2026 NFL Draft Prospects: S



The top 2026 Safety prospects available for the 2026 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2027 prospect. ** – denotes 2028 prospect.

This page was last updated Dec. 31, 2025. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

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2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P


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1. Ohio State image Caleb Downs*, S, Ohio State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 203.
Projected 40 Time: 4.43.
Projected Round (2026): 1.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Malaki Starks, Georgia
    -Drafted, no. 27 Ravens
  • ’24 – Cooper DeJean, Iowa
    -Drafted, no. 40 Eagles
  • ’23 – Brian Branch, Alabama
    -Drafted, no. 45 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, Downs has 60 tackles with two interceptions, one pass broken up, and one sack. 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.



2. USC image Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Height: 6-0. Weight: 204.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2026): 2-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
    -Drafted, no. 35 Seahawks
  • ’24 – Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
    -Drafted, no. 47 Giants
  • ’23 – Jartavius 'Quan' Martin, Illinois
    -Drafted, no. 47 Broncos


<> 1/3/26: In 2025, Ramsey had 27 tackles and two passes defended. 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.



3. LSU image A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 2-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
    -Drafted, no. 96 Falcons
  • ’24 – Javon Bullard, Georgia
    -Drafted, no. 58 Packers
  • ’23 – Sydney Brown, Illinois
    -Drafted, no. 66 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, Haulcy had 89 tackles with three interceptions and four passes 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.



4. Toledo image Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Height: 6-2. Weight: 202.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 2-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Billy Bowman, Oklahoma
    -Drafted, no. 118 Falcons
  • ’24 – Kamren Kinchens, Miami
    -Drafted, no. 99 Rams
  • ’23 – Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
    -Drafted, no. 160 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, McNeil-Warren had 77 tackles with two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and five passes 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.



5. South Carolina image Javon Kilgore*, S, South Carolina
Height: 6-2. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 2-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
    -Drafted, no. 232 Colts
  • ’24 – Cole Bishop, Utah
    -Drafted, no. 60 Bills
  • ’23 – Daniel Scott, California
    -Drafted, no. 158 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, Kilgore had 54 tackles with 10 passes broken up, and two interceptions 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.



6. Oregon image Dillon Thieneman*, S, Oregon
Height: 6-0. Weight: 207.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2026): 2-3.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Andrew Mukuba, Texas
    -Drafted, no. 64 Eagles
  • ’24 – Calen Bullock, USC
    -Drafted, no. 78 Texans
  • ’23 – Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame

1/3/26: In 2025, Thieneman has 64 tackles with four passes batted and two interceptions. 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.



7. Alabama image Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 206.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Projected Round (2026): 2-4.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Dante Trader, Maryland
    -Drafted, no. 155 Dolphins
  • ’24 – James Williams, Miami
    -Drafted, no. 242 Titans
  • ’23 – Demarco Hellams, Alabama
    -Drafted, no. 224 Broncos

1/3/26: While Keon Sabb has the bigger name, Hubbard has been the Crimson Tide’s most consistent safety this season. He has been a tough run defender and quality zone coverage strong safety in the middle of the field. In 2025, he has 66 tackles with four interceptions, eight passes broken up, and one forced fumble. Hubbard could be a day-two pick with starting potential, but Hubbard needs to improve his pass coverage for the NFL.



8. Alabama image Keon Sabb*, S, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 206.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Projected Round (2026): 2-4.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Jonas Sanker, Virginia
    -Drafted, no. 93 Saints
  • ’24 – Jaden Hicks, Washington State
    -Drafted, no. 133 Chiefs
  • ’23 – Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State
    -Drafted, no. 87 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, Sabb has 43 tackles with an interception and three passes batted. 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. TCU image Bud Clark, S, TCU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
    -Drafted, no. 122 Panthers
  • ’24 – Tykee Smith, Georgia
    -Drafted, no. 89 Buccaneers
  • ’23 – Jordan Battle, Alabama
    -Drafted, no. 95 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, Clark was a nice coverage safety for the Horned Frogs, showing the ability to contribute downfield. Clark recorded 54 tackles with four interceptions and five passes broken up. In 2024, he had 68 tackles with three interceptions and three passes defended.



10. Penn State image Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Sebastian Castro, Iowa
  • ’24 – Evan Williams, Oregon
    -Drafted, no. 111 Packers
  • ’23 – Jay Ward, LSU
    -Drafted, no. 134 Broncos

1/3/26: Wheatley has been a quality strong safety and run defender during his collegiate career. In 2025, he had 74 tackles with an interception and one pass broken up. He totaled 95 tackles with three interceptions and four passes batted in 2024. Wheately is sleeper with the potential to rise.



11. Texas image Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Height: 6-0. Weight: 189.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Malachi Moore, Alabama
    -Drafted, no. 130 Jets
  • ’24 – Sione Vaki, Utah
    -Drafted, no. 132 Lions
  • ’23 – J.L. Skinner, Boise State
    -Drafted, no. 183 Broncos

1/3/26: Taaffe had a strong season for the Longhorns and was a solid defender. He did a nice job helping in the ground game, totaling 70 tackles. Taaffe had two interceptions and one pass broken up. The previous season, Taaffe had 78 tackles with two interceptions and 10 passes broken up. Taaffe needs to get stronger to tackle in the NFL.



12. Miami image Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
Height: 6-2. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Caleb Ransaw, Tulane
    -Drafted, no. 88 Jaguars
  • ’24 – Beau Brade, Maryland
  • ’23 – Chris Smith, Georgia

1/3/26: In 2025, Thomas has 57 tackles with two forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, four interceptions, and four passes broken up. He has been a solid and productive defender for the Hurricanes. He could rise if he works out well in the lead-up to the draft.



