As the New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. The 2026 NFL Draft big board rankings are reflective of Bucky Brooks' top five prospects by position, ESPN's NFL Draft "Best Available" list, plus other consensus draft boards. To keep track of the latest NFL mock drafts for the Saints, check out Mock Draft Monday. Part of the Saints Path to the Draft presented by Cox.
Caleb Downs earned 1st-Team Associated Press All-American honors in both 2024 and 2025 and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Back of the Year and 1st-Team All-Big Ten in 2025 after recording 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 14 starts at Ohio State while winning the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He previously started all 16 games for Ohio State’s national championship team in 2024, earning 1st-Team All-American honors with 81 tackles and two interceptions. Downs began his career at Alabama in 2023, earning 2nd-Team Associated Press All-American honors and SEC Freshman of the Year after leading the team with 107 tackles. He finished his collegiate career with 256 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, six interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Caleb Downs' Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 206 | Arms: 30 1/4 | Hands: 9 1/2
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Caleb Downs is the #9 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (SAF1) and is Bucky Brooks’ top-ranked safety on his By Position 1.0. Downs did not participate in athletic testing at at the 2026 Combine but measured similarly to Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu.
Lance Zierlein on Caleb Downs:
"Productive, high-effort safety with three years of starting experience in big games at Alabama and Ohio State. Downs is an alpha who brings immense juice on each snap. He’s at his best when deployed near the line as a box safety or big nickel back. He’ll gamble a little bit as a run defender, but he makes more than enough disruptive plays near the line of scrimmage to make up for it. He’s fluent in man or zone over the first two levels and is rarely fooled by play-action or misdirection. While he’s quick to close and strike underneath, there are hints of caution that prevent him from making more plays on the football. Downs isn’t the biggest, fastest or most versatile player, but he consistently puts his stamp on games."
Dillon Thieneman earned 2nd-Team Associated Press All-American and 1st-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after recording 96 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions in 15 starts at Oregon. He previously played two seasons at Purdue, earning 3rd-Team Associated Press All-American honors, Big Ten Freshman of the Year and FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023 after totaling 106 tackles and six interceptions, followed by a 104-tackle season in 2024 while earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition. Thieneman finished his collegiate career with 306 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and eight interceptions.
Dillon Thieneman's Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 201 | Arms: 31 3/8 | Hands: 9
40-yard Dash: 4.35 | 10-yard Split: 1.52 | Vertical Jump: 41
Broad Jump: 10-5 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 18
Thieneman is the #23 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (SAF3) and is Bucky Brooks’ 3rd-ranked S on his By Position 1.0. Thieneman’s 4.35 40-yard dash was fastest by an Oregon player at the Combine since 2003 and his 18 bench reps were most among all defensive backs in 2026. Thieneman measured similarly but ran faster than 3x 1st-Team All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Lance Zierlein on Dillon Thieneman:
"Savvy three-year starter with NFL size, speed and alignment versatility. Thieneman is an extension of his defensive coordinator, aligning and adjusting the secondary to motion and pre-snap shifts. He’s an instinctive, rangy safety who can roll down into big nickel or robber positioning. He has a good feel for play design and route concepts in zone but has average change of direction to match breaks in man. He’s not a big thumper near the line, but he rushes into the action with a relentless pursuit that should allow him to keep stacking high scores in the tackle columns. Thieneman checks important boxes for teams looking to add versatile playmakers in the secondary."
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren earned 3rd-Team Associated Press All-American and 1st-Team All-MAC honors in 2025 after recording a career-high 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups in 13 games with 12 starts at Toledo while leading the team with three forced fumbles. He previously started eight games in 2024 before a season-ending injury and recorded 61 tackles, and tied for third in the FBS with four forced fumbles in 2023 while playing in all 14 games. McNeil-Warren appeared in 13 games with one start in 2022. He finished his collegiate career with 214 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, five interceptions and nine forced fumbles.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren's Combine Results
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203 | Arms: 30 1/4 | Hands: 9 1/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 26
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is the #15 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (SAF2) and is Bucky Brooks’ 4th-ranked S on his By Position 1.0. McNeil-Warren measured and tested similarly to 2-time Pro Bowler Justin Simmons.
Lance Zierlein on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren:
"Long, downhill safety capable of bolstering a team’s run defense and playing enforcer over the middle. McNeil-Warren is most valuable when playing near the line of scrimmage or in robber positioning. He anticipates well in coverage and is quick to close on receivers but will need to be protected by scheme to prevent speed mismatches. He’s urgent in run support and has a feel for slipping blocks/meeting runners early in the carry. He’s a rangy tackler, but needs to quiet his feet when diagnosing and flowing downhill to tackle. McNeil-Warren might be pigeon-holed schematically but he’s good at his job."
