We have reached another week into the Summer Scouting process, and that means we have wrapped up watching the top linebackers in the class heading into the Fall.
In total, I watched 11 safeties and will be sharing some notes on the top 10. I will share all the names at the end, but when we discuss the top options of this linebacker class, there are some top-end pieces for teams to target. The Summer is all about being positive with players, with some notes to keep in mind when we watch them in the Fall.
We have beaten around the bush enough, though, let’s show our rankings.
1) KJ Bolden, Georgia
Scouting Report
“KJ Bolden is far and away the best safety in this class, and it was evident after one game. He consistently provides run support, impresses with his processing speed, and his eagerness to make a play for Georgia does not go unnoticed.”
2) Koi Perich, Oregon
Scouting Report
“Koi Perich is a blast to watch and is going to be very fun with Oregon in 2026. He will step into the role that Dillon Thieneman gave up when he declared for the NFL Draft and was drafted in the first round.”
3) Ty Benefield, LSU
Scouting Report
“Ty Benefield is a fun safety prospect who will be tested, moving from the Mountain West to the SEC. He very much fits the mold of what an SEC defender looks like, and he plays like one too.”
4) Bray Hubbard, Alabama
Scouting Report
“Bray Hubbard reminded me of why he was one of my favorite players last Summer. His film is riddled with him making plays he has no business pulling off, changing the dynamic of the game, and setting a tone for the defense.”
5) Tao Johnson, UCLA
Scouting Report
“Tao Johnson is a super versatile defender who is moving from Utah to UCLA in 2026. He could be the premier defender for UCLA as they look to build on a promising 2025 campaign with a defense to help their offense out a bit more.”
6)Earl Little Jr., Ohio State
Scouting Report
“Earl Little Jr. is a fun safety prospect who deserves more attention heading into the 2026 season. At Ohio State, he has a chance to thrive in that high-profile defense and become one of its leaders.”
7) Jordan Castell, Kentucky
Scouting Report
“Castell is a rangy safety for the Gators in 2025, and now he heads to Kentucky to help give that defense a facelift. He doesn’t make you go wow in most areas, but his willingness to meet runners in their lane or to work the middle of the field is impressive.”
8) Dashawn Spears, LSU
Scouting Report
“Dashawn Spears is a fun safety prospect, but he is someone who needs to work on a lot in 2026. The base is there for him to be an impactful safety wth his size and technique, but the coverage ability and instincts need to be fulfilled.”
9) Keon Sabb, Alabama
Scouting Report
“Keon Sabb is one half of the dynamic duo at safety for the Alabama defense. Sabb provides the more physical half of the duo, while Bray Hubbard is the athletic playmaker. Sabb has those traits as well, but he strikes me as more of the thumper and leader between the two.”
10) Khalil Barnes, Georgia
Scouting Report
“Khalil Barnes is a super athletic safety type and is fluid in his movement skills. He shows off great footwork and lower body mechanics that allow him to be able to get in position to make a play on the ball in the air or on the ground.”
Best of the Rest
- Marcus Neal Jr., Penn State (Scouting Report)
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: KJ Bolden headlines our 2027 NFL Draft summer safety rankings
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