Charlie Campbell· Sep 17, 2026
Campbell ranks the top 30 safety prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft, with Texas' Jelani McDonald first, and assigns each a projected draft round range and a projected 40-yard dash time.
“McDonald has good size and is fast.”
published in writing · Walter Football · read the original →
61 checkable claims — 30 combine measurements, 30 mock draft picks and 1 top player list — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 33 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Jelani McDonald
- Tae Johnson
- Ty Benefield
- Jaylen McClain
- Peyton Bowen
- Keon Sabb
- Kevin Barnes
- Faletau Satuala
- Marcus Ratcliffe
- Davaughn Patterson
- Matthew Bailey
- Jaivion Green
- Jackson Bennee
- Corey Moore
- Christian Harrison
- Qua Moss
- Tennessee Titans
- Alexander McLaughlin
- Washington Commanders
- Gunner Maldonado
- Amare Farrell
- Koi Perich
- Minnesota Vikings
- Braden Awls
- C.J. Heard
- Jordan Castell
- Earl Little II
- Ty Bryant
- Ashlyn Barker
- Bray Hubbard
- Joenel Aguero
- Rod Moore
- KJ Bolden
61 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Mock Draft PicksJelani McDonaldSep 17, 2026
Jelani McDonald to be picked “Round 1-2”
“Jelani McDonald, S, Texas ... Projected Round (2027): 1-2.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJelani McDonaldSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksTae JohnsonSep 17, 2026
Tae Johnson to be picked “Round 1-2”
“Tae Johnson**, S, Notre Dame ... Projected Round (2027): 1-2.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsTae JohnsonSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksTy BenefieldSep 17, 2026
Ty Benefield to be picked “Round 2-3”
“Ty Benefield*, S, LSU ... Projected Round (2027): 2-3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsTy BenefieldSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJaylen McClainSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksPeyton BowenSep 17, 2026
Peyton Bowen to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Peyton Bowen*, S, Oklahoma ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsPeyton BowenSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.48.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksKeon SabbSep 17, 2026
Keon Sabb to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Keon Sabb*, S, Alabama ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksKevin BarnesSep 17, 2026
Kevin Barnes to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Khalil Barnes*, S, Georgia ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsKevin BarnesSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksFaletau SatualaSep 17, 2026
Faletau Satuala to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Faletau Satuala, S, BYU ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsFaletau SatualaSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsMarcus RatcliffeSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsDavaughn PattersonSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksMatthew BaileySep 17, 2026
Matthew Bailey to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Matthew Bailey, S, Illinois ... Projected Round (2026): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJaivion GreenSep 17, 2026
Jaivion Green to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Jaivion Green, S, Stanford ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJackson BenneeSep 17, 2026
Jackson Bennee to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Jackson Bennee, S, Utah ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsCorey MooreSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsChristian HarrisonSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksQua MossTennessee TitansSep 17, 2026
Qua Moss to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Qua Moss, S, Tennessee ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Alexander McLaughlin to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Alexander McLaughlin, S, Washington ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsGunner MaldonadoSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.53.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksAmare FarrellSep 17, 2026
Amare Farrell to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Amare Farrell, S, Indiana ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsKoi PerichMinnesota VikingsSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.49.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksDavaughn PattersonSep 17, 2026
Davaughn Patterson to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Davaughn Patterson, S, Wake Forest ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksBraden AwlsSep 17, 2026
Braden Awls to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Braden Awls*, S, Iowa State ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsBraden AwlsSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsC.J. HeardSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJordan CastellSep 17, 2026
Jordan Castell to be picked “Round 6-FA”
“Jordan Castell, S, Kentucky ... Projected Round (2027): 6-FA.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksEarl Little IISep 17, 2026
Earl Little II to be picked “Round 2-4”
“Earl Little II*, S, Ohio State ... Projected Round (2027): 2-4.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsAmare FarrellSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.55.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksMarcus RatcliffeSep 17, 2026
Marcus Ratcliffe to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Marcus Ratcliffe, S, Texas A&M ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsMatthew BaileySep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsTy BryantSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.55.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsAshlyn BarkerSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.55.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksGunner MaldonadoSep 17, 2026
Gunner Maldonado to be picked “Round 7-FA”
“Gunner Maldonado, S, Kansas State ... Projected Round (2027): 7-FA.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJordan CastellSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.55.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Top Player ListsSep 17, 2026
“The top 2027 Safety prospects available for the 2027 NFL Draft.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJackson BenneeSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksBray HubbardSep 17, 2026
Bray Hubbard to be picked “Round 2-4”
“Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama ... Projected Round (2027): 2-4.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksC.J. HeardSep 17, 2026
C.J. Heard to be picked “Round 4-6”
“C.J. Heard, S, Vanderbilt ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJoenel AgueroSep 17, 2026
Joenel Aguero to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Joenel Aguero, S, Ole Miss ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsEarl Little IISep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
“Projected 40 Time: 4.55.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksTy BryantSep 17, 2026
Ty Bryant to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Ty Bryant, S, Kentucky ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksCorey MooreSep 17, 2026
Corey Moore to be picked “Round 4-6”
“Terry Moore*, S, Ohio State ... Projected Round (2027): 4-6.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksAshlyn BarkerSep 17, 2026
Ashlyn Barker to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Ashlyn Barker*, S, Florida State ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsQua MossTennessee TitansSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksRod MooreSep 17, 2026
Rod Moore to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Rod Moore, S, Michigan ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsKJ BoldenSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsBray HubbardSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJoenel AgueroSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsRod MooreSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.50.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsJaivion GreenSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.55.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksChristian HarrisonSep 17, 2026
Christian Harrison to be picked “Round 5-7”
“Christian Harrison, S, Arkansas ... Projected Round (2027): 5-7.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksKoi PerichMinnesota VikingsSep 17, 2026
Koi Perich to be picked “Round 3-5”
“Koi Perich, S, Minnesota ... Projected Round (2027): 3-5.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksJaylen McClainSep 17, 2026
Jaylen McClain to be picked “Round 2-3”
“Jaylen McClain*, S, Ohio State ... Projected Round (2027): 2-3.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Combine MeasurementsKeon SabbSep 17, 2026
“Projected 40 Time: 4.45.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Mock Draft PicksKJ BoldenSep 17, 2026
KJ Bolden to be picked “Round 1-2”
“K.J. Bolden*, S, Georgia ... Projected Round (2027): 1-2.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Seth WalderTrade and Signing Calls · Kayshon BoutteMiss · 0Walder proposes five trades he believes should happen before Week 1 of the 2026 season: Jessie Bates III to the 49ers, Kayvon Thibodeaux to the Patriots, Keon Coleman to the Colts, Walker Little to the Cardinals, and Kayshon Boutte to the Commanders, where he says Boutte would immediately be Washington's No. 2 receiver.
