By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, and we’re gearing up for our coverage of the players expected to be selected from the West.
We begin with a look at the region’s Top 25 defensive prospects, ranked by their projected selection rounds or free agency (UDFA).
I have provided summary evaluations for the Top 10 best prospects and projections for the rest.
This year’s Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, and runs from April 23–25. It will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes.
Coverage starts at 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, and continues at 4 p.m. on Friday, and at noon on Saturday. Streaming is available on NFL+, ESPN App, Hulu, and Disney+
Let’s get on to the list!
1. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Projection: Mid-to late first round
Statistically speaking, Johnson was the best pass defender in the nation in 2025, allowing just 18 
catches for 185 yards and picking off 4 passes.
He also had a huge week at the Senior Bowl against elite competition.
Johnson is excellent in coverage and route recognition. He makes plays on the ball in the air, anticipates where it’s going, and does not rely on his hands too much to defend.
2. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Projection: Mid-to late first round
Thieneman can play multiple positions in the secondary and is effective in coverage. He is a huge 
asset in run support and will make stops at the line.
He is a sure tackler who rarely allows broken tackles, but tends not to square up and will occasionally miss ball carriers, as he had a 12.7% missed-tackle rate in 2025.
Thieneman has the speed to match up on the outside and ran a 4.25 40-yard dash at the combine.
3. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Projection: Second round
Abney plays very well with his eyes on the quarterback and locks down on short and 
intermediate routes.
He will enter the league ready to play as a Number Two cornerback or as a nickel against the slot. He can high-point the ball and make the play over the receiver.
Abney welcomes contact at the line and plays physically. That physicality can get him in trouble down the field, though, as he was flagged on vertical routes from time to time.
4. Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Projection: Second round
Stukes looks like a prototypical corner to line up against the slot, something he has already 
primarily done over the last three seasons.
A rangy corner with speed to burn, he ran a 4.33 at the combine. That speed should help on the outside as well, but his technique needs to get better outside.
Stukes plays tall and reads the QB with a nose for the football. 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 either the free safety or strong safety role 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 biggest strength may be his ability not to give up on a ball and compete for it through the catch, trying to outmuscle it from the receiver.
Ramsey needs to get better in run support and meeting ballcarriers downhill.
6. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
Projection: Third/Fourth round
Davis has elite height and length for a cornerback. His long arms are disruptive and cause all 
kinds of problems for wideouts.
A matchup problem for receivers, he is excellent in press-man coverage and jams opponents at the line. As a boundary corner, he could struggle with deep routes if safety help is not there.
Davis’ speed is at a level to keep up, but he will need to adjust to the NFL not allowing as much downfield physicality as we see in college.
7. Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
Projection: Third/Fourth round
Smith is a versatile safety with speed to close in the middle of the field. He’s very effective against 
tight ends and backs in the passing game.
He will meet them at the line and disrupt timing with his physicality. He has long arms and will make plays in the passing game, high-pointing the ball.
Smith is excellent in coverage, but could struggle against a shifty slot receiver. He is an effective run-support player who needs to shore up his tackling.
8. Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
Canady has great route recognition and closing speed. He could struggle with physical receivers, 
though, and could afford to bulk up.
His footwork is a strength, and he has a feel for route breaks, frequently sliding his feet to cut direction in advance. His closing speed is a huge factor in late pass breakups.
Canady could develop into a top NFL corner, but he should be a nickel or slot defender early in his career.
9. Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
Projection: Fourth/Fifth round
A ball-hawking safety who will make plays downfield, Fitzgerald should be a Day Three selection.
He can match up inside with a TE or back, but can also help over the top. He will pounce on a QB mistake and is quick to realize a takeaway opportunity.
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 in his play recognition.
A two-sport star for the Ducks, he has already been selected in the MLB Draft. Now the former football walk-on should hear his name called in the NFL Draft this weekend.
He has the speed to match up on coverage and the instincts to be productive against the run; he just needs to avoid overpursuing and losing containment. 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, CB, Stanford — Projection: Round 6-7
17. Jack Kelly, LB, 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, Cal — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
24. Skylar Thompson, S, Oregon State — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
25. Zach Durfee, Edge, Washington — Projection: Late Day 3/UDFA
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
