2026 IDP Rookie Breakdown: Defensive Backs
Eric Harms brings us early rankings, projected draft capital, and dynasty value for the defensive backs leading this year’s IDP class.
From the Winter Olympics to the Underwear Olympics! With the NFL Combine underway in Indianapolis, we will soon have more data to add to our rookie evaluations and, as happens every offseason, some fantasy managers will go out of their minds for players who impressed during the Combine.
With that in mind, I’m excited to deliver part 2 of our look at dynasty IDP rookies, this time focused on the defensive backs. This list focuses on safeties, but I have included some cornerbacks at the bottom, who could be worth consideration depending on your league size, starting requirements, scoring, and rookie draft length. I’ve included measureables when available, but I’ll be updating this with official Combine data.
For projected NFL draft pick capital, like Jason, I referenced the past two weeks’ worth of mock drafts from NFL Mock Draft Database. Since almost all mock drafts only cover the first round, I averaged The Athletic and NFL.com's 3-round mock.
For fantasy, draft capital and landing spot are crucial pieces of information, so expect this list to change quite a bit by the end of April.
Elite Tier Upside
Any safeties in this tier are reminiscent of Brian Branch, Kyle Hamilton, Derwin James, and Nick Emmanwori. With their upside, they can be elite IDP assets.
1. Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State
Measurables: 6-foot-0, 205 pounds
Age: 21 years old when the season kicks off
Path: Played 1 season at Alabama, followed by 2 seasons at Ohio State
Composite draft projection: Round 1, Pick 10
Strengths and Shortcomings
Caleb Downs is the most complete defensive back in the draft and looks every bit the part of a future top-10 NFL Draft selection. The Ohio State safety played 63% of his snaps in 2025 in the “sweet spot” (along the defensive line, in the box, or in the slot), showcasing his versatility and willingness to impact the game near the line of scrimmage or deep.
Last season, he earned elite PFF grades of 82+ in run defense, tackling, coverage, and overall defense, continuing the high-level performance he displayed throughout all three years of college. Downs plays fast and has outstanding read-and-react ability, strong run support skills, and the physicality to disrupt plays close to the line of scrimmage. Whether aligning deep or in the box, he consistently finishes plays as a reliable tackler.
Downs totaled 218 tackles, 5 INTs, and 2 sacks during the regular season in his college career. He’s the kind of complete, dynamic safety that teams covet.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
He’s an elite safety prospect and should be near the top of dynasty ranks along with the top rookie safety from last year, Emmanwori. I’d be shocked if he isn’t finishing as a top 12 safety more often than not throughout his career.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Mid 2nd in a 12-team superflex.
Starter Tier Upside
2. Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon
Measurables: 6-foot-0, 205 pounds
Age: 22 years old when the season kicks off
Path: Played 2 seasons at Purdue before transferring to Oregon for 1 season
Composite draft projection: Round 2, pick 18
Strengths and Shortcomings
Dillon Thieneman is a productive and well-rounded safety. He averaged 94 regular-season tackles per year across his career, which is particularly impressive since he played deep 85% of snaps his freshman year, and 58% of snaps his sophomore year. In contrast, he played a career high 68% of his snaps in the defensive sweet spot in 2025, keeping him closer to the action.
This past season, Thieneman posted an outstanding 91.0 overall PFF grade, including 91.1 in coverage, with run defense (75.9) marking his lowest, yet still solid, mark. He ended his college career shining in the postseason, totaling 25 tackles against Texas Tech and Indiana. Thieneman reads plays well and ends up around the ball a lot. However, he sometimes takes bad angles in pursuit and can struggle to shed blocks. Overall, his versatility and playmaking presence make him a high-upside defensive prospect.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
With his versatility, landing spot and role will play a part in Thieneman’s value in IDP leagues. If he is allowed to play in the box and slot, he has very strong potential to finish some seasons as a top 12 safety.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Round 3
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo
Measurables: 6-foot-3, 209 pounds
Age: Unconfirmed, played 4 years at Toledo, so likely in the 22-23 range
Path: Played 4 seasons at Toledo (saw little action his freshman year)
Composite draft projection: Round 2, pick 17 (The Athletic)
Strengths and Shortcomings
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has been a steady, productive presence in the box throughout his college career, playing 58%, 65%, and 67% of his snaps there over the past three seasons. As a full-time starter, he averaged 60 tackles per year and consistently earned strong PFF grades, culminating in a dominant 91.9 overall mark this season. His 83.2 run defense grade and 92.0 coverage grade, but I didn’t think he looked as smooth in coverage as that grade would suggest.
