A.J. Haulcy

NFL Draft Profile: A.J. Haulcy

Position: Safety | School: LSU (via Houston/New Mexico) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'0" | Weight: 222 lbs | Archetype: Strong Safety / Enforcer

College Career Summary

A.J. Haulcy is a "traveled" veteran who has dominated at every stop. He began at New Mexico, where he was a PFF True Freshman All-American. He then transferred to Houston, where he earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2024 after leading the team in tackles. Seeking the ultimate spotlight, he moved to LSU for his 2025 senior season. In the SEC, Haulcy solidified his reputation as a "tone-setter." He is a densely built, physical striker who excels near the line of scrimmage but showed improved ball production at LSU. He finished 2025 as a First-Team All-SEC selection, tallying nearly 90 tackles and leading a defensive resurgence in Baton Rouge.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 48 (12 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 347 (88 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 4.5 (0.5 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 10 (3 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 19 (4 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 4 (1 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Maine	4 Tkl	B	Controlled the tempo; sound gap discipline.
vs. Boise State	0 Tkl	C-	Worst Game. Virtually non-existent on the stat sheet.
@ UTEP	2 Tkl, 1 INT	B+	Star Impact. Momentum-shifting interception.
@ LSU (Neutral)	10 Tkl	A	High Motor. Massive production against high-level speed.
vs. UNLV	9 Tkl	A-	Hit Power. Punishing presence in the run game.
@ Florida	12 Tkl	A+	Mental Toughness. Career-high tackles in a hostile SEC environment.
vs. Ole Miss	11 Tkl, 1 INT	A+	Play Recognition. Baited the QB into a crucial turnover.
@ Arkansas	8 Tkl	B+	Reliable "alley runner"; consistently stopped breakout runs.
vs. Texas A&M	9 Tkl	A-	Competitor. Played with a "full head of steam" all night.
@ Alabama	7 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Stamina. Played nearly every snap against an elite offense.
vs. Vanderbilt	8 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Ball Skills. Displayed elite zone anticipation for a pick.
vs. Oklahoma	9 Tkl	A-	Leadership. Directed the secondary in a close conference win.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Violent Striker: Haulcy is one of the hardest hitters in the draft. He "brings the thunder" as a tackler and is a plus-one defender against the run.

• Prototypical Frame: At 222 lbs, he is essentially a small linebacker with safety speed. He meets all Physical Tools thresholds for a modern NFL Strong Safety.

• Quick Trigger: He displays elite Play Recognition, identifying run vs. pass instantly and triggering downhill with urgency.

• Versatility: While he thrives in the box, his 2025 tape showed he is a highly effective Zone defender who can read and pass off routes efficiently.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Range: He lacks the elite "centerfield" speed to be a true single-high safety at the NFL level. He is best utilized in two-high shells.

• Over-Aggressive Tackling: His desire to level opponents leads to him diving at feet rather than squaring up and wrapping, resulting in occasional missed tackles.

• Stiffness: Scouts have noted some hip stiffness in Man coverage, which can make it difficult for him to mirror twitchy slot receivers on sudden breaks.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Strong Safety in a Cover 3 or Cover 1 (as the low-hole "robber") system.

NFL Comparison: Trayvon Mullen (Panthers) / Kevin Byard (Bears)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 20/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 16/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 91/100

A.J. Haulcy is a "tone-setting" enforcer who will immediately upgrade the toughness of an NFL defense. While he has some athletic limitations regarding pure range and hip fluidity, his impact in the run game and his improved ball production make him a high-floor prospect. He is a "safe" pick for a team looking for a starting-caliber Strong Safety who can also contribute on special teams early. His 2025 SEC tape proved he can compete—and dominate—against the best in the world.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round (Top 50)