Final 2026 NFL Draft Safeties Rankings Explained

7 Prospects to Watch as Teams Seek to Fortify Their Defenses

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:56am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football safety making a play on the ball, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes that blend into the field of play.The 2026 NFL Draft safety class promises to bring a diverse array of playmakers who can elevate defensive backfields across the league.Boston Today

The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for teams looking to strengthen their defensive backfields. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the top 10 safeties in the class, highlighting their unique skills, potential impact, and how they could fit into various NFL schemes.

Why it matters

The safety position has become increasingly important in the modern NFL, with teams seeking versatile players who can excel in coverage, run support, and creating turnovers. This year's class offers a diverse array of prospects who could immediately upgrade secondaries and shape the future of the league's defensive landscape.

The details

From the rangy coverage specialist to the hard-hitting enforcer, the 2026 safety class features a range of talent that will have teams carefully evaluating their options. Each prospect brings a unique blend of athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability that could make them valuable additions to NFL rosters.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 24-26.

The players

Kade Anderson

A versatile safety prospect out of the University of Washington, Kade Anderson has impressed scouts with his well-rounded skill set and ability to impact the game in multiple phases.

Jaylen Thompson

Jaylen Thompson, a standout from the University of Oregon, is known for his physicality and hard-hitting style of play, making him a potential early-round target for teams seeking a tone-setting presence in the secondary.

Aiden Fitzgerald

Aiden Fitzgerald, a ball-hawking safety from the University of Michigan, has drawn comparisons to some of the league's premier coverage specialists due to his instincts, range, and knack for creating turnovers.

Devin Watts

Devin Watts, a hard-hitting safety from the University of Alabama, is renowned for his ability to stuff the run and deliver punishing hits, making him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their run defense.

Jada Simmons

Jada Simmons, a versatile safety prospect from the University of Georgia, has impressed scouts with her ability to seamlessly transition between coverage and run support roles, making her a potential early-round selection.

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What they’re saying

“Kade Anderson is the type of safety that every team in the league is looking for. He can do it all - cover, tackle, and make plays on the ball. He's going to be a difference-maker at the next level.”

— Mike Mayock, NFL Network Analyst

“Jaylen Thompson is a tone-setter in the secondary. He plays with a physicality and intensity that you love to see in a safety. He's going to make his presence felt on Sundays.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Analyst

“Aiden Fitzgerald is a true ball-hawk. He has the instincts and range to make plays all over the field, and his ability to create turnovers is going to be a huge asset for whatever team drafts him.”

— Bucky Brooks, NFL.com Analyst

What’s next

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, teams will continue to closely evaluate the top safety prospects and how they fit into their defensive schemes. The upcoming pro days and combine workouts will be crucial for these players to showcase their skills and solidify their draft positions.

The takeaway

The 2026 safety class is a deep and talented group that offers a diverse array of skill sets to address the evolving needs of NFL defenses. Teams seeking to bolster their secondary will have a wealth of options to choose from, each with the potential to make an immediate impact and shape the future of the league's defensive landscape.