2026 NFL Draft Bible: Safeties

All Access Football counts you down to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with our safety big board and scouting reports.

2026 NFL Draft Bible Big Board, Presented By Sports Management Worldwide.

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2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG

OFFICIAL 2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: SAFETIES

Buckle up for safety, as this position group is loaded, featuring a trio of prospects who could land in round one. Our No.1 rated overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft is Caleb Downs of Ohio State. A rangy, instinctual safety who can roam the backend, or step up in the box, Downs is a dynamic game-changer down the middle of the defense. While some are quick to point out his lack of prototype size, claiming he can’t quite be an enforcer, he brings plenty of physicality and has consistently played at a dominant level.

Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has been rocketing up draft boards after stellar play this past season. He had numerous tempting NIL offers to enter the transfer portal last season, but stayed true to the program, noting the success of his former teammate Quinyon Mitchell (Eagles). Now, McNeil-Warren has positioned himself to follow suit.

Another potential first round safety would be Dillon Thieneman of Oregon. A speedy, downhill thumper who brings the juice, Thieneman is one of the top overall athletes in the draft and is quick to shoot the gaps. Meanwhile, Bud Clark of TCU is an experienced playmaker with a knack for creating turnovers and the versatile Treydan Stukes of Arizona brings a rare size/speed combo that could allow him to play either safety or corner.

There is more than adequate depth amongst the position group to last well into early Day 3 of the draft with projected contributors.

Below is the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible Safeties Big Board, along with 37 in-depth scouting reports on the top prospects in the draft. For our expanded big board, including verified measurements, be sure to reserve your copy of the Draft Bible here (coming in April).

NFL DRAFT BIBLE SAFETY BIG BOARD

1. #Caleb Downs, Ohio State, Rd1

2. #Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo, Rd1

3. #Dillon Thieneman, Oregon, Rd2

4. #Bud Clark, TCU, Rd2

5. #Treydan Stukes, Arizona, Rd2

6. #Zakee Wheatley, Penn State, Rd3

7. #Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina, Rd3

8. #Jakobe Thomas, Miami, Rd3

9. #Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma, Rd3

10. #AJ Haulcy, LSU, Rd4

11. #VJ Payne, Kansas State, Rd4

12. #Genesis Smith, Arizona, Rd4

13. #Kamari Ramsey, USC, Rd5

14. #Lorenzo Styles, Ohio State, Rd5

15. #Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa, Rd6

16. Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech, Rd6

17. #Bishop Fitzgerald, USC, Rd6

18. #Dalton Johnson, Arizona, Rd7

19. #Deshon Singleton, Nebraska, Rd7

20. #Michael Taaffe, Texas, Rd7

21. Jacob Thomas, James Madison, HPFA

22. DQ Smith, South Carolina, HPFA

23. #Jalen Huskey, Maryland, HPFA

24. #Ahmaad Moses, SMU, HPFA

25. Clayton Lee-Powell, Georgia Tech, HPFA

26. Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame, HPFA

27. Daylan Carnell, Missouri, HPFA

28. Gavin Gibson, North Carolina, HPFA

29. Duce Chestnut, Syracuse, HPFA

30. Peter Manuma, Hawaii, HPFA

31. Nicholas Anderson, Wake Forest, HPFA

32. Brylan Green, Liberty, HPFA

33. Tanner Wall, BYU, HPFA

34. Caleb Weaver, Duke, HPFA

35. Austin Brown, Wisconsin, HPFA

36. Kolbey Taylor, Vanderbilt, HPFA

37. Wydett Williams, Ole Miss, HPFA

38. Miles Scott, Illinois, HPFA

39. Skyler Thomas, Oregon State, HPFA

40. Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU, HPFA

41. Myles Rowser, Arizona State, PFA

42. Elijah Blaky, Miami-Ohio, PFA

43. Jakari Foster, Louisiana Tech, PFA

44. Malik Spencer, Michigan State, PFA

45. Phillip Dunnam, UCF, PFA

46. Jett Elad, Rutgers, PFA

47. Silas Walters, Miami-Ohio, PFA

48. Cam Smith, Marshall, PFA

49. Xavion Alford, Arizona State, PFA

50. Jahron Manning, Mississippi State, PFA

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NFL DRAFT BIBLE SAFETY SCOUTING REPORTS

