Ranking Top 8 Safeties in 2026 NFL Draft Class

Steelers Now analyst Derrick Bell breaks down the top safety prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:40pm

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Steelers Now analyst Derrick Bell ranks the top eight safeties in the 2026 NFL Draft class, starting with Ohio State phenom Caleb Downs. The modern-day prototype for the safety position, Downs creates chaos with his quick trigger and frenetic energy, all while playing within the team construct. Other top prospects include Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, Mississippi State's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and Arizona's Treydan Stukes.

Why it matters

With the evolving role of safeties in the modern NFL, the 2026 draft class is providing a fair amount of talent, especially in the first couple rounds. Even after signing Jaquan Brisker, the Pittsburgh Steelers could still look to add another piece to the equation depending on how the board falls.

The details

Bell's top-ranked safety is Ohio State's Caleb Downs, who he describes as the 'modern-day prototype' for the position. Downs is followed by Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, a rangy safety with blazing speed, and Mississippi State's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a lanky defensive back with a knack for creating turnovers. Other top prospects include Arizona's Treydan Stukes, LSU's A.J. Haulcy, Penn State's Zakee Wheatley, TCU's Bud Clark, and Arizona's Genesis Smith.

  • On March 26, 2026, Caleb Downs participated in Ohio State's pro day.
  • On November 29, 2025, Dillon Thieneman recorded an interception against Washington.
  • On September 14, 2024, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren made a tackle for Toledo against Mississippi State.

The players

Caleb Downs

The modern-day prototype for the safety position, Caleb Downs creates chaos with his quick trigger and frenetic energy, all while playing within the team construct.

Dillon Thieneman

As rangy of a safety prospect as we have seen in a long time, Dillon Thieneman accelerates to his third gear instantly with blazing long speed that allows him to wipe away would-be completions down the field.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A lanky defensive back with an uncanny knack for punchouts and ripping the football away from ball carriers to create turnovers, while also being an enforcer over the middle of the field.

Treydan Stukes

An explosive sixth-year senior that excels playing from depth, Treydan Stukes has the short-area burst to pounce on quick game throws underneath and the jets to cap routes on the vertical plane.

A.J. Haulcy

A rocked up centerfielder with ball-hawking tendencies, A.J. Haulcy operates at his best with vision in the backfield where he can bait passers into ill-advised throws.

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What they’re saying

“Oregon S Dillon Thieneman has legit center fielder range and ball skills.He also might be the most universally loved player in this cycle by coaches and evaluators alike.”

— Derrick, Steelers_DB

“Arizona DB Treydan Stukes is one of my favorite prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft; cornerback or safety—he's a baller.Explosive athlete with oily hips and a natural feel for playing the ball at the apex.”

— Derrick, Steelers_DB

“If you're looking for a rangy centerfielder this year, Arizona FS Genesis Smith is your guy.Can quickly diagnose route combinations, an effortless mover in space and locates the football consistently in the air.”

— Derrick, Steelers_DB

The takeaway

This year's safety class is loaded with talent, providing the Pittsburgh Steelers and other teams in need of secondary help several intriguing options in the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. From the modern prototype in Caleb Downs to the rangy centerfielders like Dillon Thieneman and Genesis Smith, this group has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.