2026 NFL Draft Prospects: Safety

12/3/25: In 2025, Downs has 52 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.

<> 12/3/25: In 2025, Ramsey has 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.

12/3/25: 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 55 tackles with four interceptions, eight passes broken up, and one forced fumble. Hubbard could be a day-two pick with starting potential.

12/3/25: In 2025, Sabb has 38 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Kilgore has 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, McNeil-Warren has 73 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.

12/3/25: 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Payne has 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Bowen has 43 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.

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.

12/3/25: Thus far 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.

12/3/25: 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 has 37 tackles with one sack, one interception, and two passes defended. In 2023, he had 55 tackles with 43 stops in 2022.

12/3/25: In 2025, Barnes has 40 tackles with two passes broken up 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Huskey has 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 post-season.

12/3/25: In 2025, Bailey has 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Haulcy has 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Spencer has 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.

<> 12/3/25: In 2025, Maldonado has 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Spears-Jennings has 57 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Thomas has 36 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.

12/3/25: Thus far in 2025, Smith has 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.

12/3/25: In 2025, Castell has 54 tackles with two inerceptions. 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.