Complete 2026 NFL Draft S Rankings:

You are currently viewing our safety rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft. The safety position is increasing in value as more teams use a 3rd safety in their nickel packages, so how will that affect the draft position of these prospects?

Our top safety prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the most talented defensive backs in college football. Even though only about 20 will get selected in the draft, a lot more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite.

We’ll provide you with inside information to help you know which safeties will be stars, who will be a bust, and which sleepers will shock the world.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2026 NFL draft safety prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 22, 2026)

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State

S | 6’0″ | 206 lbs | 3rd Year

Caleb Downs Scouting Report

Caleb Downs has done everything you’d want to see from a future first-round pick, and then some. The former five-star safety made an immediate impact at Alabama in 2023, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors and All-American recognition from multiple outlets. The true freshman led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles and added two interceptions, showing elite instincts and physicality. After shockingly entering the transfer portal, Caleb Downs joined Ohio State and immediately led one of the nation’s best defenses to a National Championship, earning unanimous All-American honors.

Downs has truly elite instincts, combined with great athletic traits and physicality. He rarely misses tackles, identifies plays quickly, and has an immediate trigger to blow up plays before they get going. He’s a proven playmaker with sideline-to-sideline range and a deep understanding of the game.

Downs has already shown he’s NFL-ready and should be in the early first-round conversation in 2026. Reports indicated a potential medical red flag discovered at the combine, and if true, could lead to a bit of a fall on draft day.

Caleb Downs 2025 Stats

14 games: 68 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 2 fumbles forced

2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

S | 6’0″ | 201 lbs | 3rd Year

Dillon Thieneman Scouting Report

Dillon Thieneman started his career at Purdue, where he was one of the most dominant DBs in the entire nation right away as a true freshman. Thieneman totaled over 100 tackles and 6 interceptions en route to some All-America recognition, and shattered records along the way.

Safety is an instinctual position, and Thieneman has elite instinctive play recognition. He diagnoses plays well and always plays with urgency, covering a ton of ground whether he’s in coverage or coming downhill to stop a run play. He’s not all instincts though, as he has plenty of top end speed to match his instincts, and he does a good job of staying low in his back pedal with good footwork in coverage.

Thieneman is much better as a zone defender than a man defender, which is fine for a safety, but limits his alignment versatility. There are some shifty slot receivers he probably shouldn’t line up across from. His aggression working downhill can also be a hindrance sometimes. Despite being a good tackler, he can overpursue and allow cutback lanes.

Dillon Thieneman 2025 Stats

15 games: 96 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 7 passes defended, 2 interceptions

3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

S | 6’4″ | 201 lbs | 4th Year

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Scouting Report

In the era of the transfer portal, most players who dominate the MAC opt to leave for a bigger school. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren opted to finish his career where it started, and it led to him becoming one of the most dependable players in all of college football. 

McNeil-Warren brings a well rounded skill set that allows him to excel both in the box and as a true field safety, showing comfort in multiple alignments and responsibilities. He plays with strong instincts, clean angles, and consistent tackling ability, rarely missing when he arrives at the ball. In coverage, he has been extremely dependable, allowing receptions on just 40 percent of his targets this season, which speaks to his discipline and awareness rather than risky gambles. He does a good job reading quarterbacks and staying patient in zone looks while still triggering downhill when needed.

He isn’t a flashy ball hawk and probably didn’t blaze the 40 yard dash (as expected), but his game is built on consistency and trust at a position where instincts trump pure athleticism.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren 2025 Stats

13 games: 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 3 fumbles forced

4. Treydan Stukes, Arizona

S/CB | 6’1″ | 190 lbs | 6th Year

Treydan Stukes Scouting Report

Treydan Stukes is one of the most athletic and versatile players in the entire draft. Primarily operating as a slot defender, Stukes is fully capable in the box, ranging deep as a true safety, or taking reps as an outside corner. 

Stukes has the fluidity, burst, and open field speed that you’d expect from a top DB prospect. He’s a magnet to the football with good ball skills and overall instincts, while playing with a high football IQ. A former walk-on who developed into a team captain, coaches have raved about his leadership and work ethic while proving he can handle a variety of roles in a defense. He allowed a ridiculous 34.4 passer rating against him this year while shutting down defenders from the slot and also excelling in zone.

Stukes is going to mostly be limited by age and injuries. The 6th year senior will be an old prospect at a position where NFL players have very short careers, with past injuries that muddy his future projection. Much like the other Arizona safety on this list, tackling doesn’t necessarily stand out for Stukes, and he could stand to play more aggressive.

Treydan Stukes 2025 Stats

10 games: 52 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 10 passes defended, 4 interceptions

5. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina

S | 6’1″ | 210 lbs | 3rd Year

Jalon Kilgore Scouting Report

Jalon Kilgore feels like he’s been forgotten about a bit my NFL Draft scouts, because at the time of writing this I feel like I never hear anything about him. I guess that’s just their loss, because Kilgore has everything you’re looking for in a versatile defensive back. 

Primarily operating out of the slot, Kilgore can line up all over the field, with the ability to play as a true safety or occasionally split outside as a true corner. He has a strong build with long arms and solid athletic traits, including great underneath quickness. Kilgore is a consistent tackler who generally takes good routes, and shows above-average play recognition. You can use him in man or zone coverage, and he allowed only 52% of completions when he was the nearest defender, along with 7 interceptions across the past two seasons.

Aggressiveness is probably the biggest drawback for Kilgore, which can show up primarily in his coverage approach or taking on blocks. He allows a lot of clean releases and can struggle against extra-fast slot receivers. As a 3rd year player and former Freshman All-American, Kilgore has plenty of traits to continue developing and also provide some immediate impact in the NFL.

