2026 NFL Draft Safety Rankings: Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman Lead a Versatile Class

The 2026 NFL Draft safety rankings are defined by versatility at the top, aligning with the NFL’s growing demand for defenders who function as true chess pieces, process quickly, and stay on the field in all situations.

The top tier features three-level defenders capable of playing high, rotating late, handling slot responsibilities, and triggering downhill without compromising coverage integrity. That flexibility allows defensive coordinators to disguise coverages and lean into post-snap movement without substituting personnel.

Beyond the top-end talent, the class also includes physical, downhill profiles who thrive near the line of scrimmage and fit cleanly into zone-heavy structures. The strength of this group isn’t just playmaking—it’s how seamlessly these players translate to modern NFL defensive frameworks.

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2026 NFL Draft Safety Rankings

1). Caleb Downs, 6’0”, 205 lbs, Ohio State

Grade Tier: Elite

NFL Projection: Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round)

The clear standard-bearer of the 2026 safety class. A prototype modern safety with elite processing, positional versatility, and three-level impact. Capable of anchoring the backend while also functioning as a matchup eraser, run defender, and on-field communicator in disguise-heavy structures.

2). Dillon Thieneman, 6’0”, 207 lbs, Oregon

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Instinctive, high-IQ, multi-alignment safety who consistently impacts games with range, effort, and coverage awareness. Best suited for modern, multiple defenses that emphasize zone coverage and post-snap rotation.

3). Zakee Wheatley, 6’2”, 200 lbs, Penn State

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Rangy, instinctive post safety with strong ball skills and disciplined zone awareness. Best deployed as a single-high or split-field defender tasked with erasing vertical threats.

4). Jalon Kilgore, 6’1”, 211 lbs, South Carolina

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Explosive, physical safety with sub-package value and starter upside. Thrives in zone and match-zone systems where his short-area burst and click-and-close can be maximized.

5). Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, 6’2”, 202 lbs, Toledo

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Downhill, tone-setting safety with defined role value near the line of scrimmage. Most effective as a box or robber defender in zone-heavy structures that allow him to trigger aggressively.

6). Genesis Smith, 6’2”, 202 lbs, Arizona

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 3rd Round

Long, athletic coverage safety with centerfield range and movement skills. Offers upside as a coverage-first defender, with run support consistency still developing.

7). A.J. Haulcy, 6’0”, 222 lbs, LSU

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 3rd–4th Round

Linebacker-bodied safety with physicality and anticipation. Brings value as a box defender or robber in run-support-driven, zone-heavy defenses.

8). Kamari Ramsey, 6’0”, 204 lbs, USC

Grade Tier: Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 4th–5th Round

High-IQ defensive chess piece with strong zone instincts and positional flexibility. Best utilized in split-field, nickel, or robber roles rather than as a full-time post safety.

9). Jakobe Thomas, 6’2”, 200 lbs, Miami

Grade Tier: Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 4th–5th Round

Aggressive, downhill safety who thrives as a pressure piece and box defender. Playmaking ability stands out, though control and structure discipline remain key areas.

10). Bud Clark, 6’2”, 185 lbs, TCU

Grade Tier: Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 5th Round

Instinctive ball-hawk with strong route recognition and feel for zone coverage. Lacks ideal mass and true eraser range but offers value in disguise-based schemes.

How We Grade the Safety Position

Safeties are evaluated primarily on versatility, processing speed, and coverage impact. Grades are driven by how consistently a player functions across multiple alignments—post, split-field, slot, robber, and box—while maintaining assignment discipline.

Key factors include range and pursuit angles, route recognition and trigger speed, tackling efficiency in space, and the ability to rotate late and disguise coverage. While physicality and run support matter, coverage reliability and football intelligence carry the most weight in today’s pass-heavy NFL.

Football Scout 365 Grade Scale

Elite

NFL Projection: Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round)

Franchise-altering talent with elite physical tools, advanced processing, and minimal weaknesses. Immediate high-impact starter with difference-making ability.

Near Elite

NFL Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round

High-level prospect with strong traits and football intelligence. Expected to become a major contributor early in their career with Pro Bowl upside.

High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Projects as a quality NFL starter with strong tools and functional traits. May require refinement but offers consistent impact with development.

Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 4th–5th Round

Dependable starter or high-end rotational player. Solid athletic profile with some limitations that cap ceiling or require scheme fit.

Low-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 6th–7th Round

Developmental prospect with starter upside in defined roles. Inconsistencies in technique, processing, or durability limit long-term ceiling.

Backup Level

NFL Projection: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA)

Depth player or rotational piece. Functional traits but limited upside for a long-term starting role.

Not NFL Level

NFL Projection: Unlikely to Make NFL Roster

Significant developmental needs across athleticism, technique, or processing. Long-shot to stick at the NFL level.