There’s been a ton of conversation in the Packers’ community as to whether or not Earl Thomas or Landon Collins should truly be the top end safety that the Packers and Brian Gutekunst should covet in free agency. Today, in the film room, we take a look at the best and worst graded players (per PFF) for each player and see exactly what their strengths and limitations are.

The first thing that should be noted is that these are two completely different safeties. Comparing the two is almost the equivalent of comparing a running back and a fullback or an inside linebacker and outside linebacker. Sure they are playing generally the same position but they have completely different roles within the defense.

Collins is the true box safety. He’s nearly always at or around the line of scrimmage and that’s where he ultimately makes his impact. He’s a very sound tackler, he’s assignment sure, and he’s always around the football. While it’s easy to argue that Thomas is more valuable because he can play the deep safety position, it can also be argued that Collins may have more value because he’s ultimately around the play much more often than Thomas is.

On the flip side, Thomas is that true single high safety who can do a little bit of everything. His movement skills are off the charts and he still has the ability to get sideline to sideline. He’s also a sound tackler and absolutely flies to the football. He can be over aggressive, and because he’s playing deep he can go multiple plays in a row without seeing action, but his value on the back end of the defense is immeasurable.

One thing that both of these safeties have in common is that they are aggressive. Neither player lets the play come to them, rather they are the ones that generally seek out the action and are constantly attacking. This would be an incredible upgrade from what the Packers safeties have showed on tape over the course of the past two seasons. It should go without saying that both of these safeties would come in and immensely help Green Bay’s defense.

I’ve seen this question come up in regards to Charles Woodson vs. Earl Thomas.

Woodson was 29 when he signed and played in 42/64 games in his previous 4 seasons, playing all 16 in 4/8 seasons.

Thomas is 30 and has played in last 45/64 games, playing 16 games in 6/9 seasons. https://t.co/Q4sWzeb2GX

— Andy Herman (@SconnieSports) March 7, 2019

The major concern with Thomas is his age and durability. In regards to age, it should be noted that the truly great athletic safeties played well into their 30’s. In fact there are many fans already pining for Eric Weddle and he just turned 34. Thomas should have a high end three years left in him and should be better than league average for the next five. As far as durability that’s definitely something that any teams’ medical staff would have to weigh in on. Michael Cohen of The Athletic had a fantastic article and a piece of that was a top defensive coordinator questioning Thomas’ frame and whether or not late in his career he will need to change the way he plays to compensate – that’s something that absolutely needs to be vetted.

Michael Cohen's Article: https://theathletic.com/856202/2019/03/07/which-defensive-players-should...

As for Landon Collins it’s quite the opposite. He’s only 25 years old and has played in 59 of a possible 64 games in his career. The question mark is just how valuable a box safety with coverage limitations is worth in 2019. As a general rule of thumb, box safeties can be found on the cheap and aren’t of major value, but Collins is one of the best at it. As Aaron Nagler noted this week on Twitter, it’s also not difficult to see Mike Pettine using Collins for what he’s best at and limiting some of those one-on-one coverage concerns. All of that said, when a team is paying $10 million plus per year for a safety, they should really be a truly complete safety.

I understand some of the reservations some people have about Landon Collins game. I also think they are going a bit overboard with their criticisms. Again, don't tell me what he can't do. Tell me what he can do. Pettine would love (and highlight) what he can do.

— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) March 5, 2019

Whether or not Brian Gutekunst even considers a top end safety will remain to be seen. While the injury concerns are legitimate, the player that helps the team the most is unquestionably Earl Thomas. His movement skills are elite and he’s exactly what the back end of the defense needs. Add Earl Thomas and Green Bay could easily play Josh Jones in an aggressive box safety role next to him. Add Landon Collins and he takes away from Josh Jones’ usefulness and Green Bay still has a massive hole on the roster at the other safety spot.

Without further ado, here are the best and worst games, per Pro Football Focus, from Earl Thomas and Landon Collins in 2018. Decide for yourself!

Ron Wolf signed 32 year old Reggie White... Super Bowl

Ted Thompson signed 29 year old Charles Woodson.... Super Bowl

Brian Gutekunst signs 30 year old Earl Thomas... ?!?!?!?!#speakitintoexistence

— Andy Herman (@SconnieSports) March 6, 2019

Landon Collins’ Best Game

Should GB pursue Landon Collins? Below are the highs/lows from his highest rated game via @PFF. Notes:

He definitely plays that box safety position

His coverage holds up although there were 2 blown coverages (not pictured) that could be on Collins

He'd definitely be an upgrade pic.twitter.com/kbfb3LrQ8z

— Andy Herman (@SconnieSports) March 8, 2019

Earl Thomas’ Best Game

After looking at Landon Collins' best game, let's take a look at Earl Thomas. His movement skills, anticipation & reaction time are unreal. Also note he's playing a true safety role. Comparing Collins to Thomas as safeties is foolhardy, they play 2 completely different positions. pic.twitter.com/LA7ff59rEv

— Andy Herman (@SconnieSports) March 8, 2019

Landon Collins’ Worst Game

Last night I looked at Landon Collins and Earl Thomas' best graded 2018 games per PFF. Now here's a look at Collins' worst graded game. This is the buyer beware film. These are the good and bad plays from Collins' rough day vs. the Bears. pic.twitter.com/LNN3oQubPz

— Andy Herman (@SconnieSports) March 8, 2019

Earl Thomas’ Worst Game

And finally, here is Thomas' worst graded game by @pff. Again, it's not difficult to see just how dynamic Thomas is from a movement skills standpoint but he can be over aggressive and he has to make sure he stays as the last line of defense. pic.twitter.com/Jcqbrwo2s0

— Andy Herman (@SconnieSports) March 8, 2019