Josh Metellus absent from executives’ safety rankings for ESPN

Despite a very strong showing in 2023, Josh Metellus was not recognized by NFL executives in a leaguewide poll held by ESPN.

Despite a very strong showing in 2023, Josh Metellus was not recognized by NFL executives in a leaguewide poll held by ESPN.

The ESPN rankings went live on Thursday, and just one safety was named from the NFC North. Xavier McKinney of the Packers came in at No. 10, and no others even received honorable mention.

Metellus benefited from the presence of Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum’s breakout year, which allowed him to be used more creatively within Brian Flores’ defense.

Metellus saw the rankings and offered his reaction to them.

To say Metellus has some work to do is interesting. Of course, players want to keep improving, but when you look at his numbers from last year, Metellus ranked first among safeties in pressures (29), quarterback hits (7), hurries (19) and sacks (3).

Building on those numbers will be tough, but accomplishing that would make Metellus a star on defense in 2024.