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Hey Washington Commanders fans, who is the great safety in Washington history?
Ken Houston was not only the best safety in Washington franchise history, but also one of the better strong safeties in the NFL each year. Thus, Houston was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the class of 1986. He played for the Houston Oilers 1967-72 and the Washington Redskins 1973-1980.
Transitioning, who are the current top 10 safeties entering the 2026 NFL season? ESPN surveyed NFL executives, coaches and scouts, and here are their voting results.
No Washington safeties made the honorable mention or others receiving votes category. The Commanders are high on newcomer Nick Cross and believe Quan Martin can get his career back on track in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: NFL executives not too high on Commanders' safety position in 2026
Continue reading...
Ken Houston was not only the best safety in Washington franchise history, but also one of the better strong safeties in the NFL each year. Thus, Houston was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the class of 1986. He played for the Houston Oilers 1967-72 and the Washington Redskins 1973-1980.
Transitioning, who are the current top 10 safeties entering the 2026 NFL season? ESPN surveyed NFL executives, coaches and scouts, and here are their voting results.
- 1. Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens: Ron Rivera could have drafted Hamilton, but he traded back and took Jahan Dotson. Ouch!
- 2. Derwin James Jr, Los Angeles Chargers: Bruce Allen could have drafted James but chose Daron Payne instead.
- 3. Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers: McKinney hasn't allowed a touchdown as the nearest defender since joining the Packers in 2024, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
- 4. Brian Branch, Detroit Lions: Branch was plenty productive while he played, posting a 1.9% pass breakup percentage, which ranked third among safeties
- 5. Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons: He's one of the game's great ball hawks, registering 27 interceptions in eight seasons.
- 6. Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks: Including the playoffs, Emmanwori was the only NFL player with at least 15 pressures and 10 pass breakups last season.
- 7. Antoine Winfield, Jr, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Since 2023, Winfield is one of two NFL players (Buffalo's Terrel Bernard) to record at least five interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
- 8. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals: Since entering the league in 2017, Baker is the only defensive back with at least 1,000 tackles.
- 9. Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions: He has 20 interceptions and 35 pass deflections in 52 career games
- 10. Calen Bullock, Houston Texans: His nine interceptions over the first two years of his career got the attention of voters, several of whom put him in the top five.
No Washington safeties made the honorable mention or others receiving votes category. The Commanders are high on newcomer Nick Cross and believe Quan Martin can get his career back on track in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: NFL executives not too high on Commanders' safety position in 2026
Continue reading...