Jalon Kilgore 2025 Stats

11 games: 54 tackles, 12 passes defended, 2 interceptions

6. Genesis Smith, Arizona

S | 6’2″ | 202 lbs | 3rd Year

Genesis Smith Scouting Report

Genesis Smith is a young, athletic safety who does his best work single-high where he can read the quarterback’s eyes and use his length and fluidity to make plays on the football.

Smith is just a 3rd year player with a solid frame at 6’2″ 205, with top tier athleticism and rapidly emerging instincts. He likely has the best range as a deep safety in the class and has the tracking ability to make plays on deep passes. He’s also very willing to trigger down towards the line of scrimmage on runs or screens. Smith is capable in man coverage and with a bit more muscle has all the other traits necessary to excel against tight ends, and he is effective in using his length to break up passes. 

Despite being a willing tackler from an effort standpoint, Smith misses a ton of tackles due to poor form and bad angles. Unless his tackling improves, which isn’t impossible, he’ll only really be able to be a single high safety where he can be hidden a bit. 

Genesis Smith 2025 Stats

12 games: 77 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 9 passes defended, 1 interception, 2 fumbles forced

7. Keionte Scott, Miami (FL)

S/CB | 5’11″ | 193 lbs | 6th Year

Keionte Scott Scouting Report

Keionte Scott was a decent player during his time at Auburn, but after transferring to Miami this past season he took his game to the next level. He was used more like a linebacker, allowing him to take advantage of his best attributes consistently.

Scott is best utilized as a slot DB in a blitz-heavy scheme, working towards the line of scrimmage with above average athleticism and an aggressive mindset that invites contact. He’s a fluid mover with the instincts to avoid blockers in space, combined with a fast first step to consistently find his way into the backfield. He can be effective in coverage as a shallow zone defender, and has good tackling form to minimize YAC against him.

Age is going to be the first problem for Scott, who will be 25 before his rookie starts. At a position where players have very short careers, NFL teams are basically getting a 1 contract player. He’s also going to be a bit limited on the scheme he plays in, as he’ll need to stay close to the line of scrimmage and allowed to keep his eyes forward. He doesn’t offer much in man coverage, and would match up much better with tight ends in the slot than he would wide receivers. 

Keionte Scott 2025 Stats

14 games: 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 2 fumbles forced

8. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State

S | 6’3″ | 203 lbs | 5th Year

Zakee Wheatley Scouting Report​

It took a few years for Zakee Wheatley to really start making an impact for Penn State, but as a 4th year player in 2024 he took a big step forward and hasn’t looked back.

Wheatley brings good size, range, and physicality to the safety position, showing comfort playing downhill and handling deeper zone responsibilities. He is a confident, reliable tackler who closes space well and rarely shies away from contact. His processing and anticipation have improved, allowing him to play faster and trust what he sees.

That said, his athletic ceiling is fairly modest, and he does not have the burst or range to consistently erase mistakes on the back end. His ball production has been solid rather than special, and he can be late driving on throws when asked to play true single high. He profiles more as a steady presence than a dynamic playmaker, but the growth and reliability are real.

Zakee Wheatley 2025 Stats

12 games: 74 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended, 1 interception

9. AJ Haulcy, LSU

S | 6’0″ | 215 lbs | 4th Year

AJ Haulcy Scouting Report

After beginning his career at New Mexico and making a name for himself at Houston, AJ Haulcy transferred to LSU where he became an impact player in the SEC. He’s consistently produced at every level of college football.

Haulcy is the biggest hitting safety in the 2026 NFL Draft, with a highlight film full of crushing blows thanks to his size (5’11” 220 pounds), aggression, and ability to accelerate into contact. He has a thick build that looks more like a short linebacker, but enough athletic ability to stay as a DB. His hips are a bit tight to offer much in man coverage or even as a deep safety, but he’s an active zone defender who does a good job of reading the QBs eyes and making plays on the ball. Haulcy had plenty of ball production in college with 10 career interceptions, including 8 over the past 2 seasons.

He is a big hitter, but his tackling relies entirely on his power. He literally never wraps up, and will need to change that if he’s going to be a consistent tackler at the next level. Some top-end athletic limitations could also show up if he’s being deployed far away from the line of scrimmage, as he doesn’t have great change of direction ability for a safety.

AJ Haulcy 2025 Stats

12 games: 88 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 7 passes defended, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble forced

10. Kamari Ramsey, USC

S | 6’0″ | 202 lbs | 4th Year

Kamari Ramsey Scouting Report

Kamari Ramsey is a very interesting evaluation. There are a lot of things he does very well, but a few major downsides that will worry NFL teams.

Starting with the positives, Ramsey brings good size, length, and a solid athletic profile, allowing him to hold up both on the back end and closer to the box. He plays with good awareness and discipline, keeping plays in front of him and taking smart angles to the ball. In coverage, he shows comfort in zone looks and enough range to overlap throwing lanes, even if he is not a true single high eraser. His game is built more on instincts and consistency than splash plays.

Especially during the middle of the season, Ramsey was showing a distinct lack of aggression. He would slow down into his hits and wait for his teammates to make plays instead of triggering to the ball carrier. That isn’t the case in every game he plays, however, so teams will have to come to their own conclusion about what kind of effort they’re expecting out of him.

