https://omg10.com/4/10736335
By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
We start with a look at the region’s top 25 defensive prospects, ranked by their projected draft rounds or free agency (UDFA).
I’ve provided summary evaluations for the top 10 prospects and projections for the rest.
This year’s Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, and will take place April 23-25. It will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN, ABC and ESPN Deportes.
Coverage begins at 5 pm PT on Thursday and continues at 4 pm on Friday and noon on Saturday. The stream is available on NFL+, the ESPN app, Hulu and Disney+.
Let’s get to the list!
1. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Projection: Mid or late first round
YesStatistically speaking, Johnson was the nation’s best pass defender in 2025, allowing just 18 
catches for 185 yards and makes 4 passes.
He also had a big week at the Senior Bowl against elite competition.
Johnson is excellent in coverage and route recognition. He makes plays with the ball in the air, anticipates where it is going and doesn’t rely too much on his hands to defend.
2. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Projection: Mid or late first round
tHieneman can play multiple positions in the secondary and is effective in coverage. he is a huge 
active in run support and will make stops at the line.
He is a confident tackler who rarely allows broken tackles, but tends to not square up and occasionally misses ball carriers, as he had a 12.7% missed tackle rate in 2025.
Thieneman has the speed to match the outside and ran a 4.25 40-yard dash at the combine.
3. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Projection: Second round
TObney plays very well with his eyes on the quarterback and looks at short and 
intermediate routes.
He will enter the league ready to play as a number two cornerback or nickelback against the slot. He can point the ball high and make the play over the receiver.
Abney welcomes contact at the line and plays physically. However, that physicality can cause him problems on the field, as he was occasionally marked on vertical routes.
4. Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Projection: Second round
YesTukes seems like a prototypical corner to line up against the slot, something he’s already done. 
carried out mainly in the last three seasons.
A nimble corner with speed to burn, he ran a 4.33 at the combine. That speed should also help on the outside, but his technique needs to improve on the outside.
Stukes plays tall and reads the quarterback with a nose for the ball. His length allows him to attack the ball even if he is a step behind.
5. Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Projection: Third/Fourth round
RAmsey can play the role of free safety or strong safety in the NFL. He will also have the 
ability to slide into the nickel spot as he excels in coverage and route recognition.
The former USC safety’s greatest strength may be his ability to not give up on a ball and compete for it through the catch, trying to out-strength the receiver.
Ramsey needs to improve in run support and meeting ball carriers downhill.
6. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Projection: Third/Fourth round
dAvis has elite height and length for a cornerback. His long arms are disturbing and cause everyone to 
types of problems for wide receivers.
A matchup problem for receivers, he is excellent in man coverage and blocking opponents at the line. As a borderline corner, he could struggle with deep routes without safety help.
Davis’ speed is at a level to keep up, but he will have to adjust to the NFL not allowing as much physicality on the field as we see in college.
7. Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
Projection: Third/Fourth round
YesMith is a versatile safety with closing speed in the middle of the field. It is very effective against 
tight ends and backs in the passing game.
He will meet them at the line and break time with his physicality. He has long arms and will make plays in the air, aiming the ball high.
Smith is excellent in coverage, but could struggle against a shifty slot receiver. He is an effective run support player and needs to strengthen his tackling.
8. Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
doAnady has great route recognition and closing speed. You could have problems with physical receptors, 
However, and could afford to increase its volume.
His footwork is a strength and he has sensitivity to route changes, frequently sliding his feet to cut direction in advance. His closing speed is a huge factor in missed final passes.
Canady could become one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but he should be a nickel or slot defender early in his career.
9. Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
TO Fitzgerald, a ball-selling safety who will make plays downfield, should be a day three pick.
He can match inside with a TE or behind, but he can also help above. He will pounce on a QB mistake and quickly take advantage of an opportunity to take the ball.
Fitzgerald can step in and help stop the run, but his pursuit angles need to improve.
10. Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
bOettcher has average size for an NFL linebacker, but makes up for it with his play recognition.
A two-sport star for the Ducks, he has already been selected in the MLB Draft. Now the former football player should hear his name called in the NFL Draft this weekend.
He has the speed to match coverage and the instincts to be productive against the run; you just need to avoid excessive pursuit and losing restraint. He will be an instant impact player on special teams.
11. Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State — Projection: Round 4-5
12. Hezekiah Masses, CB, California — Projection: Round 5-6
13. Lander Barton, LB, Utah — Projection: Round 6-7
14. Clay Patterson, DT, Stanford —Projection: Round 6-7/UDFA
15. Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona — Projection: Round 5-7
16. Collin Wright, C.B., Stanford — Projection: Round 6-7
17. Jack Kelly, L.B., BYU — Projection: Round 5-7
18. Logan Fano, Edge, Utah — Projection: Round 6-7
19. Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington — Projection: Round 6-7
20. Eric Gentry, LB, USC — Projection: Round 6-7
21. Gary Smith III, DL, UCLA — Projection: Round 6-7
22. Anthony Lucas, Edge, USC — Projection: Round 5-7
23. Brent Austin, CB, California — Projection: Afternoon day 3/UDFA
24. Skylar Thompson, S, Oregon State — Projection: Afternoon day 3/UDFA
25. Zach Durfee, Edge, Washington — Projection: Afternoon day 3/UDFA
writes on various topics for SuperWest sports, including statistics and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and directs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
