The Cleveland Browns will need a high-level processor on the back end to pair with Grant Delpit. The safety is now short with Ronnie Hickman, a restricted free agent, and may or may not return, even as he is in attendance for offseason programming.
What the defense needs is an explosive athlete with vertical push that can cover a lot of ground.
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Huskey can cover slots and tight ends, and that adds value to the defense because he is a safety who has that ability to match
up. He moved from cornerback to safety midway through his first season in college. He is now a veteran defensive back ranked among the best prospects at his position.
S Jalen Huskey
Draft projection: Round 7
Browns pick: #248
Specifics:
Career Tackles for Loss: 5
Interceptions: 11
Career Pass Defenses: 10
Accolades: Second Team All-Big 10, First Team All-MAC (2023), East-West Shrine Bowl invitee
Positives:
- Genuine ball skills
- Willing run defender
- Good tackler
- Will contest catch points
- Leader
- Wraps up
- Cornerback background
Negatives:
- Below-average straight-line speed
- Needs to tighten up coverage
- Light frame needs more girth
- Too wide on pursuit angles
- Stiff hips
Expert Draft Site Analysis
Ranked senior safety Jalen Huskey as the seventh-best draft-eligible safety in 2026. Huskey was one of two veterans drawing buzz all offseason on the defensive side of the ball with linebacker Daniel Wingate, who, for now, is expected to return to the program in 2026, leading the way as two of three returning starters under defensive coordinator Ted Monachino. Huskey, though, has entrenched himself as a leader in an upgraded secondary after recording interceptions in consecutive games. Has corner skill set while playing in the deep part of the field, which allows us a lot more versatility because he can play man coverage.
