The Ravens have a strong safety lineup but may still consider drafting a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft. They have 11 picks available, allowing for potential investments in their secondary.
Key points
Ravens have one of the best safety trios in the NFL
Kyle Hamilton is an All-Pro safety
Malaki Starks showed promise in his rookie year
Ravens may still draft a safety despite strong roster
They have 11 picks in the upcoming draft
Ravens
IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 08: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks lines up on defense during a college football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 08, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 08: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks lines up on defense during a college football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 08, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Ravens have one of the best safety trios in the NFL.
All-Pro Kyle Hamilton is a master of all trades with unmatched versatility and ability to affect the game in all three phases. 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks flashed as a high-upside playmaker on the back end during his rookie year, and former Patriots Jaylinn Hawkins was a value signing in free agency to serve as the No. 3 in 2026.
In other words, the Ravens do not need to draft a safety this weekend. But this is a team that loves to invest in their secondary with a former defensive backs coach now leading the team. Spending a premium pick would be unwise, but do not rule out a safety selection entirely (especially with 11 picks!).
Here are Baltimore Beatdownâs top safety prospects for the 2026 draft with selected scouting notes:
**1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State (No. 12 on Baltimore Beatdownâs Big Board)**
Great understanding of role and position on the field. Plays at both free and strong safety. Efficient tackler in open space.
**2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon (No. 26 overall)**
Versatile safety who leveraged his athleticism and range into 8 career interceptions. True definition of last line of defense as a run defender in the open field.
**3. , Toledo (No. 27 overall)**
Matchup piece that has zone instincts. Effective vs the run and good zone technique
**4. , (No. 65 overall)**
**5. , (No. 80 overall)**
**6. , (No. 98 overall)**
**7. , (No. 99 overall)**
**8. , USC (No. 104 overall)**
Kamari Ramsey is a versatile safety who can line up at all three spots but is best suited for a split-safety role that highlights his vision, competitiveness at the catch point, and closing speed (4.47-second 40-yard dash at the Combine). His sense of urgency as a run defender is lacking, and though his missed tackle rate dropped significantly in 2025, his technique and physicality will be challenged in the NFL. As a result, his early snaps may only come in dime packages and obvious passing situations, but he has plenty of special teams experience. His injury history raises durability concerns, and he may not have a high ceiling, but Ramsey will find ways to contribute on his rookie deal.
**9. V.J. Payne, Kansas State (No. 135 overall, Red Star from Yuri)**
A well-sized, high-upside defensive back with the mental bandwidth to handle a variety of roles and responsibilities. Thrives as a physical box safety near the line of scrimmage but high-end speed provides intriguing range and developmental upside. Could evolve into a more complete, scheme-versatile defender at the next level.
**10. , (No. 136 overall)**
**11. Jalen Huskey, (No. 167 overall)**
**12. , Southern California (No. 186 overall)**
**13. , Texas Tech (No. 191 overall)**
Q&A
What are the top safety prospects for the Ravens in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The top safety prospects include Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, among others.
Why might the Ravens draft a safety despite having a strong roster?
The Ravens may draft a safety to further invest in their secondary, especially with a former defensive backs coach leading the team.
Who are the current safeties on the Ravens' roster?
The Ravens currently have All-Pro Kyle Hamilton, 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks, and Jaylinn Hawkins as their safeties.
How many draft picks do the Ravens have for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Ravens have a total of 11 draft picks for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Related Articles
Sports
âIt has clearly exceeded expectationsâ: inside Red Bullâs F1 engine factory
The Guardian Sport·
Sports
Brewers come back but canât hold on in 5-4 loss to Tigers
Brewers lose 5-4 to Tigers after late home run by Torkelson
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
NFL Draft Round 1 Preview: Which Big Ten Players Will Be Drafted?
Tonight's NFL Draft: Which Big Ten Players Will Shine?
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Transfer
Report: Man United only willing to pay ÂŁ50m to sign Premier League midfielder
Manchester United's transfer strategy: ÂŁ50m offer for midfielder amid Ratcliffe's involvement.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Dallas Cowboys make small but big move in George Pickens negotiations
Dallas Cowboys make a significant move in George Pickens negotiations.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Preview
NFL Draft 2026: How To Watch All 32 First Round Picks Streaming Online & On TV
Catch the 2026 NFL Draft live from Pittsburgh! Here's how to watch all first-round picks.