Gophers' Tyler Nubin first safety taken in NFL draft, going to Giants at No. 47

Legendary Alabama coach Nick Sabin labeled him the "best safety in the draft," and he was the first safety off the board. 

The New York Giants selected former Gophers standout Tyler Nubin No. 47 overall in the second round of the NFL draft Friday night after Nubin's incredible run at the U. 

Nubin became the Gophers' all-time leader in interceptions with 13 after recording a pick against arch-rival Wisconsin on Nov. 25. He had a career-high five interceptions this past season to go along with 53 tackles and four passes defended.

Nubin, 22, recorded 207 tackles across his five-year tenure at the U, breaking up 24 passes over that time as well as three forced fumbles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. And of course the program record with 13 interceptions. 

It was truly a special career at Minnesota. 

Saban recently labeled Nubin "the best safety" in this year's draft, and the Giants proved him right, bolstering their secondary by taking him No. 47 overall. The Athletic had Nubin as the No. 46 overall prospect in the draft. 

It should work out for them. It did for the last team that selected a Gophers safety in the second round of the draft. Antoine Winfield Jr. was a second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has since become an All-Pro and won a Super Bowl.