While his missed tackle rate ticked up slightly this year, his prior track record suggests that area can be cleaned up at the next level. On film, he’s quick in short areas and physical at the point of attack, forcing nine career fumbles, often with a well-timed “Peanut Punch.” While he is quick, I wonder if he has the long speed to stay with some of the faster NFL receivers. I hope he runs the 40 at the Combine. He can be a half-step slower to trigger than Downs and Thieneman and often bounces before committing, but his instincts, production, and playmaking ability give him intriguing NFL upside.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
He will likely be used in the box and slot with his skillset, so that is promising for IDP production. I don’t think teams will want to play him deep much. He should be a solid safety and a regular in the top 24 with some top 12 finishes.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Round 3
4. A.J. Haulcy, Safety, LSU
Measurables: 6-foot-0, 222 pounds
Age: 22
Path: Spent 1 season at New Mexico, 2 seasons at Houston, and his senior year at LSU
Composite draft projection: Round 3, pick 8
Strengths and Shortcomings
A.J. Haulcy posted solid PFF grades throughout his time in school, including an 86.6 overall defensive grade and an 88.6 coverage grade this past season. He only played 30% of his snaps in the sweet spot in 2025, after playing nearly 50% there the previous two years with Houston. Haulcy averaged 87 tackles per year across four seasons, flashing good strength and physicality at the point of contact, though he can overpursue at times or struggle to redirect, leading to some missed tackles.
In coverage, he looks smooth and instinctive in zone, resulting in 10 career INTs, 8 coming over the past two years. He seems comfortable playing deep or in the box. I am somewhat concerned with his long speed and question how he will hold up in man coverage.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
His value to fantasy managers is going to depend on usage. He’ll likely be drafted by a team with high zone usage. He should be a starter within the first couple of years, but the question will be where they line him up. At a minimum, if he gets drafted by a team that splits their box snaps between the safeties, he’ll be useful for fantasy teams and be a top 24 safety. More snaps in the sweet spot than that, and he could have top 12 seasons.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Round 4 or 5
Rosterable IDPs
5. Zakee Wheatley, Safety, Penn State
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 202 pounds
Age: 24 years old when the season kicks off
Path: Played 4 seasons at Penn State after redshirting his first year
Composite draft projection: Round 3, pick 32
Strengths and Shortcomings
Zakee Wheatley showed steady development throughout his college career, culminating in his most complete season in 2025. After spending his first three years primarily playing deep, Wheatley shifted into a more versatile role last season, logging 51% of his snaps in the defensive sweet spot. He finished 2025 with an 85.9 overall PFF grade, and it was the first time all of his grades were in the green.
Wheatley’s coverage ability took a noticeable step forward, and he looks comfortable playing both as a deep safety and closer to the line of scrimmage. Over the last two seasons as a starter, he averaged 78 tackles per year, showing strong instincts against the run. He reads run plays well, navigates traffic effectively, and works his way into position to finish plays.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
Should be an NFL starter at some point in the first couple of years. His value will depend on his role in the defense. Will likely have some years as a top 24 safety.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Round 6
6. Bud Clark, S, Texas Christian
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Age: Unconfirmed
Path: 6 years at TCU
Composite draft projection: Day 3
Strengths and Shortcomings
Bud Clark brings experience, ball production, and range to the safety position after an extended college career. He posted an 80.4 overall PFF grade, including an 83.1 run defense grade and a 77.2 coverage grade, showing a well-rounded skill set. During his super senior season, Clark played in the sweet spot 77% of snaps and recorded 50 regular season tackles and 4 INTs, bringing his career total to 14 regular-season INTs over the past 4 years, plus another in postseason play.
Clark tracks the football well, has good hands, and has the speed to stay with receivers down the field. However, he can occasionally drift out of position, leading to coverage lapses, and he sometimes struggles to disengage from blocks when working closer to the line of scrimmage.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
I think he is likely to mostly play nickel in the NFL, which is a good spot for fantasy success. He is another player who might start as a backup and work his way into the starting lineup.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Round 6
Borderline Rosterable Assets
7. Kamari Ramsey, S, University of Southern California
Measurables: 5-foot-11, 199 pounds
Age: Will be 22 when the season starts
Path: 2 years at UCLA before finishing his career with 2 years at USC
Composite draft projection: Day 3, but I’ve seen some big boards that have him higher, so he could be a Day 2 pick.
Strengths and Shortcomings
Kamari Ramsey migrated from playing mostly deep early in his career to playing 79% of his snaps in the sweet spot last season. His senior-year PFF grade of 72.5 was solid overall, but his 89.7 tackling grade stood out. After dealing with inconsistency earlier in his career, Ramsey dramatically improved in 2025, missing just one tackle all season. Unfortunately, he had a low tackling efficiency and only managed 30 tackles in his senior year, missing 3 games along the way. He averaged 51 tackles per season in his previous two years.
