Minnesota's Tyler Nubin 5th best from Big Ten in PFF's NFL Draft rankings

Golden Gophers safety Tyler Nubin could hear his name called in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and if scouts and general managers are viewing him similarly to Pro Football Focus, then he's going to be one of the first safeties off the board.

Nubin is ranked 30th overall among 275 players ranked in PFF's NFL Draft Big Board.

"Nubin is an experienced safety who can play both free and strong responsibilities," his PFF description says. "He's reliable in run defense, but his most impressive trait is his anticipation in coverage. There are more athletic safeties in this class, but few, if any, can see the game better than Nubin."

He's the second highest-ranked safety behind Miami's Kamren Kinchens, who slotted in one spot ahead of Nubin at No. 29 overall. And only five other players from the Big Ten are ranked higher on the big board than Nubin: Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 2), Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean (No. 8), Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu (No. 9) and Illinois defensive tackle Jer-Zhan Newton (No. 10).

Nubin, an All-Big Ten selection, was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press, the Walter Camp Foundation and the FWAA. Sporting News made hi ma first-team All-American.

Nubin had 53 tackles and five interceptions in 2023, giving him 13 interceptions for his career — a program record. He also had four passes defended, one sack and one forced fumble.

The only other Gophers player ranked in the top 275 by PFF is tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, who checked in at No. 248.