- Garrett PodellTrade and Signing Calls · Stefon DiggsHit · 100A CBS Sports report frames Stefon Diggs as filling Washington's vacant No. 2 receiver role opposite Terry McLaurin after his reported one-year deal, expecting him in that spot in the 2026 passing game with Jayden Daniels.
- Bucky BrooksTrade and Signing Calls · Stefon DiggsHit · 100In a quarterback rapid-fire segment and later discussion, Brooks named starters for several clubs (Kyler Murray over JJ McCarthy in Minnesota, Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland, Tua in Atlanta, Jeremiah Love as Arizona's starting running back), called Chris Olave a No. 1 receiver, backed Stefon Diggs landing with the Commanders and Aaron Donald returning to the Rams, argued Baker Mayfield belongs among the top 15-17 quarterbacks, and published a top-five defensive tackle list topped by Jeffrey Simmons.
- Joe MarinoTrade and Signing Calls · Stefon DiggsHit · 100Marino projects DJ Moore to bounce back in Buffalo's offense with over 1,000 receiving yards (talking up around 1,200), and expects rookie cornerback Davison Igbinosun (IGB) to win a starting job opposite Christian Benford. He also thinks free agent Stefon Diggs ends up signing with Washington.
- Gregg RosenthalTrade and Signing Calls · Stefon DiggsHit · 100Rosenthal picked rookies he expects to start right away — a Steelers left tackle and Colts linebacker — said Terry McLaurin is Washington's clear No. 1 receiver, and said he wouldn't be surprised if the Commanders signed Stefon Diggs as a solid No. 2.
- Nick ShookMock Draft Picks · Emmanuel McNeil-WarrenMiss · 18Shook walks through his full first-round mock draft, assigning a prospect to every pick from No. 1 to No. 32, headlined by Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders, David Bailey to the Jets and Jeremiah Love to the Cardinals in the top three.
More combine measurements
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Field YatesCombine Measurements · Brenen ThompsonClose · 67Yates pegged David Bailey as a top-four pick, called Jeremiah Love clearly the best running back in the class with a draft range from No. 3 overall to the Chiefs at No. 9, put Karnell Tate atop his receiver board, projected Jordan Tyson as a top-15 pick, and expected Brennan Thompson to run in the 4.2s. He also sees both Miami's Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano taken inside the top 15, with Mauigoa having a chance to be the first offensive lineman off the board.
- James HarrisonCombine Measurements · Zachariah BranchMiss · 0The co-host known as Debo, who identifies himself as James Harrison, predicts Caleb Downs runs in the 4.42-4.43 range at the combine and rides the under on Zachariah Branch's 40 time, citing Branch's high school speed.
- Bruce FeldmanCombine Measurements · Cole PaytonHit · 100Feldman discussed Fernando Mendoza as the likely No. 1 overall pick to the Raiders, praised Kenyon Sadik and Sunny Styles as combine standouts, projected Ty Simpson as a late-first-round pick, and pegged Cole Peyton for the fourth-to-fifth round range.
- Daniel JeremiahCombine Measurements · Justin JeffersonMiss · 27On Move the Sticks, Daniel Jeremiah gave his views on the 2026 draft class: he set his board (Jeremiah Love as the second-best player, Malinoi 12th, Fano 14th), ranked the top edge rushers Bailey-Reese-Bain, projected draft ranges for several prospects, and forecast measurables for a few players.
- Ayrton OstleyCombine Measurements · Gabe JacasHit · 100Ostley predicts Mississippi State receiver Brandon/Brennan Thompson runs the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine, expects Mac Jones to be traded to the Vikings, and offers combine performance expectations for several prospects.
- nthony Darelle "Booger" McFarlandCombine Measurements · Arvell ReeseHit · 100McFarland projected Ohio State's Arbel Reese to measure in at roughly 6-4 and 240-245 pounds at the combine, and argued Cincinnati and Trey Hendrickson will go their separate ways this offseason.