The safeties took center stage at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, showcasing their range, instincts, and athleticism inside Lucas Oil Stadium. In today’s NFL, where offenses stretch the field both vertically and horizontally, safeties are expected to do it all-cover deep zones, step into the box to stop the run, and match up against tight ends and slot receivers.
This year’s group emphasized speed and fluid movement right from the start. The 40-yard dash was a major focus, as teams look for defensive backs who can cover ground quickly and prevent explosive plays. Several prospects posted impressive times, highlighting their ability to serve as true centerfielders in single-high coverage schemes.
Among the standouts was Lorenzo Styles from Ohio State. Known for his older brother Sonny Styles’ success at the combine, Lorenzo delivered one of the most well-rounded performances of the day.
He showed excellent straight-line speed in the 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.27 seconds, and looked especially smooth during positional drills. His fluid hips and ability to transition out of his backpedal were remarkable, and he tracked the ball naturally in deep coverage drills.
Scouts will be impressed with how comfortably he moved in space, reinforcing his potential as a versatile defensive back who can rotate between deep safety and nickel responsibilities.
Another eye-catching performance came from Dillon Thieneman of Oregon. Thieneman showcased both explosiveness and instincts throughout testing.
His burst in the jumping drills demonstrated strong lower-body power, while his quickness in agility drills highlighted his ability to react and change direction efficiently. During on-field drills, he displayed sharp breaks on the football and confident hands, traits that translate directly to creating turnovers at the next level.
Here’s a look at some of the key measurements and times from the combine:
- Caleb Downs, Ohio State: 5-foot-11 5/8, 206 lbs, 9 1/2" hands, 30 1/4" arms, 73 1/4" wingspan.
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo: 6-foot-3 1/2, 201 lbs, 4.52 40-yard dash, 35.5" vertical, 10-2 broad jump.
- Dillon Thieneman, Oregon: 6-foot 1/8, 201 lbs, 4.35 40-yard dash, 41" vertical, 10-5 broad jump.
- Genesis Smith, Arizona: 6-foot-2 1/8, 202 lbs, 42.5" vertical, 10-8 broad jump.
- A.J. Haulcy, LSU: 6-foot, 215 lbs, 4.52 40-yard dash.
- Treydan Stukes, Arizona: 6-foot-1, 190 lbs, 4.33 40-yard dash, 38" vertical, 10-10 broad jump.
- Zakee Wheatley, Penn State: 6-foot-3, 203 lbs, 32.5" vertical, 10-2 broad jump.
- Kamari Ramsey, USC: 6-foot, 202 lbs, 4.47 40-yard dash, 36" vertical, 10" broad jump.
- Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma: 6-foot-2, 205 lbs, 4.32 40-yard dash, 35" vertical, 10-5 broad jump.
- Bud Clark, TCU: 6-foot, 188 lbs, 4.41 40-yard dash, 38" vertical, 10-7 broad jump.
- Bishop Fitzgerald, USC: 5-foot-11, 201 lbs, 4.55 40-yard dash, 33" vertical.
- VJ Payne, Kansas State: 6-foot-3, 206 lbs, 4.40 40-yard dash, 35" vertical, 10-7 broad jump.
- Michael Taaffe, Texas: 6-foot, 190 lbs, 4.50 40-yard dash.
- Louis Moore, Indiana: 5-foot-11, 191 lbs.
- Lorenzo Styles, Ohio State: 6-foot 1/2, 194 lbs, 4.27 40-yard dash, 39" vertical.
- Jakobe Thomas, Miami: 6-foot-1 1/4, 211 lbs.
- Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina: 6-foot-1, 210 lbs, 4.40 40-yard dash, 37" vertical, 10-10 broad jump.
- Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa: 6-foot-2 1/4, 208 lbs, 4.48 40-yard dash, 37.5" vertical.
- DeShon Singleton, Nebraska: 6-foot-3, 205 lbs, 39.5" vertical, 10-10 broad jump.
- Jalen Huskey, Maryland: 6-foot-1, 196 lbs.
- Ahmaad Moses, SMU: 5-foot-9, 196 lbs, 38" vertical.
- Dalton Johnson, Arizona: 5-foot-11, 192 lbs, 4.41 40-yard dash, 36" vertical, 9-11 broad jump.
With performances like these, it's clear the future of NFL defenses is in good hands. The versatility and athleticism on display promise to make these prospects valuable assets at the next level.