2026 NFL Draft Safety Prospects: Top Players to Watch

Our 2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Series continues with a focus on safeties, highlighting top prospects anticipated to draw attention before the 2025 college football season begins. This edition features key players who could be appealing to teams like the Steelers, including several who may be selected early in the draft process. Leading the safety class is Ohio State's Caleb Downs, widely regarded as the top safety recruit of 2023. The 6-foot, 205-pound junior initially committed to Alabama, where he posted impressive stats in his freshman year, including 107 tackles and two interceptions. After transferring to Ohio State, he contributed significantly to their national championship run with 81 tackles and multiple pass deflections. Downs is known for his versatility, aggressive run support, and ability to cover both slot receivers and tight ends, making him a likely top-15 pick if he maintains his early success. Another notable safety is Dillon Thieneman, who recently transferred from Purdue to Oregon. Standing at 6-foot, 207 pounds, Thieneman has a knack for reading the ball and playing with natural hands, along with the physicality to excel in run support. His skills as a de...