Safeties: 2026 Draft Class

OnTheClock · 2026-01-24T17:15:38-08:00

Caleb Downs is the obvious #1 S but we have no chance. The next guy I like potentially in Day 3 or beyond is Bud Clark. 15 career INTs including a pick six this year.

Jan 24, 2026 at 5:28 PM

krizay
Veteran
Posts: 26,487

Im all in on Emmanuel mcneil-warren at FS.

I also like Michael Taaffe, AJ Haulcy and Tao Johnson.

I wasn't sure on Bud Clark the 1st go round

Jan 24, 2026 at 5:40 PM

OnTheClock
Hall of Fame
Posts: 38,455

Originally posted by krizay:
Im all in on Emmanuel mcneil-warren at FS.

I also like Michael Taaffe, AJ Haulcy and Tao Johnson.

I wasn't sure on Bud Clark the 1st go round

If he made it to our pick, EMW would be a fine selection. Love the smooth transition out of the backpedal. All American, but I worry that he won't make it to 27 either.

Jan 24, 2026 at 6:03 PM

Kolohe
Hall of Fame
Posts: 66,726

I want them to draft a Safety high like 2nd round. What Safeties are worthy of a late 2nd round pick? If they still have one.

Jan 24, 2026 at 7:16 PM

GEEK
Veteran
Posts: 19,412

Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Originally posted by krizay:
Im all in on Emmanuel mcneil-warren at FS.

I also like Michael Taaffe, AJ Haulcy and Tao Johnson.

I wasn't sure on Bud Clark the 1st go round

If he made it to our pick, EMW would be a fine selection. Love the smooth transition out of the backpedal. All American, but I worry that he won't make it to 27 either.

I think he'll be there. In fact, I think he'll be there in the early 2nd. Historically, we don't see a ton of safeties drafted on day 1. 1-2 is the average. 2024 draft class - 0 safeties in the 1st round.

Jan 24, 2026 at 7:19 PM

Hysterikal
Veteran
Posts: 39,510

Originally posted by Kolohe:
I want them to draft a Safety high like 2nd round. What Safeties are worthy of a late 2nd round pick? If they still have one.

I like Ramsey out of USC if he's there in the 2nd.

Jan 24, 2026 at 10:42 PM

tankle104
Veteran
Posts: 25,872

We need to get a badass safety. Someone that can freakin cover and has speed. Our safeties were such a liability this year.

I wouldn't even be mad if we took one in the first round, I just want it to be a great player.

Jan 25, 2026 at 6:30 AM

tohara3
Veteran
Posts: 30,671

Definitely want a playmaker at safety for sure. We should be in a good spot for 1 to fall to us

Jan 25, 2026 at 12:46 PM

blizzuntz
Veteran
Posts: 55,350

This draft has 1 RB and 1 safety, and then everyone else .

Jan 25, 2026 at 1:38 PM

OnTheClock
Hall of Fame
Posts: 38,455

Originally posted by blizzuntz:
This draft has 1 RB and 1 safety, and then everyone else .

I'd say there is one elite safety, but 3 potential high caliber starting safeties.

Jan 25, 2026 at 5:15 PM

#10

adrianlesnar
Veteran
Posts: 6,466

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by blizzuntz:
This draft has 1 RB and 1 safety, and then everyone else .

I'd say there is one elite safety, but 3 potential high caliber starting safeties.

Defensive backs in general is a prettt great class. The obvious names at safety are all really good..

Caleb Downs
Zakee Wheatly
Dillon Thieneman
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Genesis Smith

Jan 25, 2026 at 9:37 PM

#11

Kolohe
Hall of Fame
Posts: 66,726

We need a damn good safety. Look at all the good teams, all have good to great Safety play.

Jan 26, 2026 at 6:04 PM

#12

Kolohe
Hall of Fame
Posts: 66,726

I'm really liking that Oregon DB Dillion Thienenman. Looks like a Cooper DeJean. Only not sure Thienenman can play CB.

Jan 26, 2026 at 6:15 PM

#13

49ers808
Veteran
Posts: 16,466

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
Defensive backs in general is a prettt great class. The obvious names at safety are all really good..

Caleb Downs
Zakee Wheatly
Dillon Thieneman
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Genesis Smith

Some damn good options. I'd add Ramsey and Bud to this list too. Really hope we can add one of them; I really like this class

Jan 26, 2026 at 6:22 PM

#14

genus49
Moderator
Posts: 27,953

Originally posted by GEEK:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by krizay:
Im all in on Emmanuel mcneil-warren at FS.

I also like Michael Taaffe, AJ Haulcy and Tao Johnson.

I wasn't sure on Bud Clark the 1st go round

If he made it to our pick, EMW would be a fine selection. Love the smooth transition out of the backpedal. All American, but I worry that he won't make it to 27 either.

I think he'll be there. In fact, I think he'll be there in the early 2nd. Historically, we don't see a ton of safeties drafted on day 1. 1-2 is the average. 2024 draft class - 0 safeties in the 1st round.

With Kyle Hamilton and now Nick Emanworri…that may change.