Packers Prospects: 8 best safety 'big nickel' fits in 2026 NFL Draft

Emmanwori was used in a variety of ways in college, spending 44% of his snaps in the box, 31% at free safety and 25% in the slot. It is that kind of varied profile Green Bay is likely chasing.

Haulcy lined up mostly at free safety (50%), but could shine to the ball, especially given his nose for it (eight interceptions in the last two years). He played 37% of his snaps in the box and 13% in the slot, so he does not have as much experience there, but may be able to grow into it.

Thomas played 47% of his snaps in the box, 31% at free safety and 21% in the slot, which is more balanced. While Haulcy would likely need to be Green Bay’s pick at 52 if they are going to get him, which would be aggressive given their other roster needs, Thomas is a projected UDFA.

There are other prospects in this draft who could fit what the Packers might be looking for, at least in terms of size.

Going back to Emmanwori’s alma mater, Jalon Kilgore (91st on the consensus big board) is 6-1, 210 pounds and ran a 4.40 in the 40. He played a whopping 64% of his college snaps in the slot compared to just 25% in the box and 11% at free safety, but he has the size and movement skills to play in all three spots.

Miami safety Jakobe Thomas (not to be confused with the aforementioned Jacob Thomas), is built similarly to Oladapo at 6-1, 211 pounds, and had similar testing, running a 4.57 compared to Oladapo’s 4.58. He is ranked 167th on the consensus big board and has played 37% of his snaps in the box, 47% at free safety and 16% in the slot.

Texas Tech’s Cole Wisniewski is a big safety at 6-3, 219 pounds. Ranked 228th on the consensus board, he spent 43% of his time in the box, 41% at free safety and 16% in the slot.

Skyler Thomas (ranked 367th) actually played with Oladapo at Oregon State and has comparable measurements at 6-1 ¾ and 210 pounds. He has played 58% of his snaps in the box, 27% at free safety and 15% in the slot.

If they are willing to go a slightly different route to find their big nickel, Pitt’s Kyle Louis (78th) could be the answer.

He is a linebacker listed at just under 6-0, 224 pounds, lacking the traditional size for that position. But he is excellent in coverage and contributes plenty in the run game despite his stature. Some teams view him as a safety, and he had very strong athletic testing, running a 4.53 and also performing well in the explosion and agility testing. Louis could prove to be a versatile piece for a creative defensive coordinator.

Similarly, LSU linebacker Harold Perkins was moved all over the defense, arguably to his detriment, but he ran a 4.45 at just under 6-1, 223 pounds.

If the Packers really are looking to find a big nickel candidate in this draft, there should be several opportunities for them to do so.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers Prospects: 8 best safety 'big nickel' fits in 2026 NFL Draft