Tyler Nubin Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of David Berding/Getty Images)

School: Minnesota

Class: 5th Year Senior

Position: SAF

HT: 6’2

WT: 210 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #46

Background: Tyler Nubin was a 4-star recruit out of Saint Charles, Illinois. Nubin attended St Charles North High School and built a reputation as one of the best players in the state. He was a wide receiver as well as a defensive back. He was also a three time Academic All-Conference in high school. He was his region’s Player of the Year according to multiple outlets. Nubin participated in the 2018 Army All-American Game. Nubin was primarily a Big 10 recruit and wound up choosing to commit to up and coming Minnesota over Michigan and Tennessee.

College: Nubin was used as a special teams player with limited defensive snaps as a freshman. As a sophomore, Nubin was used in a larger capacity and made an impact in each game for Minnesota, despite it being a shortened season. Nubin’s junior season in 2021 finally saw him starting all 13 games for the Golden Gophers. He was named All-Big 10 Honorable Mention. 2022 saw Nubin breakout as a defensive anchor. He was named All-Big 10 Second Team with four interceptions on the season. As a 5th year senior, Nubin was selected Second Team All-American as he was one of the best safeties in the entire country.

Strengths: Tyler Nubin has a stout build and while he is not stocky, he is filled out. This can best be seen in his tackling ability. Nubin is one of the better tackling defensive backs. He consistently wraps up the ball carrier. Nubin is a natural born leader and can recognize schemes before the snap. While he will not wear the green dot, he is certainly capable of changing the defensive scheme based on what he sees from the offense. Nubin is at his best when he is working the deep portion of the field and making sure no receivers take the top off the defense. Nubin has great hip flexion and can move from backpedal to sprint effortlessly. Nubin excels in coverage. No matter his role in the defense, he is consistent. He keys in on the quarterback’s eyes and can get to the ball before the receiver. One of my favorite parts of Nubin’s game is his ability to play soft coverage, but then collapse on a route when the quarterback locks his eyes on the target. He seemingly dares the quarterback to throw it his way, so he can make a play on the ball.

Weaknesses: Nubin’s glaring weakness is his lack of home run speed. He can hold his own in man coverage but those quicker slot receivers tend to pick him apart. The only glaring weakness to Tyler Nubin is his speed, which goes hand-in-hand with his in ability to play man in the slot. However, he should never be in the slot in the first place as he is a great deep safety to patrol the back end.

Conclusion: Tyler Nubin is a smart and instinctive player. He can also play either safety spots in a pinch. Look for him to be a great coverage safety who gives receivers fits in the deep areas of the field.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: Free Safety

Best Team Fits: GB, PHI, BUF

Player Comparison: Jaquan Brisker

Player Grade: 83.6