Deadspin | 2026 NFL Draft: Best available on Day 3

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

On Saturday, we enter into the longest day of the draft, the marathon third day of the proceedings, comprising of rounds 4-7. Many gems have been discovered from this period, including franchise quarterbacks like Tom Brady, game-changing wideouts like Amon-Ra St. Brown, and crazy physical specimens like Tariq Woolen. Here are some of the players who could fit that bill in this draft class.

Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss — Likely to still be on the board because of his character concerns, Harris certainly plays like someone who could have gone Day 2. With his hulking size (the rare defensive tackle who measures in over 6-foot-7 on a good day) and his impressive pass-rush numbers, a team that’s willing to take the chance on the persona could find themselves with a cornerstone defensive player.

Kyle Louis, S/LB, Pittsburgh — Perhaps Louis’ positional versatility is causing him to drop further than one would expect. Ever since the Isaiah Simmons days, teams seem more and more thrown off by guys who don’t have an immediate fit on their defense. They’re limiting themselves when it comes to Louis, though. His instincts and quick ability to turn toward the ball and pick up cleanup tackles is unmatched. It’s hard to get guys with true starter upside in Day 3.

Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas — Washington’s athleticism is some of the craziest in the class. When you’re 6-foot-1 and carrying over 230 pounds of weight behind you, it’s just not natural to run as fast as Washington does. Though he lacks third-down upside, with development and training, Washington has all the tools to develop into a top-tier starting running back if he’s given patience. Just don’t ask Washington to do too much receiving work too early… or blocking. Just hand the ball off to him; don’t overthink it.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — Something must be very wrong with McCoy’s knee if he’s still on the board this late in the game. There have been rumors of bone spurs and multiple surgeries floating around and it’s all very much in flux. At his best, McCoy could have been the top cornerback in the class, but his bill of health just isn’t clean. At some point, he has to come off the board, but there must be something we don’t know about that has teams playing scared.

Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina — Kilgore was a former top 50 projected player who could slot in perfectly as a nickel back for a team that needs it. The problem is, the nickel cornerback situations around the league are pretty much sorted right now. This means that teams drafting for best player available might have to keep their eye on guys like Kilgore, who are alignment specific, to pick up value. His coverage skills are hard to find this late.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Day