He showed good instincts in coverage, anticipating receivers’ routes. Durability might be a minor concern after missing 6 games over the last 3 seasons.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
I like that he played closer to the line of scrimmage in 2025, but it’s a shame his tackle inefficiency is so poor for a good tackler. I’d rather wait and see how he develops than spend a draft pick on him.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Undrafted
8. Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
Measurables: 6-foot-0, 211 pounds
Age: 21 at the start of the season
Path: 3 years at South Carolina
Draft projections: Round 2, pick 25 (Reuter)
Strengths and Shortcomings
Jalon Kilgore carved out a defined role as a slot-heavy defender throughout his college career, logging 71% of his snaps there in 2025 while spending another 22% in the box. His overall PFF grades hovered around 70 in each of his three seasons, which is solid, but not at the elite level of some of his peers.
Kilgore averaged 63 tackles per year and finished his career with 7 INTs, reflecting steady production and a nose for the football. In zone coverage, he does a good job keeping his eyes on the quarterback, which helps him react quickly on run plays and underneath throws. He generally shows sound tackling technique and isn’t afraid to mix it up in traffic, though he still misses tackles more often than ideal. I’d like to see him work on getting off blocks more consistently.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
Will be a good fit as a big nickel with the league slowly trending towards more 2 TE sets. I hope fantasy sites list him as a CB to improve his value.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Undrafted
9. Genesis Smith, Safety, Arizona
Measurables: 6-foot-2, 204 pounds
Age: Unconfirmed, likely 21-22
Path: Played 3 seasons at Arizona
Composite draft projection: Round 3, pick 21
Strengths and Shortcomings
Genesis Smith profiles as a free safety. He posted a solid 81.1 overall PFF grade, highlighted by an impressive 88.5 coverage mark that underscores his comfort and instincts on the back end. Smith played 41% of his snaps in the defensive sweet spot this past season.
Over the last two years, he averaged 65 tackles per season and recorded 4 total INTs, showing he can find the football and capitalize on opportunities. He has good athletic ability to compete in man coverage and good awareness in zone coverage. The biggest concerns come in run support, where his 63 run defense grade and 56.3 tackling grade reflect inconsistency. He can take poor pursuit angles and must become a more reliable finisher to be a valuable fantasy asset.
First-Look Dynasty Valuation
I think he needs a year or two of development to improve his tackling before he would be valuable in fantasy leagues.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation
Undrafted
Cornerbacks
I don’t like drafting CBs who aren’t named Cooper DeJean, and I drafted him expecting him to get punt return work (and it was a homer pick as a Hawkeyes fan). The only other CB I’ve considered drafting in a 12-team league was Marcus Jones at the end of the 5th round that year. I should have pulled the trigger on that one.
So I’m suggesting you don’t draft CBs, but if you do, draft CBs that return kicks or play the slot, where they are closer to the action. The list below is in the order of Dane Brugler’s big board, except for the last two players. I pulled them up into this list so I could make sure you are aware of them. That is, if you really want to draft a CB.
1. Monsoor Delane, CB, Louisiana State: Delane is a physical CB who could become a lockdown corner. Quarterbacks don’t throw at lockdown corners as much, so they are less valuable for fantasy. Do not draft.
2. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee: McCoy tore his ACL in January of 2025 and missed the past season, but he is expected to be healthy for the Combine. McCoy wasn’t super sticky in coverage in the past, but he closes fast, so he could be useful even as a wide corner. Somebody to watch at the Combine and keep an eye on in waivers for 12-team leagues.
3. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson: Terrell is a skilled CB, but is another player who I am worried sticks on receivers more tightly, potentially reducing opportunities to score points for fantasy managers. He did play more in the slot in 2025, so keep an eye on how teams use him.
4. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee: Hood is a physical corner and a sure tackler, but doesn’t have the coverage skills of some of the others listed here. He mostly played out wide in college, but could at least see targets in the NFL.
5. Keionte Scott, CB/S, Miami: Scott has a great combination for fantasy managers: he isn’t great in coverage and is tough around the line of scrimmage. He mostly played slot in college and should continue to do so in the NFL. He is one of the few corners I would consider drafting.
6. Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona: Stukes is an older CB who played mostly as a nickel and in the box in college. He has solid tackling skills, but is better in coverage than Scott. He had 4 INTs in his super-senior season. Would be a CB to consider late in drafts or deeper leagues.
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