2026 NFL Draft Prospects: Safety

1/27/26: In 2025, Downs had 68 tackles with two interceptions, two forced fumbles, three passes 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.

<> 1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: Williams was a solid defender for the Rebels in 2025. He showed solid run defense skills with 73 tackles and some ball skills with three interceptions to go with 12 passes batted. In 2024, Williams had 100 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, four passes broken up, and three interceptions. If Williams performs well in pre-draft workouts, he could be a riser.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: In 2025, Thomas had 45 tackles and one sack. Thomas was a backup who flashed in limited duty in 2024. Thomas should have gone back to school but he entered the draft.

1/27/26: 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.

1/27/26: 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.

<> 1/27/26: 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.