A.J. Haulcy earned 1st-Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after recording 88 tackles and three interceptions in 12 games with 11 starts at LSU. He previously earned 1st-Team All-Big 12 recognition at Houston in 2024 after totaling 74 tackles, five interceptions and eight pass breakups in 12 starts, tying for fourth in the FBS in interceptions. Haulcy led Houston with 98 tackles in 2023 and began his career at New Mexico in 2022, recording 87 tackles with two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He finished his collegiate career with 347 tackles, 10 interceptions and 19 pass breakups.
A.J. Haulcy's Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 215 | Arms: 30 7/8 | Hands: 9 1/4
40-yard Dash: 4.52 | 10-yard Split: 1.62 | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Lance Zierlein on A.J. Haulcy:
"Haulcy, aka Mr. Give Me That, is a throwback safety with a compact, densely muscled frame and a pro feel for reading the field. He’s a rare blend of ballhawk and enforcer who can scurry into passing lanes for takeaways or run through a receiver to break up a pass. His pattern recognition and instincts are top-notch and he’s decisive in his reactions. A lack of sustained top-end speed could create mismatches in man coverage. He’s more effective playing forward than he is at guarding large spaces in deeper coverages. He’s rock-steady as a finisher but sees the missed tackle total tick higher as an open-field tackler. Haulcy’s frame and game are pro-ready, though. He projects as a good NFL starter in a zone-heavy scheme."
Kamari Ramsey earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition in both 2024 and 2025 after transferring to USC from UCLA, where he started 31 career games. He recorded a career-high 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and five pass breakups in 2024, adding 27 tackles in nine starts during an injury-shortened 2025 season. Ramsey began his career at UCLA, totaling 40 tackles and an interception in 2023 after appearing in four games as a reserve in 2022. He finished his collegiate career with 133 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions.
Kamari Ramsey's Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 202 | Arms: 30 5/8 | Hands: 9 1/4
40-yard Dash: 4.47 | 10-yard Split: 1.57 | Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 10-0 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 16
Lance Zierlein on Kamari Ramsey:
"Versatile safety prospect with solid size. Ramsey saw a heavier workload at nickelback in 2025 after splitting time at all three safety spots in 2024. He plays with average eyes in space and good break anticipation when matched up in man. He was adequate covering the slot in college but might not have enough short-area burst and athleticism to do the same in the pros. He needs to close downhill in run support with greater urgency when playing from depth. His tackle-finishing saw a massive improvement in 2025, but with multiple games missed in consecutive seasons, Ramsey’s draft stock could take a hit due to durability concerns."
Genesis Smith earned 3rd-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 after recording a career-high 77 tackles, eight pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 12 starts at Arizona. He previously tied for the team lead with three interceptions and added 63 tackles and six pass breakups in 2024 while starting 10 games. Smith appeared in all 13 games as a reserve in 2023, totaling 24 tackles and an interception. He finished his collegiate career with 164 tackles, five interceptions, 14 pass breakups and four forced fumbles.
Genesis Smith's Combine Results
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202 | Arms: 32 1/2 | Hands: 8 7/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 42.5
Broad Jump: 10-8 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.18 | Bench Press: DNP
Genesis Smith led all safeties with a 42.5" vertical jump at the 2026 Combine.
Lance Zierlein on Genesis Smith:
"Smith offers ballhawking coverage qualities but has alarming issues as an open-field tackler. He’s instinctive, with the eyes to digest route development while reading the quarterback like a poker player looking for tells. He has average top-end speed but good route recognition and premium ball skills. Smith is a low-impact run defender and open-field tackler, though. There are too many times he either whiffs or has a tackle broken, allowing a much longer gain. His run defense won’t appeal to some teams, but his ability to read the field and make plays on the football will entice other squads looking for a safety on Day 3."
Zakee Wheatley earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition in 2025 after recording 74 tackles in 12 starts for Penn State. He started all 16 games in 2024, tying for the team lead with three interceptions while posting a career-high 96 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and four pass breakups. Wheatley appeared in 26 games as a reserve from 2022-23, totaling 51 tackles and two interceptions after redshirting in 2021. He finished his collegiate career with 223 tackles, six interceptions and six pass breakups.
