There may not be a position in today’s NFL on either side of the ball that’s had more of a change over time in regards to what skill set is required than the safety position.
Those guys are asked to cover more than they ever have before, and they better be willing in the run game or that’ll get exposed quickly as well.
Teams need big, fast, athletic guys who aren’t afraid to stick their nose in the trenches that who are also athletically-gifted enough to run with world-class athletes down the field without touching them as the game, and the rules, continue to evolve more towards the offensive players.