Kamari Ramsey 2025 Stats

9 games: 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended

Complete 2026 NFL Draft Safety Rankings

RANK NAME SCHOOL AGE HT WT 40YD
1 Caleb Downs Ohio State 3rd 6'0" 206
2 Dillon Thieneman Oregon 3rd 6'0" 201 4.35
3 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Toledo 4th 6'4" 201 4.52
4 Treydan Stukes Arizona 6th 6'1" 190 4.33
5 Jalon Kilgore South Carolina 3rd 6'1" 210 4.40
6 Genesis Smith Arizona 3rd 6'2" 202 4.50
7 Keionte Scott Miami (FL) 6th 5'11" 193 4.33
8 Zakee Wheatley Penn State 5th 6'3" 203 4.62
9 AJ Haulcy LSU 4th 6'0" 215 4.52
10 Kamari Ramsey USC 4th 6'0" 202 4.47
11 Jalen Huskey Maryland 4th 6'1" 196 4.55
12 Bud Clark TCU 6th 6'1" 188 4.41
13 VJ Payne Kansas State 4th 6'3" 206 4.40
14 Jakobe Thomas Miami (FL) 5th 6'1" 211 4.57
15 Michael Taaffe Texas 5th 6'0" 190 4.50
16 DeShon Singleton Nebraska 5th 6'3" 205 4.57
17 Xavier Nwankpa Iowa 4th 6'3" 208 4.48
18 Bishop Fitzgerald USC 5th 5'11" 201 4.55
19 Robert Spears-Jennings Oklahoma 4th 6'2" 205 4.32
20 Wydett Williams Jr. Ole Miss 4th 6'1" 200 4.54
21 Cole Wisniewski Texas Tech 6th 6'3" 219
22 Dalton Johnson Arizona 5th 5'11" 192 4.41
23 Louis Moore Indiana 7th 5'11" 190 4.63
24 Lorenzo Styles Ohio State 5th 6'1" 194 4.27
25 Jacob Thomas James Madison 4th 6'1" 215 4.44
26 Ahmaad Moses SMU 4th 5'9" 196
27 Miles Scott Illinois 5th 6'0" 203 4.62
28 Kapena Gushiken Ole Miss 5th 5'10" 189 4.33
29 Jaheim Ward Eastern Kentucky 5th 6'1" 202 4.40
30 Devin Neal Virginia 6th 5'11" 208 4.45
31 Noah Avinger Utah State 5th 6'0" 188 4.62
32 Isaiah Nwokobia SMU 5th 6'0" 206
33 Xavion Alford Arizona State 6th 5'11" 200 4.55
34 Jalen Stroman Notre Dame 5th 6'0" 203 4.70
35 Gunner Maldonado Kansas State 6th 5'11" 191 4.62
36 Jalen McMurray Tennessee 5th 5'11" 184 4.56
37 Jakari Foster Louisiana Tech 5th 5'11" 206 4.66
38 Devyn Bobby Baylor 4th 5'10" 193 4.50
39 Maximus Pulley Wofford 5th 5'11" 197 4.52
40 Austin Brown Wisconsin 4th 6'0" 199 4.50
41 Skyler Thomas Oregon State 5th 6'2" 210 4.60
42 Tahj Ra-El Purdue 5th 6'1" 206 4.55
43 Murvin Kenion III Nevada 5th 5'11" 200 4.56
44 DQ Smith South Carolina 4th 6'0" 206 4.63
45 Nick Andersen Wake Forest 6th 5'11" 195 4.65
46 Parker Robertson Oklahoma State 5th 5'11" 193 4.47
47 Phillip Dunnam UCF 4th 6'0" 181 4.70
48 Devan Boykin Indiana 6th 5'10" 192 4.63
49 Tanner Wall BYU 5th 6'1" 196 4.59
50 Cam Smith Marshall 5th 6'2" 204 4.57
51 Jalen Catalon Missouri 7th 5'10" 200
52 Peter Manuma Hawaii 5th 6'0" 199 4.47
53 Daylan Carnell Missouri 5th 6'2" 222
54 Jahron Manning Mississippi State 4th 5'11" 197 4.64
55 Myles Rowser Arizona State 4th 6'0" 194 4.64
56 Silas Walters Miami (OH) 5th 5'11" 199 4.59
57 Larry Worth III Arkansas 4th 6'4" 220 4.62
58 Zayteak McGhee Houston Christian 5th 5'10" 180 4.35
59 Devin Lafayette Troy 6th 6'1" 198 4.58
60 Key Lawrence UCLA 6th 6'1" 206 4.53
61 Tate Hallock Western Michigan 7th 6'3" 210 4.63
62 Theran Johnson Oregon 5th 5'10" 188 4.45
63 JoJo Evans Jr. Louisville 6th 6'1" 203 4.65
64 Ike Larsen Utah State 5th 5'10" 198 4.56
65 Will Jones II North Texas 7th 5'9" 188 4.44
66 Matthew Durrance Washington State 5th 6'2" 211 4.48
67 Sage Ryan Ole Miss 5th 5'11" 204 4.57
68 Jett Elad Rutgers 7th 6'0" 201
69 Malik Spencer Michigan State 4th 6'0" 197 4.51
70 JaCorey Thomas Georgia 4th 6'0" 199 4.70
71 Shyheim Brown Florida State 5th 6'1" 195 4.67
72 Tucker Large Washington State 5th 5'10" 181
73 CJ Brown Sam Houston State 6th 5'10" 188 4.55
74 Gavin Gibson North Carolina 4th 5'11" 192 4.50
75 Zion Washington Boise State 5th 6'1" 208 4.39
76 Brylan Lanier Mississippi State 5th 6'1" 190 4.64
77 Caleb Weaver Duke 5th 5'10" 184 4.68
78 Eli Blakey Miami (OH) 5th 6'2" 204 4.78
79 Isiah Revis San Jose State 5th 5'9" 198 4.58
80 Devin Grant Syracuse 4th 6'3" 206 4.58
81 Jordan Lovett Kentucky 5th 6'0" 198
82 Marlen Sewell Vanderbilt 5th 6'0" 199 4.48
83 Fred Perry West Virginia 4th 5'9" 202
84 Omar Daniels Georgia Tech 5th 5'11" 190 4.62
85 Will Hardy North Carolina 4th 6'2" 207
86 Trevon Gola-Callard Cincinnati 5th 6'0" 190 4.71
87 Collin Matteson Army 4th 6'0" 189 4.53
88 Kristian Pugh Lamar 4th 5'11" 187 4.65
89 Clayton Powell-Lee Georgia Tech 4th 6'1" 189 4.70
90 Javon McIntyre Pittsburgh 5th 6'1" 191 4.50
91 Solomon Brown Buffalo 7th 5'11" 196 4.60
92 Xavier Williams Cincinnati 5th 6'2" 217 4.55
93 Brylan Green Liberty 4th 5'9" 184 4.46