Zakee Wheatley's Combine Results
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 203 | Arms: 31 | Hands: 9 1/2
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 32.5
Broad Jump: 10-2 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Lance Zierlein on Zakee Wheatley:
"Wheatley is a long, athletic safety whose career arc shows steady development. He played with better decisiveness and route recognition from man and zone looks in 2025. He’s rangy with the ability to play over the top or close quickly to limit run-after-catch. Physicality near the line is average, but he competes and stays in the fight. His tackle radius is wide, but he needs cleaner pursuit angles and better play strength to limit missed tackles. Wheatley is still improving and should check in as a Day 2 pick with the potential to develop into a solid starter."
Jalon Kilgore earned 2nd-Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after leading South Carolina with 10 pass breakups and tying for the team lead with two interceptions in 11 starts. He recorded 54 tackles in 2025 after totaling five interceptions in 2024, tying for fourth in the FBS and the most in the SEC, while adding 48 tackles in 13 games. Kilgore earned Freshman All-America honors in 2023, recording 76 tackles and an interception in 12 games with 11 starts. He finished his collegiate career with 178 tackles, eight interceptions and 21 pass breakups.
Jalon Kilgore's Combine Results:
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 210 | Arms: 32 7/8 | Hands: 9 3/8
40-yard Dash: 4.4 | 10-yard Split: 1.56 | Vertical Jump: 37
Broad Jump: 10-10 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.32 | Bench Press: 16
Lance Zierlein on Jalon Kilgore:
"Kilgore is a big, long defensive back with nickelback or down safety value depending on scheme fit. He's played an overhang "Star" role, covering slot receivers and supporting the run, but he’ll be at his best in the pros covering tight ends and containing run games near the box. He could see split-field safety snaps if a staff trusts him on the back end, but he will be better off paired with a rangy single-high safety. Missed tackles need to be cleaned up but his wingspan, agility and play strength should keep his tackle totals high from year to year. Kilgore has the traits, ball production and versatility to counter the burgeoning tight end craze, making him a likely Day 2 pick with early starting potential."
Bud Clark earned 2nd-Team All-Big 12 honors in both 2024 and 2025, recording four interceptions and a career-high seven pass breakups in 11 starts as a senior. He led TCU with three interceptions in both 2023 and 2024 after posting a career-high five interceptions in 2022, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition. Clark became the only FBS player with at least three interceptions in four consecutive seasons (2022-25). He finished his collegiate career with 214 tackles, 15 interceptions and 21 pass breakups.
Bud Clark's Combine Results
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 188 | Arms: 31 1/2 | Hands: 9
40-yard Dash: 4.41 | 10-yard Split: 1.56 | Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 10-7 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Bud Clark is Bucky Brooks’ 5th-ranked safety on his By Position 1.0 and is the only FBS player to have 3+ INT over each of the last 4 seasons.
Lance Zierlein on Bud Clark:
"A sixth-year senior, Clark’s traits won’t pop but his tape most certainly will. Clark is a coverage-versatile safety in a cornerback’s body with the talent to range over the top or man up on the slot. He plays with an overriding desire to do everything all at once – which produces spectacular takeaways and occasional breakdowns – but the good outweighs the bad. He triggers downhill in run support and tackles with proper technique, but a lack of size could lead to broken tackles/durability concerns. He might need time to acclimate to the speed/skill of his opponents but his instincts and ball skills give him a good chance to punish mistakes on the next level as an alignment-flexible option."
VJ Payne earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 recognition in both 2024 and 2025 after starting 25 consecutive games at Kansas State. He recorded 59 tackles, three pass breakups and tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles in 2025 after posting a career-high 64 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2024. Payne started all 13 games in 2023, totaling 57 tackles and an interception after appearing in 14 games with four starts in 2022. He finished his collegiate career with 207 tackles, four interceptions and four forced fumbles.
VJ Payne's Combine Results
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 206 | Arms: 33 3/4 | Hands: 9 1/2
40-yard Dash: 4.4 | 10-yard Split: 1.52 | Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: 10-7 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Lance Zierlein on VJ Payne:
"Long and rangy, Payne is a durable 42-game starter and team captain who can play inside the box, over the slot and as a split safety. His coverage tape pops more than his run support and tackling. He reads and responds with good timing from depth and uses his length to smother the catch point in man coverage when matched inside. Payne held his own against three of the Big 12’s best receiving tight ends in 2025. He will do his job as a run defender but lacks an enforcer’s conviction and gets hung up on blocks too easily. Payne’s measurables and coverage versatility improve his chances of becoming a productive pro."
