In the NFL, rookies can change everything in an instant. Countless first-and second-round picks have altered the landscape of the league. What about the late-round breakouts? Here are some late-round picks from the 2026 NFL Draft that could make an immediate impact.
Jun 9, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) participates in drills during the minicamp activities at Quest Diagnostics Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
Draft Position: 74th Overall
The Giants traded back up into the third round to snag Notre Dame's Malachi Fields. The 6'4" receiver brings size and strength to a locker room tailored for smash-mouth football.
Notre Dame ran a run-heavy offense in 2025 with Jeremiyah Love in the backfield. Fields recorded 36 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 17.5 yards per catch.
The Giants' wide receiver room is messy to say the least. After Malik Nabers , there is a pool of guys that could take over the WR2 spot. Fields is the youngest of the bunch, and terrific as a contested catch receiver. Jaxson Dart could have a ton of fun with him running routes.
May 28, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) runs a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Draft Position: 101st Overall
It's easy to forget Jermod McCoy had a first-round grade ahead of the Draft. He suffered a torn ACL in January of 2025, forcing him to miss the entirety of his final college season. The injury concern reared its head when he fell to the fourth round.
McCoy was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders at 101st overall, and he's an extremely high-value lottery ticket. During his 2024 season at Tennessee , he recorded 26 solo tackles, 44 total, and four interceptions.
The hype around McCoy died down with his injury, but the long-term vision is important. If he can return to his 2024 form, he could be a dangerous defender for Vegas.
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Jadon Canady (22) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Draft Position: 109th Overall
Jadon Canady may be a bit undersized at 5'10" and 181 pounds. His 30" arm length raised concerns ahead of the Draft as well. Despite his size, he plays with tremendous energy and confidence.
The Chiefs' legendary defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will surely be excited with Canady's playstyle. The safety is light on his feet and can transition his footwork smoothly but struggles at the top of a receiver's route.
Over the last two years at Ole Miss and Oregon, Canady logged 40 solo tackles, 77 total, and two interceptions. He's played both as a CB and a safety in his career, bringing versatility to Spagnuolo's defense as well.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) kisses the trophy after winning the CFP National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Draft Position: 115th Overall
Elijah Sarratt played a pivotal role in Indiana's 2025 National Championship run. The 6'2" receiver recorded 65 catches for 830 yards and an FBS-leading 15 touchdowns.
Sarratt joins a Ravens team missing wide receiver depth. He and fellow rookie Ja'Kobi Lane will be competing for the WR3 spot. The Indiana alum, however, has WR2 potential.
Behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman , anyone can emerge as a true number three for Lamar Jackson . Sarratt is a touchdown machine and could dominate defenders at the catch point.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Keionte Scott (0) reacts in the first half during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Draft Position: 116th Overall
Keionte Scott found the perfect home in the NFL Draft with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 5'11", 193-pound CB is walking into a defense that's now without Jamel Dean .
Scott is a corner who plays similar to a linebacker. In his 2025 season at Miami , he recorded career highs in solo tackles (42), total tackles (64), tackles for loss (13), and interceptions (two). Both of his interceptions resulted in touchdowns as well.
The Buccaneers' defense has been less than impressive, leaving opportunities wide open for someone like Scott. He's effective against the run and anticipates routes extremely well. A fifth-round pick with starting-caliber potential is an absolute steal.
There are plenty of rookies that could surprise us in 2026. These five, however, may be in the best possible positions for their young careers. The dream has been realized; they're in the NFL . Now, they just need to seize that opportunity.
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