94 Bailey Despanie Tulane 5th 6'0" 192 4.51
95 Solo Barnes UTEP 4th 6'3" 213 4.61
96 Dorian Plumley Abilene Christian 5th 6'0" 200
97 Darrian Lewis West Virginia 5th 5'10" 193 4.49
98 Ja'Qurious Conley Charlotte 6th 6'1" 214 4.49
99 Kimal Clark Indiana State 4th 5'9" 191 4.64
100 Ben Sangmuah British Columbia 4th 6'1" 194 4.44
101 Tim Coutras Tennessee Tech 5th 6'0" 201 4.63
102 Jy Martin North Dakota 4th 5'10" 190
103 Jordan Rogers Pittsburg State 5th 5'9" 182 4.56
104 Xamarion Gordon Coastal Carolina 5th 6'1" 208 4.65
105 Christian Charles Virginia 5th 6'0" 199
106 D'Angelo Hutchinson Louisville 4th 6'2" 200 4.84
107 Marques Buford Jr. Nebraska 5th 5'10" 190 4.53
108 Trevor Woods Jacksonville State 5th 6'2" 206 4.75
109 Devin Williams Bethel (MN) 4th 6'0" 209 4.57
110 Austin Jordan TCU 4th 5'11" 195 4.57
111 David Daniel-Sisavanh Troy 5th 6'2" 194 4.68
112 Jaheim Patterson Oregon State 4th 6'4" 208 4.62
113 Virdel Edwards II Hawaii 6th 6'2" 213 4.71
114 Travor Randle Prairie View A&M 6th 5'9" 188 4.44
115 Boogie Trotter Marshall 4th 5'8" 173 4.63
116 Camryn Bracha Fresno State 5th 6'0" 193 4.60
117 Makell Esteen Washington 6th 6'1" 199 4.78
118 Justin Carcel Rhode Island 4th 5'11" 185
119 Garner Wallace Northwestern 5th 6'3" 220 4.75
120 Caleb Wooden Arkansas 4th 6'0" 199 4.69
121 Jaiden Francois Duke 5th 5'10" 189 4.59
122 Hershey McLaurin Purdue 6th 6'1" 199 4.70
123 Chris Amos Kean 4th 6'1" 201 4.53
124 Jaheem Joseph UNLV 6th 5'10" 190 4.63
125 Lento Smith Jr. Tulsa 5th 5'8" 187 4.41
126 Mysonne Pollard Delaware 4th 6'0" 190 4.68
127 Myles Slusher Purdue 6th 6'0" 200 4.71
128 Caleb Francl Washington State 6th 6'0" 194 4.58
129 Sean Williams Dartmouth 4th 5'10" 188 4.53
130 Jahquez Robinson Auburn 6th 6'2" 201 4.45
131 Malachi McLean Connecticut 4th 5'10" 185
132 Taylen Blaylock Furman 5th 5'9" 196 4.52
133 Jake Jarmolowich Colorado State 5th 6'1" 190 4.54
134 Casey Larkin Army 4th 6'0" 195
135 Andre Turrentine Tennessee 5th 5'11" 184 4.85
136 Adonis Williams Jr. Ohio 4th 6'1" 218 4.69
137 Mordecai McDaniel Oklahoma State 6th 6'1" 198 4.63
138 JJ Johnson NC State 6th 5'9" 193 4.58
139 Tyler Bannon Stonehill 4th 6'3" 200
140 Kamren Amao Prairie View A&M 5th 6'1" 200
141 Dru Polidore Jr. California 5th 6'2" 194 4.71
142 Kavir Bains Pittsburgh 6th 5'9" 169
143 Kendrick Stone Incarnate Word 5th 6'2" 190 4.57
144 Khalani Riddick UC-Davis 5th 5'10" 194 4.72
145 Gavin Shields Army 4th 6'2" 205
146 Tyree Skipper Louisiana 6th 6'1" 205 4.65
147 Xavier Terry Towson 5th 5'10" 190
148 Caleb Spann Central Michigan 5th 5'10" 203 4.75
149 Devin Dye Kansas 5th 5'11" 190 4.75
150 Antonio Clary Virginia 7th 6'0" 206 4.80
151 Jonathan Jean East Carolina 5th 5'10" 191 4.62
152 Devyn Perkins Utah Tech 6th 5'10" 204 4.50
153 Jy Gilmore Georgia Tech 6th 5'9" 185
154 Dude Person Central Arkansas 5th 5'10" 185
155 Kendrick Simpkins Baylor 6th 5'11" 193 4.55
156 TJ Rausch Montana 5th 6'3" 210
157 Kekoura Tarnue West Virginia 5th 6'0" 197 4.47
158 DeJuan Lewis South Dakota 4th 5'10" 198 4.70
159 Darius Green Minnesota 5th 5'10" 208
160 Ayden Hector Colorado State 6th 6'0" 210 4.60
161 Elijah Gordon Central Michigan 5th 5'11" 193 4.64
162 Derek Carter Jr. West Virginia 5th 5'10" 187 4.71
163 Eric Butler San Diego State 4th 6'2" 190 4.58
164 Thomas Joe-Kamara Albany 6th 6'1" 202
165 Wrook Brown Houston 5th 5'10" 180 4.85
166 Tyler Strain Illinois 5th 5'9" 190 4.40
167 Bobby Crosby Texas State 6th 6'0" 177 4.81
168 A'Khori Jones Liberty 4th 5'10" 205
169 Jaylan Wesley Northern Arizona 4th 6'1" 211 4.78
170 Ty Marsh Nicholls 5th 5'10" 188 4.76
171 D'Mon Brinson Connecticut 4th 5'9" 191
172 Nick Hand St. Thomas 4th 6'3" 215
173 Justin Houston Utah Tech 6th 6'3" 194 4.75
174 Khamron Ford SE Louisiana 5th 5'11" 206 4.70
175 DiMarco Johnson Akron 6th 6'0" 205
176 Derrieon Craig Massachusetts 4th 5'10" 215
177 Shakur Smalls Arkansas 6th 5'11" 191 4.50
178 Dayne Hodge Youngstown State 5th 5'10" 195
179 Blake Smith Tarleton State 5th 5'11" 175
180 Koby Bretz South Dakota State 5th 6'1" 201
181 Isaiah Cash Virginia Tech 6th 5'11" 199 4.63
182 Zach Lewis North Dakota 5th 5'9" 192 4.72
183 Christopher Wallace Jr. South Alabama 4th 5'10" 194 4.59
184 Cole Batson UC-Davis 5th 6'5" 200
185 Deshawn McCuin San Diego State 7th 5'11" 193 4.52
186 Bryson Parker Stony Brook 5th 5'10" 200
187 Ian Conerly-Goodly SE Louisiana 4th 5'10" 184 4.52
