Top 10 safety prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft
Oregon outside linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei, left, and Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman bring down Washington running back Jonah Coleman as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images With the 2026 NFL Draft upon us, the Cincinnati Bengals could very easily take a safety at some point in the three-day event.
Whether it’s someone like getting Caleb Downs in Round 1 to become an instant starter or taking someone in the latter rounds to develop behind Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle, there should be plenty of solid options for the Bengals to consider adding to a defense that hasn’t had good safety play since Jessie Bates was roaming the defensive backfield. Now, let’s take a look at the top 10 safeties in the 2026 NFL Draft. 1.
Caleb Downs (6’0 206) Ohio State Downs was a difference maker at safety during all three seasons he spent in college. He was a true freshman standout for Alabama. After Nick Saban retired, he decided to transfer to Ohio State.
He helped lead the Buckeyes to a National Championship in his first year with the team. The All-American is considered a coach on the field, can line up all over the defense, and has experience as a punt returner. He had an 89.
6 coverage grade in 2025, along with an 83. 7% run defense grade. This is a guy who will help change the culture of a defense.
Continue to the original source for the full article.