2026 NFL Draft Prospects: Safety

9/10/25: Downs has seven tackles with an interception. He was quiet against Texas but had an interception against Gambling. In 2024, Downs had 81 tackles with six passes broken up, one forced fumble, and two interceptions while helping the Buckeyes win a National Championship. Downs was superb for Alabama in 2023, consistently making an impact all over the field for the Crimson Tide. He totaled 107 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and three passes defended. After the season, Downs transferred from Alabama to Ohio State. Downs’ instincts are off the charts with tremendous speed, agility, and he is a very good tackler.

9/10/25: In 2025, has nine tackles and one sack. Sabb was a tough defender for Alabama in 2024. He had 39 tackles with two interceptions and four passes broken up. As a Michigan Wolverine in 2023, Sabb had 28 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes broken up.

9/10/25: In 2025, Kilgore has three tackles thus far. Kilgore was a ballhawk in 2024 with five interceptions, 48 tackles and five passes defended. In 2023 he had 76 tackles with six passes broken up, one interception, and one forced fumble. Gilgore is tall, and thickly built for the NFL.

9/10/25: In 2025, Payne has 15 tackles. Payne is part of a tough safety tandem for the Wildcats. With good size and strength, Payne is a physical tackler and a strong safety type. He also showed some interchangeable ability to play deep free safety. In 2024, Payne had 68 tackles with two interceptions and three passes broken up. The previous season, he had 57 tackles with an interception and three breakups.

2/22/25: Moore has not played yet this season, but he has been practicing and could return soon. Moore did not play this season after suffering a torn ACL in March of 2024. During Moore’s freshman season, he started four games while contributing on special teams. Since then, Moore has locked down a starting safety position starting as a sophomore in 2022 and has been a reliable defender for the Wolverines. In 2022, he had 71 tackles with four interceptions and seven passes broken up. In 2023, Moore had 38 tackles with two interceptions and five passes broken up. Moore has quality ball skills and is a versatile safety on the back end.

9/10/25: In 2025, McNeil-Warren has 13 tackles with an interception, forced fumble, and one pass defended. McNeil-Warren was a good player for the Rockets in 2024 and showed good tackling ability. He had 61 stops with an interception, four passes defended, and a forced fumble. He had four forced fumbles, two interceptions, three breakups, and 68 tackles in 2023. McNeil-Warren has the upside to be an early-rounder.

9/10/25: In 2025, Barnes has zero tackles thus far. Barnes showed impressive playmaking ability in coverage in 2024 with some splash plays for the Tigers’ defense. As a sophomore, he totaled four interceptions with three passes defended and 61 tackles. As a freshman, he had three interceptions with six passes broken up and 38 tackles. Barnes could fit as a free safety for the NFL, and it would help him to add strength and improve tackling for the next level.

9/10/25: To open 2025, Thieneman has six tackles with one pass batted. Thieneman was a tough safety for Purdue over the past two seasons. He was a good run defender who made some nice plays in coverage as well. In 2024, he had 104 tackles with six passes broken up. The previous season, he had 106 tackles with six interceptions, two passes batted, and two forced fumbles. If Thieneman shows well in coverage, he could be a riser.

9/10/25: In 2025, Hubbard has eight tackles. Hubbard was a solid, strong safety for Alabama as a sophomore, totaling 57 tackles with three interceptions and two passes defended. He has the upside to rise after gaining some experience.

<> 9/10/25: In 2025 Ramsey has three tackles. Ramsey played well for the Trojans in 2024, totaling 60 tackles with an interception, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles. With his speed and athleticism, Ramsey could fit as a free safety prospect for the NFL.

9/10/25: In 2025, Bailey has seven tackles with a forced fumble. Bailey is a strong safety who is a good tackler and is willing to get physical. In 2024, Bailey had 94 tackles with an interception, eight passes broken up, and two forced fumbles. If he shows good coverage skills in 2025, he could be a riser.

9/10/25: Thus far in 2025, Clark has five tackles with an interception. In 2024, Clark had 68 tackles, three interceptions, and three passes broken up. Clark recorded 33 tackles, three interceptions, and five passes broken up in 2023. Clark was a solid presence in 2022, recording five interceptions, five passes broken up, and 45 tackles. Clark has quality height and length, but he could stand to add weight to his frame for tackling in the NFL.

9/10/25: In 2025, Haulcy has five tackles with a pass broken up. Haulcy had an excellent season for Houston in 2024 with five interceptions, seven passes defended, and 74 tackles. He was productive in the previous two seasons with 97 tackles in 2023 and 86 in 2022 while playing at New Mexico. Over those two seasons, he totaled two interceptions and six breakups. After two seasons with Houston, Haulcy transferred to LSU.

9/10/25: In 2025, Spencer has eight takcles with a sack. Spencer had 44 tackles with an interception and two passes batted. In 2023, Spencer started eight games at safety for the Spartans and had a respectable season. He totaled 72 tackles with six passes broken up. In 2025, Spencer needs to produce more splash plays in coverage.

<> 9/10/25: In 2025, Maldonado has four tackles. Maldonado had a big season in 2023 for Arizona with 79 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a pass broken up. Maldonado played in four games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending injury. After the season, he transferred to Kansas State.

9/10/25: In 2025, Spears-Jennings has six tackles. Spears-Jennings was a quality defender for the Sooners in 2024. He totaled 66 tackles with 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, an interception, and one pass broken up. He had 38 tackles the previous season. Spears-Jennings needs to show more coverage skills to rise.

9/10/25: In 2025, Thomas has three tackles thus far. Thomas was a backup who flashed in limited duty in 2024. With Malaki Starks off to the NFL, Thomas could be a safety who is a riser in 2025.

9/10/25: Thus far in 2025, Smith has 12 tackles. Smith has been a solid safety for the Gamecocks over the past three seasons. In 2024, Smith had 37 tackles with an interception and three passes defended while dealing with a back injury. In 2023, he had a strong season with 73 tackles, an interception, and two passes batted. He had two picks and six breakups in 2022 with 54 tackles.

9/10/25: In 2025, Castell has five tackles. Castell is a solid strong safety for Florida, and he showed improvement throughout 2024. He recorded 55 tackles with nine passes broken up. The previous season, Castell had 59 tackles with an interception and three breakups. He needs to show well in coverage to rise.

9/10/25: In 2025, Bowen has eight tackles. Bowen flashed some for the Sooners over the past two seasons. He should take on a bigger role in 2025. He needs to produce more plays in coverage to rise.