This is PFF’s predictive draft rankings — a forward-looking exercise that blends production, grading and market sentiment to forecast how teams and analysts are likely to value each prospect on draft night, and it’s just one way to explore the class. Users can build their own version of the board with the customizable draft board or run full simulations using the mock draft simulator, toggling between personal rankings and PFF’s predictive outlook to see how the 2026 NFL Draft could unfold.
1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes
Big board rank: 8
Downs lacks elite size or athletic traits, but his football IQ is exceptional. That gives him a high floor and ceiling, with All-Pro potential in a versatile defensive role.
2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon Ducks
Big board rank: 11
Thieneman has developed into a versatile safety who excels in coverage and downhill run support. He projects as a starting-caliber player in any scheme.
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Rockets
Big board rank: 21
McNeil-Warren is a big, explosive safety with a knack for creating turnovers. He projects as a potential impact starter in a box role.
4. A.J. Haulcy, LSU Tigers
Big board rank: 52
Haulcy is a true deep safety with strong range, ball skills and an aggressive playmaking mentality. He projects as a starter in systems that keep him in a traditional backend role.
5. Kamari Ramsey, USC Trojans
Big board rank: 82
Ramsey provides versatility with the ability to play both safety spots and the slot, particularly in two-high looks. His lighter build and good — but not elite — athleticism cap his ceiling.
6. Genesis Smith, Arizona Wildcats
Big board rank: 98
Smith has intriguing size and athletic traits for a single-high role, but inconsistency with physicality and play strength limits his reliability.
7. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions
Big board rank: 104
Wheatley is a long, springy athlete best suited for single-high roles. His slender build can be exposed in the box, but he offers strong range and coverage ability in space.
8. Bud Clark, TCU Horned Frogs
Big board rank: 117
Clark is a long, explosive playmaker with strong ball skills, but his lack of strength in run defense will need to be managed.
9. Michael Taaffe, Texas Longhorns
Big board rank: 170
Taaffe wins with intelligence and anticipation rather than physical traits. His size and athletic limitations mean he will need to earn his role through consistency and awareness.
10. Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Big board rank: 178
Stroman earned a 79.8 PFF overall grade in 2025, ranking 93rd among safeties, with balanced production across coverage and run defense. He ranked 141st in PFF coverage grade (77.9) and 102nd in PFF run-defense grade (81.2), allowing a 94.7 passer rating on nine receptions with one interception and one pass breakup. He added 30 solo tackles and projects as a steady, well-rounded depth safety with situational upside.