188 Tyrece Mills Connecticut 5th 6'0" 200 4.92
189 Wendol Philord Florida Atlantic 6th 5'8" 181 4.56
190 Ty Rawls Tarleton State 6th 6'0" 220
191 BJ Washington Jackson State 4th 5'9" 180 4.55
192 Caleb Curtain Charlotte 5th 6'0" 194 4.62
193 Javier Morton Temple 5th 6'2" 197 4.65
194 Caleb Francis Presbyterian 4th 6'0" 196 4.77
195 Jaelen Stokes South Florida 5th 6'1" 205
196 Jacob Stevenson UT-Martin 5th 5'11" 180
197 Jonnie Wiltshire North Dakota 4th 5'11" 190
198 Denzel Patrick Albany 5th 5'11" 200
199 Nasir Hill Princeton 4th 5'11" 204 4.87
200 Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen Hawaii 5th 6'1" 181 4.71
201 Justin Meyers Georgia Southern 5th 5'11" 201 4.72
202 Crew Wakley Purdue 6th 6'0" 200
203 Kaden White Towson 5th 6'1" 190
204 AJ McCarty Texas Tech 6th 5'11" 183
205 Leisaan Hibbert Rhode Island 5th 6'0" 205
206 Reginald King Jr. Pittsburg State 5th 5'10" 198 4.58
207 Jojo Pace Campbell 5th 6'0" 195
208 Christian Sapp Villanova 5th 6'0" 195
209 Jihad McCall Eastern Illinois 6th 6'0" 192
210 Randy Franklin Charlotte 5th 6'0" 205 4.49
211 Ronnie Hamrick Lamar 5th 6'1" 200
212 Jeremy Mack Jr. Old Dominion 5th 5'10" 194 4.70
213 Harrison Daley Windsor 5th 6'3" 214
214 Dillion Williams Florida Atlantic 5th 5'11" 187 4.60
215 Dorian Helm Bryant 5th 5'11" 192 4.73
216 Jacoby McQuiller Central Arkansas 4th 5'10" 195
217 Jack Kane Rice 5th 6'0" 180
218 Muhammed Jammeh Northern Illinois 5th 6'0" 199 4.69
219 Teagan Wilk East Carolina 6th 5'11" 190
220 Nathan Rosario-Santos Indiana (PA) 4th 6'0" 197 4.62
221 Cade Petty Berry 5th 5'11" 190 4.62
222 Maddix Blackwell Central Michigan 5th 5'10" 190
223 Maguire Neal Missouri State 4th 6'0" 190 4.57
224 Juwon Gaston Mid Tenn State 5th 5'11" 198 4.72
225 Milon Jones Kennesaw State 4th 5'11" 191 4.78
226 Peyton Stevenson Rice 5th 6'2" 200
227 Jonathan Cabral-Martin Northern Iowa 5th 5'8" 209 4.67
228 Hunter Washington Mississippi State 5th 5'11" 183 4.59
229 William Wells ETSU 5th 6'2" 185
230 Jordan Favors Appalachian State 5th 5'10" 190 4.57
231 Aaron Wofford Western Michigan 5th 5'11" 177 4.65
232 Angel King Weber State 6th 6'1" 207 4.63
233 Jalon Williams Austin Peay 5th 5'10" 200
234 Cale Williams The Citadel 4th 6'0" 200
235 Laurence Sullivan Jr. Nicholls 5th 5'9" 191 4.58
236 An'Darius Coffey Purdue 6th 5'10" 195 4.45
237 Shakespeare Louis SE Louisiana 5th 5'10" 190 4.59
238 Duncan Moreland New Hampshire 5th 6'2" 205
239 Deontre Morris Alabama State 5th 5'11" 184 4.64
240 Nehemiah Figueroa Emporia State 6th 5'11" 185
241 Drea Thompson Western Colorado 6th 5'11" 197 4.58
242 Cejai Parson Southern Illinois 5th 6'2" 195
243 Curtis Harris-Lopez James Madison 5th 5'11" 196 4.52
244 Sirad Bryant UAB 5th 6'1" 214 4.64
245 Blake Thompson Houston 5th 6'0" 199 4.69
246 Raymond Gay II Oklahoma State 5th 5'10" 180
247 Mitch Leigber Stanford 5th 6'1" 195
248 Samaurie Dukes Western Carolina 4th 5'11" 185
249 Elijah West Southern 4th 6'1" 190
250 Isaiah Lawson NC Central 5th 6'1" 210
251 Andrew Johnson Wyoming 5th 6'1" 210
252 Elijah Auguste Liberty 4th 5'10" 188 4.53
253 Tyan Milton UTSA 4th 5'10" 186 4.81
254 Jamere Jones Temple 7th 5'11" 199 4.71
255 Cale Reeder Washington State 6th 6'0" 195
256 Mateo Reyes Morehead State 4th 6'2" 195
257 Darius Lorfils Bowling Green 4th 6'1" 189 4.57
258 Cam Sturdifen Hampton 4th 6'2" 185
259 Gyasi Mattison Ferris State 5th 5'11" 176 4.61
260 Matt Walsh South Dakota 5th 6'2" 220
261 Ethan Stuart McMaster 5th 6'1" 222
262 Antwone Watts Bethune-Cookman 5th 6'1" 205 4.87
263 Matt Kordas Incarnate Word 5th 5'11" 175 4.78
264 Ethan Lee Nicholls 4th 6'0" 185
265 Maximus Mongelli Sacred Heart 5th 6'0" 195
266 Tyrik McDaniel The Citadel 6th 6'1" 200
267 Avarion Cole Western Kentucky 4th 5'11" 189 4.66
268 Elijah Rikard Central Michigan 5th 6'0" 191 4.65
269 Hayden McDonald Nevada 5th 5'9" 180
270 Jayden Stanley UC-Davis 5th 5'11" 198 4.75
271 Isheem Young Memphis 6th 5'10" 209 4.69
272 Mason White Oregon State 6th 6'0" 194 4.86
273 Antonio Stevens Kennesaw State 6th 6'1" 215
274 Pierre Royster UAB 5th 6'2" 200
275 Josh Hastings UT-Martin 6th 6'1" 195
276 Ryan Jones North Dakota State 5th 6'3" 205
277 Devynn Cromwell Michigan State 6th 6'0" 200
278 Dontae Pollard Temple 5th 5'10" 180
279 Dylan Cook Morehead State 5th 6'3" 205
280 Samuel Korpoi Delaware State 4th 6'1" 205
281 Norman Massey LIU 5th 6'2" 200
282 Will Mason Butler 4th 5'9" 190
