Top 5 Safeties in the AFC North for 2015

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) reacts after making a stop against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

In the final installment of The Baltimore Wire’s AFC North Top 5 series, we’ll be taking a look at the safety positions. The Cleveland Browns have one of the best tandems at safety in Tashaun Gipson and Donte Whitner. The rest of the teams in the division have solid players, but for the most part, they have something to prove.

Here’s a breakdown of the top safeties in the AFC North for the 2015-16 season.

Honorable Mention:

Kendrick Lewis, Ravens

Matt Elam, Ravens

Shamarko Thomas, Steelers

Mike Mitchell, Steelers

5. George Iloka, Cincinnati Bengals

The 2014-15 season was a big one for George Iloka. He made 74 tackles and picked off three passes, while deflecting 10 others. Iloka is slowly becoming one of the better starters in the league. One of the areas where Iloka really excels is in stopping the run. He has great size and strength, which allows him to successfully shed blocks and find the football. He’s not great in man coverage, but he has shown he can make plays in the zone.

4. Donte Whitner, Cleveland Browns

Dec 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The self-proclaimed ‘Lights Out’ and ‘Donte Hitner’ has been selected to the past three Pro Bowls and deservingly so. He’s one of the best tackling defensive backs in the league and he’s not afraid to lower the boom on unsuspecting ball-carriers. Going for the big hit as often as he does could be a problem, however. Whitner is a very intelligent player and is a major reason why the Browns secondary has turned around as of late.

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3. Will Hill, Baltimore Ravens

Hill is not a big name that many people know, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t belong here. In terms of talent, he’s one of the best. Hill missed some time last season because he was serving a suspension, but when he was on the field, he was one of the better players on the Ravens defense. Hill is very strong and super athletic. He is a sound tackler and has great range when dropping back in pass coverage. Expect a breakout season in 2015.

2. Reggie Nelson, Cincinnati Bengals

Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) puts his gloves on as he looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson may very well be the most underrated safety in the game today. He’s not often brought up in conversation, but he is just an all-around football player. Nelson has a high football IQ, allowing him to read plays quickly and make smart decisions on defense. He’s not a big guy, but he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and make big-time plays in the backfield. It’s about time people start appreciating Nelson as one of the top safeties in the game.

AFC North Top 5: Safeties

By Brandon Austin | Jul 22, 2015

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