The Opening Drive 4/7: Finding the Right Fit at Safety for Browns

Why versatility could define the Browns approach to drafting a safety. Plus who are the best fits based on what we know.

The Cleveland Browns are likely to address the safety position at some point during the 2026 NFL Draft. The expectation is that this position will be targeted outside of the first round, as there are more pressing needs on the offensive side of the ball. Drafting Caleb Downs at No. 6 wouldn’t be considered a reach, as he is viewed as a generational talent at safety. If Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is still available at No. 24, he would be a valuable investment due to his potential impact and fit within the team’s scheme.

However, assessing this position is complicated by the uncertainty surrounding the new defensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg, and how he perceives the current roster, particularly Ronnie Hickman. There is currently no clear indication of how aggressively the Browns need to pursue this position, leaving a wide range of outcomes depending on how the draft unfolds and how Rutenberg evaluates the internal options.

Rutenberg’s historical approach to the safety position emphasizes versatility and interchangeability. His system encourages safeties to rotate responsibilities and disguise coverages instead of adhering to rigid roles. This approach requires players to show intelligence, range, and adaptability. The Browns will likely seek a safety who can effectively operate in both a deep middle role and fulfill strong safety responsibilities, with roles that may change pre-snap and on a snap-to-snap basis.

A significant challenge in identifying suitable candidates is that finding a hybrid safety is not easy. While there are several promising prospects, most appear to be role-dependent on the surface. There may only be a couple of top-end prospects, but the middle tiers are filled with players who could step into specific roles early and develop within the right system. This situation forces the Browns to make difficult decisions and take increased risks the further they wait to address the position. It’s about identifying the right skill sets that align with the vision for this defense moving forward. How much the Browns are willing to invest in a safety will reveal much about Rutenberg’s initial evaluation of Hickman and his vision for the backend of the defense. Below is an overview of the top prospects after Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman that could make sense for the Browns.

The scouting reports on each player were complied using some information and data from Nfldraftbuzz.com and PFF.com.

THE TOP FITS FOR BROWNS

** = Ideal Fit