Mel Kiper Faces Backlash Over Comments on Outlawing Two-High Safeties in NFL
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is facing a significant amount of backlash after making controversial comments suggesting that the NFL should outlaw the use of two-high safety coverages. The remarks, made during a recent appearance on a podcast, have stirred up discussions across the football world, with many questioning his understanding of modern defensive strategies and the evolution of the game.
Kiper, who is best known for his annual NFL Draft analysis, argued that two-high safety looks, which feature two safeties positioned deep in the secondary, are overly limiting to offensive teams and create a “boring” product. He contended that the proliferation of such defensive schemes stifles big plays and has led to a more conservative, less exciting style of play in the league.
In his comments, Kiper specifically took issue with the fact that many teams have leaned heavily on these defensive alignments in recent years, especially after the success of teams like the 2019 San Francisco 49ers and more recently the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense, which has employed two-high safety looks to neutralize high-powered offenses. According to Kiper, this trend has made it more difficult for quarterbacks to find opportunities for deep throws and dynamic plays down the field.
However, Kiper’s suggestions have drawn sharp criticism from both analysts and players who argue that his perspective overlooks the strategic nuance that two-high safety coverages bring to the game. Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky responded by calling Kiper’s proposal “nonsensical,” arguing that the NFL is evolving with the times and that defenses are simply adapting to the changing nature of offenses. Many also pointed out that these defensive schemes are not only effective but are a response to offenses becoming more pass-heavy and innovative in their approach.
Defensive players, too, have voiced their disagreement, noting that two-high safeties are a necessary tool for limiting explosive plays and controlling high-speed offenses. Players such as Tyrann Mathieu and Micah Parsons hiemphasized that the defense’s ability to evolve and adjust to offensive innovations is critical to maintaining competitive balance in the league.
While Kiper’s comments have sparked heated debate, they also reflect broader conversations about the direction of the NFL. The league has long been at the center of discussions about how to balance offense and defense, particularly as rule changes continue to favor the passing game. Nonetheless, most football experts agree that the idea of outlawing two-high safety coverages is unlikely to gain much traction, as it would fundamentally alter the way defenses are allowed to strategize and compete in the modern NFL.
In the end, it seems that Kiper’s suggestion is more a reflection of frustration with the evolving balance of power in the league than a serious proposal. Fans and analysts will continue to debate the role of defenses in the NFL, but it’s clear that the two-high safety look is here to stay—for now, at least.