283 Jack Dwyer Illinois State 5th 6'0" 205
284 Jordan Huff Georgia State 6th 6'0" 189 4.74
285 Charles Arnold Jr. South Carolina State 5th 5'9" 183 4.67
286 Mo Olowo Northern Iowa 5th 6'0" 205 4.53
287 Daylan Long Norfolk State 5th 5'9" 185 4.80
288 Elijah Graham Texas-Rio Grande 5th 6'1" 212
289 Demarko Williams Western Kentucky 5th 5'10" 170 4.57
290 Jalen Clark Louisiana 5th 6'1" 203 4.75
291 Chase Allen Austin Peay 4th 5'10" 195
292 Nickendre Stiger Old Dominion 4th 5'10" 192
293 Caleb Coleman New Mexico 6th 6'2" 190 4.69
294 Kaelin Drakeford Chattanooga 6th 6'3" 200
295 Eric Gant Lindenwood 5th 6'1" 185
296 Ty Dugger Harding 5th 6'2" 210
297 Jermarius Lewis UTSA 4th 5'10" 190 4.74
298 Jonathan James Delta State 5th 5'9" 180 4.55
299 Trevor Romaldo NM Highlands 4th 5'10" 171 4.78
300 Damon Barnes Cornell 5th 5'9" 186 4.70
301 CJ McClendon Towson 5th 6'1" 180
302 Anthony Mackey Mercyhurst 4th 6'0" 200
303 Robert Iverson Jr. Alabama A&M 5th 6'2" 210
304 Jalen Cheek UAB 5th 6'2" 200
305 Justin Harrington West Virginia 8th 6'2" 209 4.44
306 Kenneth McShan Navy 4th 6'1" 205
307 Malini Ti'a Western Illinois 6th 6'0" 200
308 Drew Merrill Incarnate Word 4th 6'0" 190
309 DJ Warnell Nevada 6th 6'1" 185 4.62
310 Jadarius Green-McKnight Marshall 6th 5'10" 202 4.58
311 Malik Lewis Presbyterian 4th 6'1" 205
312 Eli Douglas Utica 4th 6'2" 190
313 Trey Harris Sam Houston State 5th 6'4" 209 4.75
314 Corey Collier Jr. Florida A&M 5th 6'1" 190
315 Quintin Sterling Arkansas-Pine Bluff 4th 5'11" 210
316 Justin Payoute Ferris State 5th 5'5" 162 4.68
317 Jaxson Campbell Navy 4th 5'11" 203 4.70
318 Antonio Epps Duquesne 5th 5'9" 184 4.69
319 Josiah Hardman Texas Southern 5th 5'10" 185
320 Cicero Caston Grambling State 4th 6'1" 215 4.65
321 Brendon Harris Mid Tenn State 8th 6'0" 215
322 Orlandus McLaurin Alcorn State 7th 5'10" 195 4.60
323 Drake Johnson Alabama State 7th 5'11" 197 4.53
324 Jordan Walker West Virginia 6th 5'11" 188 4.47
325 Chris Keys Jr. Florida Atlantic 6th 6'0" 190 4.58
326 Xavier Toliver Houston Christian 5th 5'8" 182 4.64
327 Corey Chapman Norfolk State 5th 5'11" 180
328 Chester Fearon West Florida 5th 5'7" 154 4.57
329 Omar Emmons Tarleton State 5th 5'9" 170
330 Jordan Irvine Stonehill 4th 6'0" 190
331 Ryan Meloche San Diego 4th 6'0" 180
332 Lantz Russell UTEP 5th 6'3" 210
333 Bobby Salla Jr. Florida International 5th 5'11" 206 4.65
334 Jayden Estes Albany 5th 5'11" 200
335 John Harris Findlay 6th 5'9" 191 4.75
336 Jelani Vassell NC Central 5th 5'10" 192 4.90
337 Amari Wansley Samford 5th 6'0" 185
338 Horacio Johnson Southern 5th 5'10" 181 4.75
339 Payton Tally Nicholls 5th 6'1" 200
340 Jadon Carter Morgan State 5th 5'11" 190
341 Logan Carrington Marian 5th 6'0" 180
342 Jordan Johnson Morgan State 7th 6'3" 190
343 Josh Battle Southern Miss 5th 5'11" 193 4.71
344 Mason Young Idaho State 4th 5'10" 195
345 Brenyen Scott South Carolina State 6th 5'11" 201 4.91
346 Azariah Levells New Mexico 4th 5'11" 194 4.70
347 Jalen Apalit-Williams San Jose State 5th 6'1" 195
348 Jevean Brown Elon 5th 6'1" 200
349 Bakari McCall Alcorn State 4th 6'1" 185
350 Louis Frye Temple 5th 6'0" 218 4.59
351 Shamar Hawkins Jackson State 4th 5'9" 196 4.73
352 KeShawn Washington Samford 6th 6'2" 189 4.79
353 Will Lester South Dakota Mines 4th 6'0" 200 4.74
354 Trey Lockhart Jr. Stetson 6th 5'11" 195
355 AZ Williams Troy 4th 5'10" 192 4.44
356 Ryan Calcagno St. Thomas 4th 6'3" 205
357 Muheem McCargo Ball State 6th 5'9" 208 4.80
358 Ty Myles Northern Illinois 5th 5'11" 187
359 Anthony Hebert Delaware State 5th 6'1" 205
360 Tommy Bestpitch Holy Cross 4th 5'11" 195
361 Samuel Scaife IV Delaware State 5th 6'2" 210
362 Albert Nunes New Mexico 6th 6'1" 207 4.68
363 Kamo'i Latu Connecticut 6th 6'0" 198 4.61
364 Omari Lewis LIU 5th 5'9" 185
365 Talan Alfrey BYU 5th 6'1" 197 4.70
366 Tre'Von Holmes Missouri Western 4th 5'10" 202 4.87
367 Dominic Njoku Davidson 4th 6'1" 185
368 Gabriel Gray Stetson 5th 5'10" 190
369 Tienne Fridge Eastern Illinois 5th 6'2" 210
370 Ja'Marlin Green Arkansas-Pine Bluff 4th 6'2" 200
371 Carl Hopkins Delta State 5th 6'0" 198 4.69
372 Dasheen Jackson Delaware State 5th 6'2" 215
373 Jalik Thomas Florida A&M 6th 5'10" 186 4.84
374 Sean Hunt Bryant 5th 5'11" 185
375 Carson Bourdo Johns Hopkins 4th 5'11" 195
376 Jason Scott Delaware 6th 5'11" 182 4.80
377 Akil Lampley Wagner 5th 6'2" 205
378 Dakarai Cabell Mississippi Valley 6th 6'1" 195