1. DOWNS, CALEB | Ohio State | S | Jr | #2 | Hoschton, GA | Day 1

Combine: HT: 5115 | WT: 206 | HD: 0948 | ARM: 3018

Pro Day: HT: 5115 | WT: 206 | HD: 0948 | ARM: 3028 | WS: 7328

Evaluation: A cornerstone talent, Downs owns the ability to be one of the top safeties in the NFL within the next couple of years. A key cog during the Buckeyes national championship run, Downs was sure to make his presence felt in Columbus the past two seasons, after transferring over from Alabama. The five-star recruit has delivered on the hype, making plays across the field on a weekly basis, while making a bushel of stops behind the line of scrimmage. What makes Downs one of the premier prospects for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is his cunning instincts, high football IQ and elite athleticism. His quick closing speed enables him to be a factor against the run and he provides stealth pass coverage. Aside from some open-field tackling issues that occasionally show up, there is little that Downs can’t do. This past season, he was counted on to assume a larger leadership role as one of the more experienced players. The Georgia native is known to be an extremely hard worker and stems from a family tree of NFL hierarchy, including his father, running back Gary Downs, brother Josh Downs and uncle Dre Bly. It has been 70 years since the last time a safety was drafted number one overall (Gary Glick) and while Downs is the best player in the Class of 2026, teams simply do not value safeties. Any NFL decision-maker who passes him up in the draft, will live to regret that mistake for the rest of their life.

Quotable: “When we started to go through it, you could tell he had a very high football IQ. It was the questions he asked, the details he wanted to know. He wanted to know what everybody was doing. These were questions that a coach would be asking or somebody else in the field would be asking. It was high-level stuff.” — Co-defensive coordinator Tim Walton on Ohio State S Caleb Downs

Background: Appeared in 44 games in three seasons at Ohio State (2024-25) and Alabama (2023). CFP national champion (2024). A two-time All-Big Ten First Team and two-time Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year (2024-25); Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Lott Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award Winner (2025). A two-time unanimous All-American (2024-25); Second Team All-American (2023). A standout in football, baseball and basketball at Mill Creek High School, ranked one of the top recruits in the nation and was named the All-American Bowl Player of the Year as a senior, in addition to 2023 USA Today Defensive Football Player of the Year. Majored in sports industry. The son of Tanya and Gary Downs, father was a running back for Giants, Broncos and Falcons. His sister, Kameron, is in medical school at Wake Forest. Brother, Josh, is a wide receiver on the Colts. Uncle, Dre Bly, was a two-time Pro Bowl selection at cornerback and a Super Bowl XXXIV champion.

Stats: Played 14 games in 2025, had 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, two pass deflections, two interceptions. In 44 career games, made 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 12 pass deflections, six interceptions.

Q: What part of your overall game do you take the most pride in?

“I would say my preparation honestly. My preparation before the game is really what allows me to play confident in the moment and on the field. So I would just say my instincts when that moment comes — seeing everything and reacting off that situation. Who helped set the tone for you to get here?”

Q: What is an aspect of your overall game that you need to work on?

A: “Honestly, I would just say every DB has to work on a lot of the same things — tackling in space, tackling in the box is something that everybody needs to work on, and coverage in general whether that’s man or zone.”

Q: What makes you the best player in this year’s draft class?

A: “I mean, my confidence level is always at the highest when I’m on the field and the belief in myself really never goes down no matter the circumstance. So I feel like my mind really puts me above a lot of people in terms of how I process the game and play with instincts and I feel like that’s what makes me special.”

2. MCNEIL-WARREN, EMMANUEL | Toledo | S | Sr | #7 | Tampa, FL | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6034 | WT: 201 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3218 | 40-YD: 4.52 (1.58) | VJ: 35.5” | BJ: 10-2

