The 2023 college football season is right around the corner and the Big Ten is loaded with top-notch talent and predicting who will end up on the All-Big Ten has proven challenging. Not only was it hard to choose one player over another, but it was also hard to admit that some of Ohio State’s most prominent rivals have some serious dogs on their squad.
This list will dive into the defensive backfield — and as expected — the Big Ten has some dominant defensive backs that make it very hard to narrow it down to just four. This list contains two cornerbacks and two safeties and we have a Buckeye make the team at corner, but not at safety.
Cornerback: Denzel Burke, Ohio State
Why the Pick
Despite his inconsistent 2022 season, Denzel Burke has shown the potential to be a shutdown cornerback with the elite ability to dominate in man-to-man coverage. Burke is likely to have a big season and hear his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock work through dropbacks with Ohio State cornerbacks coach Tim Walton. pic.twitter.com/jfBrtIKZTj
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) March 9, 2023
Cornerback: Max Melton, Rutgers
Why the Pick
The Scarlet Knight defense is expected to be much improved and Max Melton is the biggest reason why. Melton has the athleticism to stick with any receiver in the nation.
Rutgers CB Max Melton is a name to keep an eye on. Patient, smart, closing speed, and special teams value! pic.twitter.com/3n68FRn32p
— Robert Cardona (@CARDONAFAM29) June 15, 2023
Safety: Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
Why the Pick
Tyler Nubin is arguably the best safety in the country and is taking advantage of the Super Senior season to wreak havoc on the Big Ten one more time. Nubin is a large safety who knows how to utilize his unique length at 6’2″ and 210 pounds.
One of, if not the, best safeties in 2024 draft is Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin (@T_Nubin27)
Elite burst/tackle finishing as run defender, and smooth pedal with plus ball skills in coverage
Nubin wowed in 2023 even playing alongside two draft pick #ShrineBowl alumni T.Smith/J.Howden pic.twitter.com/bZqwdcDXzV
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) June 21, 2023
Safety: Rod Moore, Michigan
Why the Pick
R.J. Moteen would have likely made this slot for me before he announced his transfer to Florida, but with the talent the Wolverines have in the defensive backfield someone needs to be on here, and its Rod Moore. Moore is an experienced stud in an elite Michigan defensive backfield.
How many INTs is Rod Moore snagging in 2023? pic.twitter.com/4JjhGlvuKY
— 〽️att Hartwell (@MaizeCrusader) March 21, 2023