379 Keane Lewis Alabama State 4th 5'9" 170
380 Wendell McClain Gardner-Webb 5th 6'2" 185
381 Buju Aumua-Tuisavura Western Illinois 5th 5'10" 195
382 George Wilder North Greenville 5th 5'10" 187 4.70
383 Wylan Harich Frostburg State 4th 5'10" 174 4.81
384 Kameron Rocha Southern Utah 6th 6'0" 180
385 Trinity Ward Prairie View A&M 5th 5'11" 185
386 Nick Bucaro Western Illinois 5th 6'1" 195
387 Jeremiah Robinson Youngstown State 5th 6'0" 190 4.45
388 Rayden Campbell Stephen F. Austin 5th 5'10" 185
389 Justin Anderson Akron 6th 6'0" 205
390 Romario Noel Abilene Christian 5th 6'3" 220
391 Keonte Huguely Mercyhurst 6th 5'11" 205
392 Jonathan Capo Buffalo 4th 5'11" 195 4.58
393 Dylan Connors Wesleyan 4th 5'11" 195
394 Joshua Thornhill Bethune-Cookman 5th 6'0" 185
395 Jalon Rock Liberty 5th 5'9" 175 4.63
396 Dante Thomas Coastal Carolina 6th 6'0" 195
397 Juwan Johnson Mercer 4th 5'11" 195
398 Al-Ma'hi Ali Western Kentucky 6th 5'11" 180
399 Davion Ross Idaho State 8th 5'11" 195
400 Cam Maddox North Carolina A&T 6th 6'1" 205
401 Tyler Morton Incarnate Word 5th 5'9" 165 4.58
402 Daylon Henson Concordia (NE) 4th 5'11" 205
403 James Ziglor Kennesaw State 5th 5'10" 203 4.63
404 Kevin Thomas Lamar 4th 6'0" 205
405 Je'Careon Lathan Northwestern State 5th 6'0" 180
406 Kristopher Robinson UL-Monroe 4th 6'1" 200
407 Sean-Krystoff King East Texas A&M 6th 5'9" 189 4.58
408 John Carter Myers Georgetown (KY) 4th 6'2" 210
409 Mike Harris South Alabama 6th 5'11" 175
410 Kamron Lee Missouri Western 4th 5'9" 174 4.81
411 Joshua Cobbs Louisiana Tech 5th 6'1" 206 4.68
412 Placide Djungu-Sungu Baylor 5th 6'0" 191 4.68
413 Quintin Talley Grambling State 6th 6'1" 180
414 Trey Sena-Ortega San Diego 5th 5'11" 185
415 Derrick Hartley Jr. Howard 4th 5'11" 200 4.60
416 Ty Williams Jr. North Carolina A&T 5th 6'1" 185
417 Harold West Abilene Christian 5th 6'1" 190
418 Jacob Robinson Coastal Carolina 4th 6'1" 205 4.76
419 Chase Lloyd Florida A&M 6th 6'2" 210
420 Rickey Hyatt Jr. Ohio 6th 6'0" 193 4.63
421 Brendon Martin Sul Ross State 4th 5'10" 185
422 Prince Green III Georgia Southern 5th 6'2" 198 4.78
423 Jalin Shephard Tennessee Tech 5th 5'10" 195
424 Berry Buxton III Syracuse 5th 6'1" 210 4.71
425 Treyveon McGee Charlotte 6th 6'2" 206 4.83
426 Tavon Hardwick Arkansas-Pine Bluff 5th 5'10" 180
427 Andre Mack UL-Monroe 6th 5'11" 192 4.87
428 Jagger Williams Southern Illinois 5th 6'0" 183 4.81
429 Cole Simpson Northwood 5th 6'0" 205
430 Ryan Moore Sacred Heart 4th 5'11" 200
431 Carter Odell Robert Morris 6th 5'10" 200
432 Cyrus McGarrell Northern Illinois 5th 6'1" 198 4.69
433 Jaden Taylor West Alabama 5th 5'9" 190 4.69
434 Trey Bradford Fordham 5th 5'11" 185
435 Austin Ambush Nevada 6th 6'1" 188 4.68
436 Kaleb Higgins Sacramento State 5th 6'2" 195
437 Deno Wardlow Charleston 5th 5'10" 175 4.94
438 Alex Sylvester Minnesota-Duluth 5th 5'11" 180
439 Patrick Marshall Grambling State 5th 5'9" 170
440 Aaron Smith New Mexico 5th 5'11" 177 4.66
441 Daryl Taybron Johnson C. Smith 4th 6'2" 165
442 Zachary Farris Massachusetts 5th 6'0" 190
443 Kobe Byrd Mississippi Valley 5th 5'9" 175
444 Tanner Huff Montana 5th 6'0" 210
445 Delshawn Petrosky Winona State 4th 5'11" 186 4.81
446 Timmy Ward Rutgers 5th 5'11" 195 4.68
447 Nate Palanica Jr. Merrimack 6th 5'11" 175
448 Marvin Conkle Walsh 4th 6'0" 190
449 Trace Ruckman Murray State 5th 6'1" 195
450 Brandon Penn Glenville State 6th 5'11" 196 5.02
451 Dominick Hill Southern Miss 6th 6'1" 204 4.72
452 Rhyan Cheatham Stetson 5th 6'2" 210
453 De'Javion Stepney Akron 5th 5'11" 201 4.72
454 Kyle Knox Arkansas-Pine Bluff 5th 6'1" 185
455 David Tuihalangingie San Jose State 4th 5'10" 175 4.74
456 Andrew Duhart Navy 4th 5'9" 187 4.86
457 Bradley Pao Bucknell 4th 6'0" 185
458 Jalen Dye Kansas 4th 5'10" 190 4.88
459 Jabin Ford South Carolina State 5th 6'0" 175
460 Kalin Jean Shepherd 5th 6'1" 204 4.97
461 Philjae Bien-Aime Robert Morris 6th 5'11" 185
462 Jayden Marshall Columbia 4th 6'0" 205
463 Dontavius Nash Michigan State 5th 6'1" 173 5.00
464 Ladarian Paulk East Carolina 5th 5'10" 170 4.90
465 Cameron Jamar North Alabama 5th 5'8" 190
466 Bryon Threats UCLA 5th 5'9" 182 4.90
467 Adam Walker II Navy 4th 5'11" 190 4.70
468 Jesse Vasquez Eastern Michigan 5th 5'10" 175 4.88
469 Jevon Davis Wyoming 6th 5'11" 208
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Traits That Make a Safety Prospect Great

