2026 NFL Draft preview: Safety
View photos of the top safety prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
LSU defensive back A.J. Haulcy (13) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU defensive back A.J. Haulcy (36) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis (9) runs on the field during the first half of an NCAA football game against Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis (16) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) pursues a play on defense against the Akron during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren takes part in the school's NFL football pro day Monday, March 23, 2026, at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith (12) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Houston, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith (47) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman calls to teammates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Montana State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman (52) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley (6) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley participates in Penn State's football pro day in State College, Pa., Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
