Safeties are the last line of defense in Madden NFL 24. If ball carriers get through the first few lines of defense, it's up to the safety to prevent the touchdown. As a result, safeties have to be unparalleled tacklers with blazing speed.
The best of these add ball-hawking to their talents, able to intercept or knock down passes that cornerbacks can't get to. With a great safety in Madden NFL 24, players will regularly get more opportunities on offense as the defense will be scoring frequent turnovers.
10 Micah Hyde - FS - 89 OVR
The Bills have two safeties in the top ten which goes to show how the team has prioritized the position. Unfortunately, Hyde suffered a season-ending injury during the second game last season so Hyde didn't get a chance to meaningfully pack on stats.
Still, the former Pro Bowler has gotten the job done with two different teams and continually proves why he's one of the best around. Two years ago he tied his career high for picks. If both safeties are healthy during the year, Hyde might just set a new personal best.
9 Jordan Poyer - SS - 90 OVR
Jordan Poyer got his first Pro Bowl selection in 2022, making his rating a bit on the low side. It's hard to complain about being in the 90s, but Poyer played well enough that perhaps merited a higher spot on this list. He even struggled with injury while posting some impressive statistics.
Poyer has a chance to prove the ratings adjusters put him too low. With a healthy season, Poyer could be even better. Buffalo is looking for a championship and Poyer's defense is a critical part of their plans.
8 Harrison Smith - SS - 90 OVR
Over an eleven-year career, all in Minnesota, Harrison Smith has accumulated six Pro Bowl selections. He's still playing at an elite level, tying his career high for picks just last season. The Vikings have been a tough team to pass against for over a decade and Smith is the primary reason for that.
According to analytics, going beyond purely statistical analysis, Smith has ranked as one of the best players in the league at any position. Some of the best wide receivers in the game find that they're not ready for a crushing hit when Smith delivers a tackle.
7 Budda Baker - SS - 90 OVR
Budda Baker may go down as one of the best Cardinals' defenders of all time. The five-time Pro Bowler has made the last four consecutive Pro Bowls despite being on an Arizona team that has seen better days. The frontmen often get the attention but it's Baker holding things down.
The ability to deflect passes is certainly in Baker's wheelhouse. But beyond this, Baker is known for some teeth-rattling hits. If the team around him could have some consistency, Baker is prepared to take the team for a deep playoff run.
6 Tyrann Mathieu - FS - 91 OVR
The Saints were in almost total disarray last season. What kept the season from being a complete waste can be chalked up to the newly-acquired Tyrann Mathieu. He set a career-high for combined tackles as he tried to get things in New Orleans settled.
As Madden NFL 24 was revealed, gamers get to see new athletes breaking into the field. But this doesn't erase the past athletes or their accomplishments. Mathieu is a three-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champ.
5 Jessie Bates III - FS - 91 OVR
As Madden thinks about skipping a season, the Bengals might wish they had a do-over to retain Jessie Bates III. Often considered one of the most underrated players in the league, the Falcons acquired Bates from Cincinnati and look to capitalize on his talents.
Bates set a career high for interceptions last year and looks to be improving even further. If he does, Atlanta will have bought low on a player that every analyst is high on. Bates is still looking for his first Pro Bowl nod despite being one of the few bright spots on his team's defense.
4 Kevin Byard - FS - 92 OVR
Since 2017, Kevin Byard has started every single game for the Titans. Being healthy takes work and discipline. Beyond consistency, Byard is a two-time Pro Bowler who set a career-high for tackles this last season. He's finding ways to improve.
The Titans started 7-3 and ended 7-10 last year, collapsing in horrific fashion. No part of this blame rests on Byard who locked things down in the air. Tennessee is hoping to avoid costly injuries, giving Byard the team support that he deserves.
3 Justin Simmons - FS - 92 OVR
Incredibly, after missing five games to start the year, Justin Simmons tied for the league lead in interceptions with six. The Broncos didn't have a lot to cheer about last year as the offense became a total liability but the defense was strong when Simmons was on the field.
The Broncos are looking to Sean Payton as the new coach to get things fixed on the offensive end. If they can do that and Simmons continues his development, Denver will be one of the best teams in the league.
2 Minkah Fitzpatrick - FS - 93 OVR
as the league leader in interceptions last year, Minkah Fitzpatrick has more than earned his spot as the best free safety in the game. En route to his third Pro Bowl, Fitzpatrick disrupted offenses that couldn't ever figure out how to pass safely while he was on the field.
No safety is usually in contention for making the game's cover star but there is a case to be made for Fitzpatrick. In an era that seems to value offense above all else, he brings back a swagger that reminds classic football fans of the Steel Curtain.
1 Derwin James Jr. - SS - 95 OVR
Despite missing a few games last year, Derwin James Jr. became recognized as one of the best safeties in the business, making his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance and third overall appearance. As gamers tried to predict the ratings for the top-ranked players, everybody knew James was going to be up there.
Beyond what makes most safeties great, James is also liable to knock the ball loose on a tackle, creating yet another way to force a turnover as a strong safety. San Diego is lucky to have him anchoring the Chargers' defense.
Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.