NFL Draft best players available 2026: Here are top prospects remaining for Rounds 4-7 on Day 3 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The first two days of the NFL Draft are done, but there are gems to be found on Day 3.
History tells us key pieces of Super Bowl rosters will be drafted on Saturday. The hard part, of course, is correctly identifying which players will emerge as NFL regulars, starters and even Pro-Bowlers out of the busiest day of the draft.
The talent still on the board through two days includes players who few expected to last this long. Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy, facing concerns about his knee, was a projected first-round pick but did not hear his name called over the first two days of the draft. Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt, LSU Garrett Nussmeier and Arizona State CB Keith Abney II also surprisingly made it to Day 3.
Who is the best available right now? Here's a complete look.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades
The rankings below reflect the original positions on Sporting News' top 257 big board. All analysis is from SN's Vinnie Iyer.
McCoy is capable of moving around well to handle all types of receivers in coverage with his size and instincts. He also has a strong nose for making big plays on the ball.
Abney will have great value as a versatile corner who can handle any type of coverage assignment, outside or inside, solid vs. spectacular.
Scott has proved to be a well-rounded cover corner who does a little of everything well to help a defense.
Sarratt is a tough competitive route-runner and big-play receiver who needs to show more consistency.
Lew is a technically sound mauler who should start for a long time in the NFL, standing out in the running game much like Tyler Linderbaum.
Coleman doesn't explode with his game but he plays bigger and tougher than his size with production in any capacity.
Smith is a lanky and big cover man for the inside with a chance to be this year's Nick Emmanwori.
Washington is a strong versatile runner who has solid power for inside and burst to the outside and has gotten more attention as someone who can handle a bigger workload late in the process.
Halton is a bit undersized but teams have found it difficult to knock him too much for that with his immense quickness that helps disrupt so much in the backfield.
Lucas looks the part of a dominant engulfing pass-rushing with his frame, but consistency and honing technique are his key pro challenges.
Hecht lacks ideal size and power to some, but to others, he can't miss because of his smarts and technique in blocking and line calling.
Josephs is a very active and aggressive pass rusher who is also relentless in blowing up run plays in the backfield. He needs to be more consistent and start faster on his rush.
Muhammad is ideally built to handle zone coverage well, working in busy nickel packages.