Top 2026 NFL Draft Safety Prospects to Watch Entering the 2025 College Football Season

The journey to the 2026 NFL Draft continues.

Safeties may not always dominate the headlines, but the 2026 NFL Draft class features a dynamic blend of elite centerfielders and versatile hybrid defenders. This is a scheme-diverse safety group led by Ohio State's Caleb Downs—a true blue-chip prospect with All-Pro potential—and supported by versatile, high-IQ playmakers who can thrive in today’s NFL.

In this breakdown, we evaluate the Top 2026 NFL Draft safeties to watch entering the 2025 college football season. We break down current draft grades, ceiling projections, and scheme fits for versatile playmakers like Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, and more. Some prospects are already tracking as first-rounders, while others could rise with improved coverage instincts, tackling consistency, or expanded versatility in multi-safety schemes.

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Top 2026 NFL Draft safeties to watch

Elite

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

Rare, franchise-altering talent with elite tools and polished instincts. Projects as a top-5 to top-10 pick. NFL Draft Projection: Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round)

Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Analysis: Downs is a generational safety prospect with elite instincts, positional versatility, and proven production at Alabama and Ohio State. He’s effective from deep, in the box, or the slot and rarely makes mental errors. His game speed, tackling, and football IQ are NFL-ready. Downs enters 2025 as a top-10 lock with Defensive Rookie of the Year upside.

Near Elite

NFL Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round

High-caliber player with Pro Bowl upside and minimal flaws. Expected to become a major contributor by Year 2.

Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Analysis: Thieneman is a rangy, instinctive safety with proven production and leadership traits. He totaled 210 tackles and six interceptions at Purdue, showing excellent range and anticipation as a deep safety. At Oregon, he’ll be featured in a more aggressive, multiple-front system. With continued growth in man coverage, he has a clear path to Round 1.

Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Draft Projection: 4th–5th Round

Dependable and scheme-versatile with upside. Not elite athletically, but offers strong instincts and foundational traits.

Rod Moore, Michigan

Analysis: Moore is a zone-savvy safety with excellent play recognition and range in Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells. He’s an instinctive open-field defender with balanced run-pass value. While not a top-tier athlete, his processing and reaction speed make him scheme-versatile. He fits best in split-zone or quarters-based NFL defenses.

Kamari Ramsey, USC

Analysis: Ramsey is a physical, high-IQ safety who can align deep, in the slot, or in the box. A transfer from UCLA, he quickly earned the green dot and became USC’s defensive leader. He thrives in match-zone schemes with his processing and short-area quickness. While his long speed is limited, he projects as an early NFL contributor in hybrid roles.

Bray Hubbard, Alabama

Analysis: Hubbard burst onto the scene in 2024 with elite coverage metrics, including a PFF grade of 89.7 and a nation-leading 21.3 passer rating allowed. A former quarterback, his anticipation and route recognition stand out. He fits best in zone-heavy schemes but must clean up his tackling technique to become a reliable every-down starter.

Michael Taaffe, Texas

Analysis: Taaffe is a coach-on-the-field type with rare football IQ and leadership. A former walk-on, he’s now the cerebral anchor of Texas’ secondary. His processing in zone and toughness make up for his average athleticism. He’ll thrive in split-field coverage systems and contribute on special teams early in his NFL career.

Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa

Analysis: Nwankpa brings NFL-ready size and downhill power as a strong safety. His 2023 breakout campaign showcased his range and tackling ability, though 2024 brought inconsistency in space. He’s best in box-heavy alignments or quarters shells, where he can trigger downhill and support the run. With improved zone vision, he could push into Day 2.