Where will Tyler Nubin be drafted and how will be fit in the NFL?
The Gopher football program has had someone drafted in the 1st or 2nd round of the NFL Draft in four consecutive drafts. This year, the only Gopher expected to be drafted is safety Tyler Nubin.
Minnesota Career
Minnesota has had an unprecedented run of great safeties in the PJ Fleck era. Antoine Winfield Jr was on the roster when Fleck arrived and turned into an All-American before being drafted by Tampa Bay in the 2nd round. Jordan Howden played alongside Winfield for 2 seasons, had a great senior season and was drafted by New Orleans in the 5th round of last year’s NFL Draft. Both are starting and making an impact for their respective teams.
Tyler Nubin is next in line, having his career span across both of the aforementioned safeties, Nubin started the last three seasons at safety and had a fantastic career.
In 2023, Nubin earned himself first-team All-Big Ten honors, as well as being named to some All-American teams. He finished his Gopher career as the program’s all-time leader in interceptions.
Measurables
Ht: 6’1”
Wt: 200
40 yd dash: 4.60
Vertical: 31.5”
Scouting Report
The strengths you will get from Nubin are his instincts and play-making ability. Traits that are highly valued in the NFL.
Talented safety prospect with the size, length and instincts that teams are looking for to shore up the back end. Nubin has the ability to play as an interchangeable safety but will make his money as a ball thief. He’s rangy over the top in two-high safety looks and plays chess in the middle of the field, using instincts to think along with the quarterback and pounce on throws from an angle. He’s average in man coverage and might lack ideal top-end speed, but his anticipation and discipline help make up for that. He’s capable in run support, but his pursuit angles get him beat outside. Nubin’s traits, instincts and ball skills give him an opportunity to become a successful long-term starter.
Run support and maybe a lack of elite athleticism (that’s a pretty slow 40 time, for 1 example) are what may hold him back a little.
NFL Fit
He can play either safety position at this level but will make his money playing deep safety and making plays on the ball. He is likely to be a high draft pick, meaning whoever drafts him likely has the need and he will be expected to compete for playing time immediately.
The Draft
There was a time when Nubin was reasonably going to be a late-first-round pick. Over the last few months, his projected landing spot has moved into the 2nd or 3rd rounds.
Mock Drafts
- Pro Football Focus: 2nd round to Commanders at 40
- NFL.com: 4th round to the Eagles
- ESPN: 3rd round to the Texans at 86
- CBS Sports: 2nd round to the Giants at 47