13. Nebraska image Deshon Singleton, S, Nebraska
Height: 6-3. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Maxen Hook, Toledo
  • ’24 – Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State
    -Drafted, no. 169 Packers
  • ’23 – Jammie Robinson, Florida State
    -Drafted, no. 145 Broncos

1/3/26: Singleton has good size for the NFL, and he had a solid 2025 season for the Cornhuskers. Singleton totaled 70 tackles with two interceptions and four passes broken up. Singleton could be a mid-round backup that contributes on special teams while seeing if he can develop into a larger role.



14. Kansas State image V.J. Payne, S, Kansas State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Shamari Simmons, Arizona State
  • ’24 – Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
    -Drafted, no. 164 Lions
  • ’23 – Cameron Mitchell, Northwestern
    -Drafted, no. 142 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, Payne had 59 tackles with two forced fumbles and three passes broken up. 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.



15. Oklahoma image Peyton Bowen*, S, Oklahoma
Height: 6-0. Weight: 198.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Marcus Sigle, Kansas State
    -Drafted, no. 160 49ers
  • ’24 – Josh Proctor, Ohio State
  • ’23 – Gervarrius Owens, Houston
    -Drafted, no. 254 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, Bowen had 46 tackles, two interceptions, and seven passes broken up. 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.



16. Michigan image Rod Moore, S, Michigan
Height: 6-0. Weight: 198.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Sebastian Castro, Iowa
  • ’24 – Jaylon Carlies, Missouri
    -Drafted, no. 151 Colts
  • ’23 – Jordan Howden, Minnesota
    -Drafted, no. 146 Broncos

2/22/25: Moore returned to the field in late September and had six tackles and one interception in three games. He went out of the lineup in mid-October. 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.



17. Arizona image Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
Height: 6-2. Weight: 202.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
    -Drafted, no. 82 Titans
  • ’24 – Demani Richardson, Texas A&M
  • ’23 – Rashad Torrence, Florida

1/3/26: In 2025, Smith has 77 tackles with two forced fumbles, an interception, and eight passes defended. In 2024, he had 64 tackles with two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and six passes broken up. Smith is a sleeper with the potential to rise.



18. Notre Dame image Jalen Stroman, S, Notre Dame
Height: 6-1. Weight: 199.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Mike Smith, Eastern Kentucky
  • ’24 – Andre' Sam, LSU
  • ’23 – Kaevon Merriweather, Iowa

1/3/26: Stroman was a tough defender for the Fighting Irish in 2025. He was a nice zone coverage safety who also showed the ability to get physical. In 2025, he had 37 tackles with one sack, one interception, and two passes defended. In 2023, he had 55 tackles with 43 stops in 2022.



19. Clemson image Khalil Barnes*, S, Clemson
Height: 6-0. Weight: 195.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Keondre Jackson, Illinois State
  • ’24 – Patrick McMorris, California
    -Drafted, no. 198 Dolphins
  • ’23 – Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

1/3/26: In 2025, Barnes had 40 tackles with two passes broken up. 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.



20. Maryland image Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland
Height: 6-2. Weight: 201.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Shiloh Sanders, Colorado
  • ’24 – Daijahn Anthony, Ole Miss
    -Drafted, no. 224 Bengals
  • ’23 – Trey Dean, Florida

1/3/26: In 2025, Huskey had 72 tackles with four interceptions and two passes broken up. He has been a solid safety for the Terps. In 2024, Huskey had 45 tackles with three interceptions and one pass broken up. Huskey could rise with a strong postseason.



21. Illinois image Matthew Bailey, S, Illinois
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons
  • ’25 – Rayuan Lane III, Navy
    -Drafted, no. 200 Jaguars
  • ’24 – Tyler Owens, Texas Tech
  • ’23 – Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech
    -Drafted, no. 119 Broncos

1/3/26: In 2025, Bailey had 76 tackles with two forced fumbles and two passes batted. 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.



22. Michigan State image Malik Spencer, S, Michigan State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 206.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’24 – Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech
    -Drafted, no. 104 Cardinals
  • ’23 – Patrick McMorris, San Diego State

1/3/26: In 2025, Spencer had 52 tackles with two sacks and five passes broken up. 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.



23. Kansas State image Gunner Maldonado, S, Kansas State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’24 – Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
    -Drafted, no. 124 49ers


<> 1/3/26: In 2025, Maldonado had 39 tackles with two interceptions and two passes broken up. 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.



24. Oklahoma image Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma
Height: 6-1. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’24 – Ryan Watts, Texas
    -Drafted, no. 195 Steelers

1/3/26: In 2025, Spears-Jennings had 59 tackles with an interception, two passes broken up, and a forced fumble. 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.



25. Georgia image JaCorey Thomas*, S, Georgia
Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’24 – Mark Perry, TCU

1/3/26: In 2025, Thomas has 42 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.



26. South Carolina image D.Q. Smith, S, South Carolina
Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2026): 4-6.

Previous Seasons
  • ’24 – Jaylen Key, Alabama
    -Drafted, no. 257 Jets

1/3/26: In 2025, Smith had 64 tackles with an interception and one pass broken up. 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.



27. Florida image Jordan Castell*, S, Florida
Height: 6-2. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2026): 5-7.

Previous Seasons
  • ’24 – Millard Bradford, TCU

1/3/26: In 2025, Castell had 54 tackles with two interceptions. 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.



2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P


New - Build your own Prospect Rankings or view other Reader's Rankings