Tier 1: The Elite Prospects
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The ultimate safety in this draft. Supremely well-rounded, smart, fast, strong, instinctual—you name it, he has it. He’ll likely be a top 10 pick and be a favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Despite that, he has a chance to fall outside of the top 10 due to a questionable medical. If he were to fall, like Kyle Hamilton did many moons ago, I could see us trading up for Downs and solidifying our defense as a juggernaut in the NFL for years to come. McShay YT Short
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Phenomenal player in his own right. Likely a first-round pick. He is not out of the question at 23 depending on how things play out. He showed out at the combine, running a 4.35 40 and jumping a 41-inch vertical. He has ridiculous cover instincts and is an above-average run defender. He would also help our defense take another step. The only reason I wouldn’t jump to take him at 23 if he’s there is that this is a very strong safety class in my opinion. If he were to fall into the 2nd, I would love to see us trade up for him. He is a film junkie and a workout warrior. Someone who could also grow into a leadership role on this team and make an impact beyond just his own play. McShay YT Short
Tier 2: Day 2 Targets
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Phenomenal player with ties to Sirianni through his college head coach, Jason Candle. McNeil-Warren has 1st-round buzz, especially after Nick Emmanwori made such a huge impact for the Seahawks late in the season. Like Emmanwori, McNeil-Warren is a big safety, standing at 6’4″ 201 lbs. His tape is phenomenal, albeit against mostly lesser talent than other guys we will cover on this list. I would welcome the pick at 54. McNeil-Warren is a very good tackler, who wrestles guys down like an alligator. He may stick around for 54 due to his very mediocre combine, running a 4.52 40 with a 35.5-inch vertical. McShay YT Short
AJ Haulcy, LSU
A guy that is getting majorly slept on, especially by our fans. This is another guy that makes sense at 54 and would have an immediate impact as a starter. He’s fantastic in zone coverage and has ball skills on top of that. And then, we talk about maybe his most standalone strength amongst this group: his strength. Haulcy is 6’0″ 215 lbs. He is a great run defender and doesn’t hesitate to lay the boom. Would be a fun addition to the team and add some serious swagger to the group with the potential for a collision on every play. This guy is always around the football. ’25 Highlights
Tier 3: Late Day 2 / Early Day 3 Options
Michael Taafe, Texas
Taafe and the next group of guys are guys I’d take with that late 3rd-round pick or later. Taafe is a phenomenal player in that his zone coverage skills are top notch. He is smaller, at 190 pounds, however, and wouldn’t be a plus against the run, something that we’ll probably crave in a safety opposite Makuba. Despite that, Taafe has the potential to be a starter in this league. Can his size hold up? And if he gets bigger, can he keep his 4.5 speed or will that dwindle? Highlights
Jalen Kilgore, South Carolina
Kilgore is the reverse of Taafe. Kilgore is a very strong run defender and is passable in coverage. If we can avoid having him cover in man, which, with the rest of our group, does sound possible to have him always working a zone, he could be a nice grab in the late 3rd or later. ’25 Highlights
Bud Clark, TCU
Someone I could see us taking a shot on in the 4th or later. Injury prone, undersized safety (188 pounds), but a 3-year captain, instinctual zone safety, and willing and above-average run defender. The weight is certainly light, but he did run a 4.41 40 and jump 38 inches. He has a chance to put on some weight and be a potential starter. ’25 Highlights
Tier 4: Day 3 Depth Picks
Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
Another strong run defender, but I’m not super confident he will hold up in coverage. I can see Wheatley dropping to the 5th round or later due to a lackluster combine. Wheatley ran a 4.62 40 and is not instinctual enough, in my opinion, to overcome his lackluster speed. ’25 Highlights
Louis Moore, Indiana
If he falls far enough, another guy we could have interest in. Moore is small and slow for the position, but he has great instincts, plays fast, and makes plays on the ball. He’s also an above-average run defender. I’d be happy if we got Moore in the 5th or later if we haven’t taken a safety yet. ’25 Highlights
VJ Payne, Kansas State
Wouldn’t compete for a starting job right away, but somebody that could be taken to help fill out the room with depth and promise. Payne is an interesting prospect, standing at 6’3″, running a 4.4 40. He is a strong cover safety with alignment versatility. Very savvy player who has done well in team interviews and performed well at the Senior Bowl. ’25 Highlights
Not the Right Fit
Kamari Ramsey, USC
I don’t think he will be an option for the Eagles. He’s a solid cover safety, but not someone that would be a complement to Makuba, because his run defense is below average.
Genesis Smith, Arizona
Same take as Ramsey. Not strong enough in run support to be someone we look for.
Bishop Fitzgerald, USC
Not someone I’d be excited to draft. Run support is too hit or miss and his combine was flat out bad with a 33-inch vertical. If he falls far enough, like the rest of the guys, I welcome the pick, but I’m not taking Fitzgerald unless he falls to the 6th or 7th.
Jakobe Thomas, Miami
Another solid coverage safety, but the run defense is not strong enough to complement Makuba on the back end.
