touchdown.
Nasirildeen continues his strong week with this interception pic.twitter.com/6BLkDlVJIx
— Erik Hindenburg (@HindenburgScout) January 27, 2021
According to Nick Falato, “Nasirildeen is a physically gifted secondary defender who can execute many roles; he played single high, apex (slot), and as a linebacker at times, a blitzer. His incredible length and closing speed, along with his exceptional hitting power, make him a very intriguing prospect.”
Nasirildeen offers the same slot versatility that Jevon Holland offers. If for some reason Holland is off the board at the Saints No. 28, then Nasirildeen will be the way to go. He would still be able to replace Marcus Williams in his rookie year and at least hold his own.