2026 NFL Draft best available: Ranking top remaining players after Rounds 2 and 3

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2026 NFL Draft best available: Ranking top remaining players after Rounds 2 and 3

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Fri, Apr 24, 2026 ·

12 min read

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There was no shortage of top talent still waiting to be selected as the 2026 NFL Draft entered Day 2.

Round 1 featured most of the biggest names coming off the board in rapid fashion, though not necessarily in the order that many had expected. But as Rounds 2 and 3 began on Friday, April 24, several prospects who were on the Day 1 cusp had yet to hear their names called. And with last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year in Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger having been selected on Day 2, it was clear that more instant contributors could be up for grabs.

With Rounds 2 and 3 now complete complete, here's a look at the top players still available:

2026 NFL draft: Best players still available

11. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

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.

47. Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (Fla.)

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.

56. Garrett Nussmeier , QB, LSU

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.

58. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

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.

61. Joshua Josephs, DE, Tennessee

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.

66. Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt

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.

68. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

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.

72. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

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.

73. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

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.

74. VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

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.

78. Devin Moore, CB, Florida

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.

80. Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

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.

81. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

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.

82. Darrell Jackson Jr. , DT, Florida State

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.

84. Dani Dennis-Sutton , DE, Penn State

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.

85. Zxavian Harris, DT, Mississippi

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.

87. Kamari Ramsey , S, USC

Versatile and discerning, Ramsey meets the demands of the modern safety with experience operating in a number of different roles. He might be seen as a jack of all trades and master of none, however, as he's not particularly dynamic in any phase.

88. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

The wrestling background is readily evident for Lew as soon as any play begins. He's not the most forceful or fleet-footed interior blocker, but he creates advantages with his hand-fighting and then refuses to cede them.

89. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana

At 6-2 and 291 pounds, Proctor might be prohibitively small for some schemes that won't tolerate their defensive tackles being knocked around occasionally. But it's hard to look past his rare flair for disruption, with his explosive burst allowing him to shoot gaps and finish plays in the backfield.

90. Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

Hecht won't set the bar in many areas as a blocker, but he clears pretty much all of them. Though the attributes aren't overwhelming, his play is composed and under control – exactly what teams seek from their centers.

93. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

A four-year starter at Duke, Rivers offers impeccable coverage credentials, along with an aggressiveness and confidence seldom seen in 5-10, 185-pound cornerbacks. Finding a fit to limit his exposure against bigger receivers might be a delicate undertaking, but there's a significant reward to be had for the team that properly harnesses his natural feel for the job.

96. Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State

Elliott can be trusted to get the job done at the second level, as he's consistently putting himself in the right spot and finishing plays. He might struggle to chase down backs in the open field or stick with them in coverage, but several teams should be drawn to adding someone with his acumen to the middle of their defense.

97. Will Lee III , CB, Texas A&M

Lee has experience operating out of zone coverage, but operating out of man-to-man looks is where he'll leave his imprint at the next level. The 6-2, 189-pound corner finds a comfort zone in operating in close quarters with receivers, whether that's pressing them or staying in their hip pocket out of breaks. More consistency is needed, however, particularly in helping to stop the run.

100. Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

As a project for his next offensive line coach, the 6-7, 319-pound blocker has as high a payoff as any team will find in the middle-to-late rounds. With his impressive agility and substantial length, Crownover can shut down avenues to the quarterback when everything is working right for him. But he's too easily manipulated by crafty edge rushers, and he probably needs time to hone his approach before seeing significant snaps as a pro.

102. Travis Burke, OT, Memphis

103. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

104. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

105. Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina State

108. Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky

110. Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

113. Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

116. Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma

118. Deion Burks , WR, Oklahoma

120. George Gumbs Jr., DE/OLB, Florida

121. Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina

122. Brian Parker II, C, Duke

123. Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

126. Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame

127. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

128. Mason Reiger, DE/OLB, Wisconsin

129. Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

130. Nick Singleton , RB, Penn State

131. Jonah Coleman , RB, Washington

133. Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

134. Kage Casey, G, Boise State

135. Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon

136. Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College

137. Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan

138. Ephesians Prysock , CB, Washington

140. Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal

141. Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky

142. Malik Benson, WR, Oregon

143. Harold Perkins Jr. , LB, LSU

144. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

145. Zane Durant , DT, Penn State

146. Adam Randall , RB, Clemson

148. Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati

149. Max Llewellyn, DE, Iowa

152. Jack Endries, TE, Texas

153. Anez Cooper, G, Miami (Fla.)

155. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

156. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

157. Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati

159. Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

160. Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon

161. Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M

162. Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

163. Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

164. Diego Pounds, OT, Mississippi

165. Caden Curry, DE, Ohio State

166. Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo

167. Dae'Quan Wright, TE, Mississippi

169. LT Overton , DE, Alabama

170. Deontae Lawson , LB, Alabama

172. Alex Harkey, G, Oregon

173. Beau Stephens, G, Iowa

174. Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

175. Parker Brailsford , C, Alabama

176. Logan Taylor, G, Boston College

177. Anthony Lucas, DE, USC

178. Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

179. Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

180. Kaytron Allen , RB, Penn State

181. Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy

182. Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri

183. Trey Moore , DE, Texas

184. TJ Hall, CB, Iowa

185. Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

186. Lattrell McCutchin Sr., CB, Houston

187. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

188. Thaddeus Dixon , CB, North Carolina

189. Wesley Williams, DE, Duke

190. Justin Jefferson , LB, Alabama

191. Tanner Koziol , TE, Houston

192. Collin Wright, CB, Stanford

193. Taylen Green , QB, Arkansas

194. Avery Smith, CB, Toledo

195. Cade Klubnik , QB, Clemson

196. Xavian Sorey Jr., LB, Arkansas

197. DeMonte Capehart , DT, Clemson

198. Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama

199. Logan Fano, DE, Utah

200. J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking 2026 NFL Draft best available players after Rounds 2 and 3

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