Three Risers at Safety Post their Workouts at the 2026 NFL Combine

The safety group at the 2026 NFL Combine delivered one of the most complete positional workouts of the week. In today’s NFL, teams covet defensive backs who can play top-down, match in space, and finish at the catch point. Speed matters, but instincts, transitions, and ball skills separate starters from depth pieces. Three safeties stood above the rest in Indianapolis: Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina), Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), and Bud Clark (TCU).

Jalon Kilgore, S — South Carolina

• Combine Highlight: 4.32 40-yard dash
• Scouting Grade: 6.9 (Starting Free Safety with Ball Production Upside)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 2

Kilgore posted one of the fastest times among defensive backs with a blazing 4.32 forty-yard dash, immediately confirming elite range. But beyond the stopwatch, he looked natural and under control throughout positional work.

In the flip drills and high-point exercises, Kilgore moved smoothly, showing fluid hips and balance without stiffness. He tracked the football confidently and demonstrated strong ball skills, finishing plays cleanly rather than fighting the catch.

The combination of speed and playmaking ability likely solidified him as a legitimate Round 2 candidate. His ability to cover ground from the post and close windows quickly fits the modern single-high safety prototype.

Evaluation: Kilgore profiles as a rangy free safety who can erase vertical shots and create turnovers. His Combine likely eliminated any lingering doubts about his long-speed ceiling.

Dillon Thieneman, S — Oregon

• Combine Highlight: 4.35 40-yard dash, 40” Vertical Jump
• Scouting Grade: 7.0 (Immediate Starter / Defensive Quarterback Traits)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 1

Thieneman may have been the most complete safety throughout the entire workout battery. His 4.35 forty-yard dash confirmed high-level athleticism, but what truly stood out was how controlled and technically sound he looked in every drill.

He transitioned cleanly, stayed balanced through breaks, and displayed excellent hands in ball-tracking situations. Thieneman’s movements were efficient, with no false steps, no wasted motion, and he consistently looked comfortable operating in space.

Beyond the field work, he reportedly impressed heavily during interviews. Teams came away praising his high football IQ, leadership qualities, and football character, traits that matter greatly at a communication-heavy position like safety.

Evaluation: Thieneman looks like a plug-and-play starter capable of handling deep coverage responsibilities while also rotating down into split-safety looks. His Combine performance may have pushed him into mid Round 1 consideration.

Bud Clark, S — TCU

• Combine Highlight: 4.41 40-yard dash
• Scouting Grade: 6.8 (Versatile Starting Safety / Sub-Package Weapon)
• Updated Round Projection: Round 2

Clark entered the Combine riding strong momentum after an excellent Senior Bowl week and he continued that trend in Indianapolis. His 4.41 forty-yard dash reinforced his speed profile, and he ran the full gauntlet of drills smoothly and confidently.

Clark demonstrated fluid hips, soft hands, and excellent closing burst during ball drills. He broke downhill decisively and tracked the football naturally, confirming his ability to finish plays. His transitions looked clean, and he maintained leverage throughout movement exercises.

Evaluation: Clark’s versatility stands out. He can align deep, rotate into split-safety looks, or match in space against slot receivers and tight ends. His postseason stretch, from Mobile to Indianapolis, likely cemented his status as a firm Day 2 pick.