Evaluation: With his combination of size and length, McNeil-Warren presents himself as one of the more physically intimidating back-liners in the upcoming draft class. During his time at Toledo, the playmaker has shown that his skills are best utilized when he is deployed closer to the line of scrimmage where he can use his elite physical prowess to shut down his opponent. Although he can make an impact in all facets of the game, the lengthy safety shows true dominance in his ability to crash the line of scrimmage in run support. The bigger defensive back plays with a truly fearless mindset that will see him willingly and effectively engage in blocks with bigger lineman and often win those matchups despite a size disadvantage. Furthermore, McNeil-Warren has showcased the ability to channel his aggressive playing style in a productive way as he has been able to wreak havoc on ball-carriers across his three starting seasons where he has caused eight forced fumbles. However, the versatile player is not only a run support specialist as he has shown the capacity to be a true tight end eraser in man coverage. McNeil-Warren possesses very fluid and springy hips that allow him to change direction hastily and offer him elite short area quickness. Capitalizing on these physical gifts, the fourth-year senior shines in coverage when he is able to process what is happening in front of him. More of his struggles are highlighted when the box safety is tasked with playing deep coverage due to his inconsistencies with route anticipation. EMW is currently more of a reactive player as he is at his best when making a play on the ball but his ability to diagnose route combinations and read the passer’s eyes from a deep position will often cause issues for both his team and himself. The best chance at success at the professional level for the hybrid playmaker is being drafted to a team that has a capable and rangy deep coverage safety that will allow McNeil-Warren to display his physical gifts and aggression closer to the line of scrimmage. The Toledo Rocket holds a Day Two projection in the upcoming draft but his elite traits could provide a team with an exceptional return on investment.

Background: Named Second-Team All-America in 2025. Appeared in 48 games in five seasons (three-year starter). A three-star prospect coming out of Lakewood High School. Grew up in a home with eight other siblings under his father Tarus Horne.

Stats: Played 13 games in 2025, had 77 tackles, five and a half tackles for loss, half sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, five pass deflections, two interceptions, one touchdown. In 48 career games, had 214 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, one sack, nine forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 13 pass deflections, five interceptions, one touchdown.

3. THIENEMAN, DILLON | Oregon | S | Jr | #31 | Carmel, IN | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6001 | WT: 201 | HD: 0900 | ARM: 3138 | 40-YD: 4.35 (1.52) | VJ: 41” | BJ: 10-5

Pro Day: HT: 6001 | WT: 201 | HD: 0900 | ARM: 3138 | WS: 7818

Evaluation: A three-year starter dating back to his days at Purdue, this ball-hawk safety brings a ball-hawk mentality along with great hands, excelling at high-pointing the ball. Thiesneman possesses exceptional sideline-to-sideline range, plus the ability to close quickly and make tackles in bunches. Other positive attributes include instincts to disrupt and break up passes, plus fluid hips to change direction and close on the ball carrier. Theineman owns scheme flexibility, able to play in zone, or man coverage and in the box against the run. He runs towards contact and is an extremely stout run-stuffer. Additionally, Theineman demonstrates great discipline and a high football IQ, to read-and-react. He’s constantly in position to attack the ball-carrier against the run, despite a leaner frame and a natural ability to disrupt pass lanes due to his strength/power to deliver the hit and dislodge the ball. Overall his combination of speed, agility and relentless motor is what makes Thieneman such an appealing prospect, as he seems to be trending towards a potential first round pick leading up to April.

Quotable: “It was a was a hard process, very hard decision, leaving Purdue with all the connections I had there but I felt that second year, I didn’t perform as well as I needed to, both personally and then as a team, I felt we didn’t perform and then I felt like it wasn’t being developed the way I needed to, the way I wanted to, to make it to that next level. So ended up going to the portal.” – Dillon Thieneman on his decision to transfer from Purdue to Oregon

Background: Last name pronounced (THEE-na-man). Appeared in 39 games at Oregon (2025) and Purdue (2023-24). All-American and All Big Ten FIrst Team (2025). All-American Third Team, All-Big Ten Second Team and All Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2023). A three-star recruit out of Westfield High School; The 2022 Indiana Football Coaches Association Mr. Football. Has two brothers, Jake, and Brennan who both played safety at Purdue.

