Michigan football: PFF ranks Wolverines’ safeties best in the Big Ten

This year’s Michigan football secondary is one of the best in program history, boasting talent and size from the corners to the safeties. With Rod Moore and Makari Paige patrolling the defensive backfield, few teams appear poised to challenge the Maize and Blue through the air. According to Pro Football Focus, Michigan’s two starting safeties are the best in the Big Ten conference.

PFF ranks Michigan football safeties No. 1 in the Big Ten

Rod Moore and Makari Paige are the best safeties in the Big Ten conference, according to Pro Football Focus. Last season, both young safeties proved to be valuable assets for the Wolverines’ defensive unit, helping the Maize and Blue to a 13-win season, a Big Ten title, a College Football Playoff berth, and more.

This fall, both safeties are back for the Wolverines and undoubtedly looking to lead Michigan football to the program’s first-ever national title game berth. When it comes to the defensive side of the football, Michigan is in great shape, which will be essential if the Wolverines want to overcome Ohio State and win the Big Ten title for the third season in a row.

Rod Moore, Makari paige looking to stand out this fall

According to new rankings from Pro Football Focus, Rod Moore is the top-graded safety in the Big Ten conference, boasting an 83.8 overall grade. Coming in at No. 2 is Makari Paige with a 79.1 overall grade. The next-highest-graded Big Ten safety is Tyler Nubin of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who has a 76.4 overall grade.

Many outlets are touting Rod Moore as one of the top safeties in the nation, potentially even becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick in next year’s draft. While Paige does not carry nearly as much hype as Moore does ahead of the 2023 season, he is still one of the best in the nation and will have plenty of opportunities to shine in the Maize and Blue throughout the upcoming season.

Keep an eye on these two standout safeties this fall because this dynamic duo is undoubtedly gearing up for huge things with the Wolverines in pursuit of bigger and better achievements.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!