USC’s Kamari Ramsey, Bishop Fitzgerald Are Both Being Linked to This NFL Team

USC Trojans defensive backs' Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald are both gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft as the combine gets underway. A team to keep an eye on for these two is the Denver Broncos, in part due to a connection on the coaching staff.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC safety Kamari Ramsey speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

There are multiple USC Trojans’ in the secondary that are getting looked at as NFL Combine week gets underway. Safeties’ Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald are both getting interest from the Denver Broncos, who just hired former USC defensive backs coach Doug Belk. 

A Pair of USC Trojans Defensive Backs to Denver Broncos?

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

USC safeties Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald are getting interest from the Broncos according to NFL Draft Analyst Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports. 

“I’m told the team (Broncos) has an interest in both USC safeties, Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald, though there’s a backstory here,” Pauline wrote. “Less than two weeks ago, Denver hired Doug Belk away from USC to be its new defensive backs coach.”

Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars associate head coach Doug Belk on the sidelines in the second half during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images | Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Doug Belk was the USC defensive backs coach in 2024 and 2025. Recently, he was hired to be the next Denver Broncos defensive backs coach. Prior to his time at USC, Belk was with the Houston Cougars from 2019-2023 as an assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and safeties coach. Next season will be his first on an NFL coaching staff. 

Belk coached Ramsey for his final two seasons with the Trojans. Ramsey played for the UCLA Bruins in 2022 and 2023 before transferring to USC. With USC, he played in 20 games, totaling 87 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one interception. 

According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Ramsey is the No. 68 overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft and a projected third round pick. 

Oct 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) reacts after a play in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Fitzgerald transferred from the NC State Wolfpack to USC for his final season in college in 2025 under Belk. In 2025, he played in 10 games, totaling 51 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five interceptions, one touchdown, and three passes defended.  

According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Fitzgerald is ranked as the No. 153 overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft and a projected fifth round pick. 

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USC Trojans Defensive Backs in the NFL

Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga (9) before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans have has eight defensive backs selected in the NFL Draft since 2016. Ramsey and Fitzgerald will look to join them. The most notable former Trojan defensive back to be selected in this time period is current Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga.

Hufanga was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He played for the 49ers from 2021-2024, making First-team All-Pro in 2022 before signing with Denver prior to the 2025 season. With the Broncos, Hufanga shined. He was named Second-team All-Pro in 2025 and was a key piece to their defense that helped lead the way to a 14-3 season and an AFC Championship game appearance.

Could there be multiple former USC players making up the back line on Denver's defense in 2026?