Top-Tier Prospects
Caleb Downs - Ohio State | Jr. | 6-0 / 205
Viewed by many as a "generational" talent and a pound-for-pound top-five prospect in the entire draft class. Scouts rave about his elite instincts, exceptional football IQ, and rare versatility to play deep, in the box, or at nickel. Downs is described as a "polished" and "complete" safety - a player who doesn't have a true weakness on tape. His ball skills, tackling efficiency, and leadership profile make him a plug-and-play starter at the next level.
Dillon Thieneman - Oregon | Soph. | 6-0 / 201
The "chameleon" of this safety class. Thieneman clocked a 4.35 40 and backed it up on film with elite range as a single-high safety. Evaluators point to his top-shelf coverage instincts and seamless ability to rotate into the box when the situation demands it. Despite being a sophomore, he plays like a seasoned veteran. The projection: a Pro Bowl-caliber safety within his first three NFL seasons.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - Toledo | Sr. | 6-4 / 202
A rising star out of the Group of Five ranks who has put the scouting community on notice. His 6-4 frame is genuinely rare at the position, and he's used it to become one of the most physical box safeties in the class - forcing 9 fumbles over four college seasons. Scouts project him as a Day 2 pick with high-end starter potential, drawing comparisons to a Justin Reid archetype: long, tough, and reliable against the run.
High-Impact Prospects (Projected Day 2/3)
Keionte Scott - Miami | Sr. | 5-11 / 193
An "electric" and versatile nickel/slot defender who brings relentless energy to every snap. Scott is regarded as an excellent blitzer with the physicality to match up against bigger slot receivers - drawing comparisons to Sauce Gardner's style of play in the slot. His ability to line up at both nickel and safety gives defensive coordinators real flexibility at the next level.
Jalon Kilgore | Sr. | 6-1 / 210
Regarded as a versatile and physical safety who can operate comfortably in multiple alignments. Projects as a dependable starting option with the size to match up against tight ends in coverage.
Xavier Nwankpa - Iowa | Sr. | 6-3 / 208
A highly pedigreed prospect who arrived at Iowa with massive expectations - and largely lived up to them. Nwankpa brings elite length to the position and the athleticism to match, giving coordinators a true centerfield option who can erase the deep half of the field.
Kamari Ramsey - USC | Jr. | 6-0 / 202
Ramsey's calling card is coverage - specifically his ability to shadow slot receivers in man-to-man situations. In an era where offenses are flooding the middle of the field with slot weapons, Ramsey's skill set is more valuable than ever. A polished technician who should find a home quickly on an NFL roster.
Developmental & Key Depth Prospects
Genesis Smith - Arizona | Jr. | 6-2 / 204 - A long, rangy deep-half safety with excellent closing speed on vertical routes.
A.J. Haulcy - LSU | Sr. | 6-0 / 215 - A classic "thumper" in the box. Won't wow you in coverage but is a force against the run and as a blitzer near the line of scrimmage.
Zakee Wheatley - Penn State | Sr. | 6-3 / 203 - An instinctive zone safety who covers ground efficiently and rarely gets out of position.
Robert Spears-Jennings - Oklahoma | Sr. | 6-2 / 205 - A rangy defender with good length and solid ball skills in zone coverage.
Bud Clark - TCU | Sr. | 6-2 / 190 - Offers real upside as a ball-hawk. Shows above-average hands and the ability to make contested catches in the air look routine.
Bishop Fitzgerald - USC | Sr. | 5-11 / 205 - A dependable, no-frills box safety who does his job without needing to be schemed around.
VJ Payne - Kansas State | Sr. | 6-3 / 208 - Offers genuine position flexibility throughout the secondary. A chess piece defensive coordinators can move around based on matchups.
Michael Taaffe - Texas | Sr. | 6-0 / 189 - The "smart" safety in the class. High motor, excellent processing speed, and a natural communicator in the secondary.
Louis Moore - Indiana | Sr. | 5-11 / 200 - A steady, reliable presence in the box. Won't stand out on the stat sheet but consistently limits his mistakes.
Jakobe Thomas - Miami | Sr. | 6-1 / 211 - A physical and tough safety who is unafraid of contact. Projects as a core special teams contributor with upside at box safety.
DeShon Singleton - Nebraska | Sr. | 6-3 / 205 - Length and range are his calling cards. A developmental player with enough tools to stick on a 53-man roster as a depth piece.
Jalen Huskey - Maryland | Sr. | 6-1 / 196 - Brings elite short-area burst and acceleration to the position. Projects as a nickel/safety hybrid at the next level.
Ahmaad Moses - SMU | Sr. | 5-9 / 196 - The smallest name on this list, but his quickness and agility in space are genuinely special. A gadget piece with special teams value on Day 3.