Safety play puts a little more emphasis on instincts and reaction time than physical traits, but an ideal safety prospect excels in both aspects. Play recognition, coverage technique, and overall versatility are among some of the most important factors to consider when scouting the top safety prospects in the draft.

Some of the factors we consider when scouting are included below.

Play Recognition

Safeties play a lot of different roles, but the traditional responsibility is making sure no one gets over the top of the defense. Recognizing deep routes in time to prevent the big play, while also recognizing play action and run plays to stay in position is vital. If a safety misreads a situation, you’re vulnerable for a massive play.

Coverage Technique

Safety prospects need the ability to cover in zone or in off-man coverage. They’ll need to match up with receivers or tight end, and need decent coverage technique to stay with their man. Having some ball skills to swat a ball away or jump around for an interception is also a major benefit.

Quickness

Quickness is vital to successful coverage, getting down to the line of scrimmage on screens or run plays, and reacting to ball carriers in the open field. Safeties that are stiff in the hips or have slow feet will often find themselves out of position and likely be low in our safety rankings.

Tackling

When you have a chance to make a tackle, you need to make the tackle. The top rated safety prospects in the draft will rarely miss open field tackles, have decent hit power, and display reasonably good technique in their tackling form.

2026 S Draft Prospects FAQs

Who is the best S in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The best safety in the 2026 NFL Draft is Caleb Downs from Ohio State. The former top recruit is the heavy favorite to be the 1st safety drafted after three dominant seasons to start his career.

How good is the safety draft class in 2026?

The 2026 safety class has a true star at the top, but is slightly weaker than average because of a lack of depth. Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren provide a couple more solid options near the top, but day 3 is usually where safeties shine, and there isn’t as much there as normal.

Who is the fastest safety in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Lorenzo Styles remains the fastest safety in the 2026 NFL Draft, clocking a 4.27 40 yard dash at the combine. Including verified pro day times, this ranks #1 out of 278 safety prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.