byJohn Oehser&Bucky Brooks

JACKSONVILLEThe secondary isn't secondary at all this year.

When it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft, the defensive backfield ranks among the class' best positions and not just at the traditionally high-profile cornerback position.

This is a strong draft for the back of the defense overall.

Caleb Downs of Ohio State is widely considered the top safety in the '26 draft class and has been projected to be selected in the Top 10. Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman also has been regularly projected in Round 1, as has Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

Safeties such as A.J. Haulcy of Louisiana State, Bud Clark of Texas Christian, Jason Kilgore of South Carolina and Zakee Wheatley of Penn State, Genesis Smith of Arizona and Kamari Ramsey of Southern California have been projected as Day 3 selections.

The '26 cornerback class also is considered strong, particularly early.

Others believe the cornerback class is strong through the early part of Day 3.

Mansoor Delane of Louisiana State is considered by many the draft's top cornerback, with Tennessee cornerback Jermond McCoy also considered a first-round selection. Cornerbacks Colton Hood of Tennessee and Avieon Terrell of Clemson also are potential first-round selections along with San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson.

"It's different because they're not premiere shutdown corners," Brooks said. "There are guys who have a lot of tools in the toolbox, who are very scheme friendly meaning they can adapt to whatever scheme that you have and play it really well man, zone they can do it, whether they're pressed, whether they're off, they can do it. That's unique.

HANDICAPPING THE JAGUARS

This may be a relatively low-profile position for the Jaguars this weekend, particularly at cornerback. The team entering late April and May very much likes this group, with two second-year veterans safety Caleb Ransaw and cornerback Travis Hunter expected to return from injuries and bolster a solid area. With Hunter and veteran Montaric Brown expected to start on the outside, and with veterans Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones strong at nickel, corner could be a low priority on draft weekend. The Jaguars also feel good about their safety position, with Ransaw expected to push for a starting position in a group that already includes veteran Eric Murray and rapidly improving veteran Antonio Johnson. Look for that trio to play extensively as the Jaguars emphasize three-safety packages on defense, but this is an area the Jaguars could address this weekend.

CHANCE JAGUARS TAKE A SAFETY/CORNERBACK ON DAYS 1-2 (ROUNDS 1-3)

OK.

Ss/CB ON THE JAGUARS ROSTER

CornerMontaric Brown(Twelve starts 2025), cornerTravis Hunter(two), cornerJourdan Lewis(seven), cornerJarrian Jones(three), cornerChristian Braswell, cornerKeni-H Lovely, cornerKeith Taylor, safetyEric Murray(12), safetyAntonio Johnson(eight), safetyRayuan Lane III, safetyCaleb Ransaw, safetyTrevian Thomas, safetyCam'Ron Silmon-Craig,Jabbar Muhammad.

BUCKY BROOKS' TOP 5 2026 SAFETIES

BUCKY BROOKS' TOP 5 2026 CORNERBACKS

BUCKY BROOKS' TOP 5 2026 NICKEL CORNERBACKS

POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND SAFETIES

Downs, Thieneman, McNeil-Warren.

POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND CORNERBACKS

Delane, McCoy, Hood.

POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND NICKEL CORNERBACKS

Terrell.