Height: 6-0
Weight: 215
Year: Senior
Pro Comparison: DeShon Elliott

2026 NFL Combine Results

Pros of A.J. Haulcy

• Top-down support. Looks like a linebacker when asked to insert into run fits. A key and diagnose specialist who mirrors the steps of the ball carrier.
• Physical on contact. Thumps at the junction point. Compact build is like a speeding missile into the backfield and over the MOF.
• Ball skills. Soft hands that can make quarterbacks pay.

Cons of A.J. Haulcy

• Lack of true open field speed. Don’t see him turn and burn in the post a lot.
• Questionable man coverage skills. Won’t feel great about him manned against TE’s or slot WR’s due to his lack of length and short area quicks.
• May be best suited as a box safety.

Background

A Houston native, Haulcy started his career at New Mexico before transferring to Houston, where he played two seasons before his final year in Baton Rouge. He saved his best year for last, being awarded first team All-American status by the Sporting News and first team All-SEC by coaches. He recorded 22 tackles in a game as a true freshman at New Mexico.

Player Evaluation

Haulcy is a breath of fresh air in a safety class that is dominated by nickel defenders or coverage-savvy free safeties. He’s a true strong safety, who just so happens to have the ball skills to not be a liability in coverage. He brings a fiery downhill presence against both the run and pass. He flows effortlessly to the ball with extremely notable eye discipline, and key and diagnose skills. He will excel with a team that plays a lot of split safety coverage, or for a team willing to have him play in the box.

A to Z Rankings

A to Z Big Board Ranking: 74

A to Z Draft Grade: 7.17

Draft projection: Day 2