The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Building the Beast: Why defensive backs are the crown jewel of the 2026 NFL Draft class
Apr 1, 2026
Dane Brugler, draft expert and author of The Beast, previews a 2026 class heavy with defensive backs. He walks through safeties' depth, standout names like Caleb Downs, and day-two value targets. Then he dissects corners — big-bodied athletes, under-the-radar sleepers, pro day workouts and medical flags that could reshape the board.
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McCoy's Pro Day 4.38 Reignites Top 15 Talk
- Tennessee reported Jermod McCoy ran a pro day 40 of 4.38 off an ACL tear, easing health concerns for teams.
- Helman and Brugler note pro day times matter little without drill evaluation, but the number pushed McCoy back into top-15 conversation.
Caleb Downs Is A Cerebral Safety First
- Caleb Downs projects as the top safety because of exceptional processing and communication rather than elite testing numbers.
- Dane Brugler and Dave Helman cite his 206–208 lb playing weight and role as a defensive centerpiece across three coordinators as proof of NFL readiness.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Is A Big-Tackling Playmaker
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren grades as a bigger safety/box defender with elite tackling and turnover instincts but uneven coverage at present.
- Brugler notes his 6'3" frame, nose for the ball and eight forced fumbles over three years as key traits.