5 best safety fits for the Eagles in the 2026 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles don't have a depth issue at safety, at least not totally. Theirs is more of a certainty issue. Following the departure of Reed Blankenship and the decision to move on from Sydney Brown, the position has quietly become one of the most unsettled on the roster.

Andrew Mukuba will return for year two following a season-ending injury that closed his rookie campaign. Marcus Epps is back, but likely as part of a competition rather than a long-term answer.

Beyond that, the room is filled with names, not guarantees. That's where the draft comes in. Howie Roseman said, during his predraft presser alongside Nick Sirianni, that players will be added at safety. They'll have options during the selection meeting. Assuming Caleb Downs is off the board, here are Philadelphia's most intriguing options in this class.

1. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon Ducks

Dillon Thieneman feels like the safest projection. He's productive, physical, and versatile enough to contribute immediately. His ability to defend the run and hold up in coverage makes him a plug-and-play option in almost any scheme.

2. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Rockets

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren brings size and playmaking ability. He thrives around the line of scrimmage and has a knack for forcing turnovers. His NFL Scouting Combine performance raised questions, but the tape still speaks loudly. Plus, we have all learned that the Eagles have shown significant interest.

3. A.J. Haulcy, LSU Tigers

A, J, Haulcy offers range and instincts as a true deep safety. His ball skills stand out, and he profiles as the type of player who can patrol the back end and create takeaways.

4. Kamari Ramsey, USC Trojans

Kamari Ramsey’s versatility is his calling card. He can line up in multiple spots and contribute to sub-packages. That gives the defensive coordinator of the team that drafts him a ton of flexibility.

5. Genesis Smith, Arizona Wildcats

Genesis Smith is the upside play. The tools are there, and if he develops consistency, he could outplay his draft position. He isn’t the safest option on this list, but he might have the highest ceiling if everything clicks.

Depth can carry you only so far. Eventually, you need difference-makers, and that's exactly what Philadelphia should be hunting. At some point, potential has to turn into production. This draft may determine whether the Eagles finally stabilize the position or keep searching.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Ranking the 5 best safety fits for the Eagles