4. CLARK, BUD | TCU | S | rSr | #21 | Alexandria, LA | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6007 | WT: 188 | HD: 0900 | ARM: 3148 | 40-YD: 4.41 (1.56) | VJ: 38” | BJ: 10-7

Senior Bowl: HT: 6010 | WT: 185 | HD: 0918 | ARM: 3158

Evaluation: A human drone, Clark covers immense ground due to keen instincts and awareness, plus excellent anticipatory skills. Blessed with prototype size and length, Clark is a high-energy player whom teammates gravitate towards. He has proven throughout his career to be a consistent presence on the back end that offenses must gameplan for each week. The calling card of his skillset and what may be the reason that provides him a chance to have a successful career in the NFL are his natural instincts, plus astute awareness to consistently be in the right position to make the play in coverage. The Louisiana native doesn’t make many mental errors, despite playing with a very aggressive mindset. At the East-West Shrine Bowl, he constantly showed up around the football this week, getting his hands on batted balls and making plays against the run. He stuck with LSU speedster Chris Hilton Jr. on several occasions during one-on-one reps, while coming up with a high-point interception to close out the day three portion of team scrimmage. It was also noticeable as to how many plays Clark makes with the self-awareness to not get flagged for a penalty. His 15 career interceptions only solidifies the case for what a special player Clark is and projects as an immediate plug-and-play starter.

Background: Senior Bowl participant and three-time Horned Frogs team captain. Appeared in 47 games in four seasons at TCU; two-time All-Big 12 Second Team (2024-25). An ankle ailment held him out of two games in 2025, an injury that has popped up several times during his collegiate career, which held him out of action for brief stints in 2022 and 2021. A four-star recruit out of Alexandria High School. He is the father to his son Kenzo Clark ,who was born in 2023.

Stats: Played 11 games in 2025, had 56 tackles, one and a half tackles, one sack, seven pass deflections, four interceptions, one interception touchdown. In 61 career games, had 214 tackles, three and a half tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery 21 pass deflections, 15 interceptions, two interception touchdowns.

5. STUKES, TREYDAN | Arizona | DB | #2 | rSr | Litchfield Park, AZ | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6010 | WT: 190 | HD: 0848 | ARM: 3168

Evaluation: Anchoring the Wildcats secondary on the nation’s seventh-ranked pass defense in 2025, Stukes boasts an impressive NFL makeup and natural leadership. He bounced back strong from a devastating season-ending knee injury the year prior, missing just the first two games of his 2025 campaign. Stukes stepped in to lead the defensive unit that ranked amongst the best in the country in pass efficiency defense (97.20). Operating primarily as a slot corner with versatility to shift between press-man and aggressive zone coverages, Stukes displays a very high football IQ, smooth movement in two-high shells, twitchy reactions in off-coverage and explosive closing speed. His underrated physicality shows up as a sticky, reliable tackler—he posted a career-high nine tackles and an interception in a tough blowout loss to Iowa State. As a veteran ball-hawk, Stukes can climb the ladder for highlight-reel grabs, such as his standout play against Arizona State that kept opposing offenses constantly on alert. With the size, speed and experience to play cornerback or safety, Stukes has played himself into early-round consideration.

Quotable: “He talked to the team last night. He’s in his sixth year. He went through the ACL, he talked about just that long road back for him, how hard that was and just what a special night for him with the interception and obviously a bunch of tackles. He is just such an impactful player, such a great leader for us.” – Arizona HC Brent Brennan on Treydan Stukes following an impactful win on Senior Day (2025)

Background: A Shrine Bowl selection who later earned a Senior Bowl invite; opted out of the Mobile game, which shifted his focus abruptly to the NFL Combine. He spent his entire collegiate career at Arizona (2020–25), delivering his best season in 2025 with AP Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 12 honors. A team captain, he suffered a season-ending knee injury (Torn ACL) against Utah after four games in 2024. Stukes earned All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention in 2023 and finished his career with 38 starts in 52 games for the Wildcats. Majoring in General Studies – Sports & Society, Stukes was a two-way player at Millennium High School (AZ), where he was a state champion in the triple jump and a long-jump finalist. He is the son of Ray Stukes (who played football at Pacific and in the Arena League) and Theresa Tirres, and has four siblings: brother Denzel and sisters Terayah, Lexi-Rayn, and Nya.

Stats: Played 10 games in 2025, had 52 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, six pass deflections, four interceptions. In 52 career games, had 206 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one sack, 29 pass deflections, seven interceptions.

6. WHEATLEY, ZAKEE | Penn State | S | #6 | rSr | Crofton, MD | Day 2