The 2026 NFL Draft concludes on Saturday, April 25, with Day 3. And several notable names will be hoping to have the start of their professional careers take shape in short order after an extended wait.
Most of the marquee figures in college football have already been accounted for, with only 24 of USA TODAY Sports' top 100 players remaining still hanging around after Day 2. Still, there are potential sleepers and meaningful contributors still looking for their landing spots.
USA TODAY Sports will have live updates on the best players available after every pick, so stay tuned for all the latest:
A torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.
A missile out of the slot, Scott created more disruption in the backfield than could be expected from any defensive back. He's likely headed for an adjustment in playing style with a heavier dose of coverage discernment necessary. Yet any scheme that embraces his attacking mentality could tap into a unique playmaking streak.
Between aggravating an abdominal injury suffered in fall camp and LSU's wider offensive failures, Nussmeier quickly became something of a draft afterthought in the fall. Yet a bit more perspective on what plagued him presents important insight into what value he still has to offer.
The son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier doesn't always exhibit a playing style befitting his lineage, as the younger Nussmeier isn't afraid to uncork downfield shots. Though he might not resemble the typical gunslinger at just 6-2 and 203 pounds, Nussmeier leverages his advanced anticipation, rapid release and elastic arm into big gains in the vertical game. That proclivity for big-play hunting can prove problematic when Nussmeier refuses to dial back his aggressiveness. Without a more discerning approach, particularly when throwing over the middle, that tendency could produce heaps of turnovers for a player who doesn't truly drive the ball into tight windows. But if Nussmeier strikes a balance, he has the makeup of a potential starter.
If he's still known to some solely as Trey's younger brother, he should break out of that rather soon. The 6-3, 204-pound target dominated as a downfield weapon, recording 2,157 receiving yards and 25 scores. Lance demonstrates an appreciation for nuance that suggests his repertoire should grow, though he's still likely in for an extensive acclimation period to the NFL given the significant jump in quality of competition.
With long arms and an explosive first step, Josephs is an imposing figure off the snap. While he can close in on quarterbacks in a hurry when he finds a runway, he's not bendy or strong enough to open up his own paths consistently. Bulking up and rounding out his pass-rush arsenal, however, could help him grow into a formidable threat.
The linebacker label might be affixed to the 6-0, 220-pounder somewhat liberally. Whatever you call Louis, there's little question that he's a magnet to the ball. A hybrid role that takes advantage of his coverage upside and playmaking prowess could provide substantial returns for a creative defensive coordinator, but Louis is also prone to being washed out of plays when he can't outmaneuver blockers.
Abney isn't shy about getting in the face of bigger receivers, challenging them at the line of scrimmage and on any throws made to his area. Still, his instinctual play might be best suited for a shift to the slot, where his pedestrian long speed and size likely won't be sticking points.
More functional than flashy with just three career interceptions, Muhammad should have no shortage of suitors eager to add a reliable presence to their secondary. He keeps his composure against receivers all over the field and is difficult to shake.
In three years at Buffalo and one at New Mexico State, Washington posted relatively modest production. But averaging 6.4 yards per carry in his lone season at Arkansas put him firmly on the NFL radar, and his stellar combine showing – which included a 4.33-second 40-yard dash from the 6-1, 223-pounder – set him apart as one of the most physically gifted backs in this class. Washington frequently resembles a slalom skier, preferring to navigate traffic by weaving around rather than redirecting instantaneously. More often than not, that approach pays off for him, but he might have trouble shaking opponents in tight quarters at the next level. There are ball-security problems to iron out, and he might never factor heavily into the passing game, but Washington still figures to be one of the few backs in this class capable of more than committee work.
At 6-3 and 206 pounds, Payne offers the ideal build and savvy to handle matching up with tight ends at the next level. He might not be the disruptive force in the box that many would envision a safety of his size becoming, but his coverage tools and versatility should carry him a long way in the pros.
Moore is more or less what you'd expect of a 6-3, 198-pound corner. His length can help erase downfield throws and flummox receivers at the line of scrimmage, but he can be shaken by receivers in the intermediate portion of the field when forced to redirect. An extensive injury history could loom over his draft stock, but Moore could grow into an eventual starter.
The 6-2, 207-pound target is squarely in the possession receiver mold, with boxing out his calling card to help combat his subpar separation skills. There might not be much more room for growth for a player who depends on his quarterback trusting him to go up and get the ball, but Sarratt can still be a consistent contributor to a passing attack given his track record of delivering in those scenarios.
Wheatley has a good handle on one of the key jobs for any safety: finding the football. Whether it's in coverage or run support, he makes his way to the action, though his finishing touch comes and goes.
The athletic traits are those of a top-50 pick, as there aren't many 6-6, 315-pound interior forces with the length to overwhelm blockers and corral ball carriers. But Jackson hasn't come anywhere close to his capacity as a player, and it's unclear if he'll reach those heights unless he can engage opposing linemen with better hand usage and leverage.
The raw numbers for Dennis-Sutton are impressive, who stands 6-6, 256 pounds and notched 8 ½ sacks in each of the last two seasons. Yet even though he tested well at the combine, the raw figures belie his pass-rushing potential. Dennis-Sutton's rigidity likely limits him to being a power-based presence who wins off his hustle.
It doesn't take long to see the appeal of a 6-8, 330-pound defensive lineman. Harris can dent the pocket whenever he initiates contact with opposing offensive linemen. Leverage battles predictably tend to be problematic for him, however, and he has to play with more control to be a commanding force up front.