The ‘On The Clock’ analysts Matt Williamson, Mike Prisuta, and Max Starks discussed on April 19 the leading safety prospects for the upcoming 2026 National Football League Draft, which is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh next week.
This analysis comes as interest grows around the depth and versatility of this year’s safety class. The discussion focused on players who are not only strong at their primary position but also capable of filling multiple roles in modern defensive schemes.
Williamson listed Caleb Downs from Ohio State as his top prospect, describing him as “untouchable at the top” and likely to be selected within the first ten picks. He said, “Teams are now looking for versatility on the back end of their defense and finding bigger slot defenders, often safeties that can defend the slot, is all the rage through the league.” Williamson also highlighted other prospects such as Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo), AJ Haulcy (LSU), and Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina). He noted that Miami’s Keionte Scott brings intelligence and aggression to his playstyle.
Prisuta echoed these sentiments by emphasizing both depth and talent at safety this year. He said USC’s Bishop Fitzgerald earned Associated Press First-Team All-America honors in 2025 after strong performances at both N.C. State and USC. Prisuta mentioned Arizona’s Dalton Johnson for his tackling ability and South Carolina’s Jalon Kilgore for potential slot fit based on analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s assessment: Kilgore is a “Day One nickel” likely drafted on Day Two. Prisuta pointed out Kansas State’s VJ Payne’s athleticism displayed during combine testing with a notable 4.40-second forty-yard dash.
Starks agreed with placing Downs atop his list, calling him “arguably one of the best players regardless of position.” Starks said Warren and Thieneman follow closely behind but lack some of Downs’ athleticism. He predicted several safeties would be selected in early rounds: “I expect a few to go in the first round, and I expect the next wave to come in…throughout the third [round] to round out really about 10 guys when it’s all said and done by the end of Day #2.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host this year’s draft event at Acrisure Stadium, which features its Hall of Honor Museum displaying team artifacts according to their official website. The franchise has achieved six Super Bowl championships according to official records—an accomplishment recognized alongside inductees like Terry Bradshaw in their Hall of Honor as listed by the team. The Steelers continue community engagement through historical celebrations documented on their official website.
As a member franchise affiliated with the National Football League according to official information, hosting next week’s draft highlights Pittsburgh’s ongoing role within professional football.
