Safety Prospects
2026 Prospects
Evaluated Through the Vikings Lens
Safeties are the problem-solvers of a defense. The Skol Draft Room Safety Prospects page evaluates defensive backs based on how well they process, communicate, and execute within the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive structure.
This isn’t about highlight interceptions. It’s about range, reliability, and trust on the back end.
How We Evaluate Safeties
Safeties are graded on traits that keep the defense sound and flexible. Our evaluations emphasize:
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Processing speed and route recognition
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Range and closing ability
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Coverage skills vs. tight ends and slots
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Tackling form and consistency
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Communication and alignment discipline
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Ball skills and timing
The best safeties erase mistakes before they happen.
Fit Within the Vikings Defense
Minnesota’s defensive system asks safeties to wear multiple hats. Each prospect is evaluated on their ability to:
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Rotate between deep, split, and box alignments
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Execute match and zone coverage rules
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Support the run without compromising coverage
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Disguise intentions pre- and post-snap
A safety who can’t communicate breaks the defense.
Role-Based Evaluation
This page distinguishes safety archetypes, including:
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Single-high free safeties
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Box and hybrid defenders
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Split-field safeties
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Big nickel / matchup specialists
Versatility determines value at the position.
Draft Value & Development
Safety value is closely tied to role clarity and usage. Rankings account for:
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Immediate sub-package and special teams impact
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Coverage vs. run support balance
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Developmental upside with coaching
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Draft capital vs. expected snap share
Great safeties amplify everyone around them.
Building the Back End
Skol Draft Room evaluates safeties as the stabilizers of the defense. Every prospect is measured by how they limit explosive plays, communicate adjustments, and allow the scheme to function at full speed.
Because a defense is only as strong as its last line.
Safety Prospects
| RK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | POS | POS RK | HT | WT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Caleb Downs | Ohio State | Jr | S | 1 | 6-0 | 205 | ||
| 29 | Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | Toledo | Sr | S | 2 | 6-2 | 202 | ||
| 35 | Keionte Scott | Miami (Fla.) | Sr | S | 3 | 6-0 | 195 | ||
| 51 | Genesis Smith | Arizona | Jr | S | 4 | 6-2 | 204 | ||
| 64 | A.J. Haulcy | LSU | Sr | S | 5 | 6-0 | 222 | ||
| 76 | Dillon Thieneman | Oregon | Soph | S | 6 | 6-0 | 207 | ||
| 97 | Zakee Wheatley | Penn State | Sr | S | 7 | 6-2 | 202 | ||
| 98 | Kamari Ramsey | USC | Jr | S | 8 | 6-0 | 205 | ||
| 130 | Xavier Scott | Illinois | Sr | S | 9 | 5-11 | 195 | ||
| 143 | Robert Spears-Jennings | Oklahoma | Sr | S | 10 | 6-0 | 213 |
| RK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | POS | POS RK | HT | WT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR | Bud Clark | TCU | Jr | S | 11 | 6-0 | 205 | ||
| UR | Michael Taaffe | Texas | Sr | S | 12 | 6-2 | 202 | ||
| UR | Jalen Stroman | Notre Dame | Sr | S | 13 | 6-0 | 195 | ||
| UR | Bishop Fitzgerald | USC | Jr | S | 14 | 6-2 | 204 | ||
| UR | Isaiah Nwokobia | Texas Tech | Sr | S | 15 | 6-0 | 222 | ||
| UR | Cole Wisniewski | Missouri | Soph | S | 16 | 6-0 | 207 | ||
| UR | Jalen Catalon | Penn State | Sr | S | 17 | 6-2 | 202 | ||
| UR | Peyton Bowen | Oklahoma | Jr | S | 18 | 6-0 | 205 | ||
| UR | VJ Payne | Kansas State | Sr | S | 19 | 5-11 | 195 | ||
| UR | Xavier Nwankpa | Iowa | Sr | S | 20 | 6-0 | 213 |
Click for more positional rankings
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