NFL Draft best players available 2026: Updated list of top prospects remaining for Rounds 2-3 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The NFL Draft is an imperfect science, which is both good and bad news for fans.
On one hand, picking near the top of the draft doesn’t necessarily guarantee anything. On the other hand, teams without first-round picks or with a bevy of Day 3 picks can still come away with some real value.
Some of the NFL’s all-time greats have been found on Day 2, but it takes more than all-time greats to win a Super Bowl. The reigning-champion Seahawks found key pieces on their Super Bowl roster in the second and third rounds, from Nick Emmanwori and Abraham Lucas to Derick Hall.
Future Pro-Bowlers and Super Bowl champions are undoubtedly still on the board Friday.
Who are the best players still on the board at the 2026 NFL Draft? Here’s the complete list.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | SN’s Day 2 mock draft
Best players still available in NFL Draft
The rankings below reflect the original positions on Sporting News’ top 257 big board. All analysis is from SN’s Vinnie Iyer.
13. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-1, 188 pounds)
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.
16. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 186 pounds)
Terrell is the younger brother of fellow Clemson star A.J., a top starter for the Falcons. Avieon plays very physically for his size to help his coverage. That also makes him a rare back-end run-stopping force.
31. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-4, 201 pounds)
McNeil-Warren blows up run plays like a linebacker and is getting more attention for his coverage playmaking upside.
Rick Osentoski
35. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech (6-4, 318 pounds)
Hunter should continue to be very productive as a complementary run stopper after starring in that capacity for the Red Raiders.
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs
38. C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 230 pounds)
Allen is a classic Bulldogs linebacker with his speed, playmaking instincts, off-the-charts intangibles and sound, physical tackling.
39. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 189 pounds)
Cisse covers a lot of ground vs. the run, including using his size well to burst into his coverage assignments, but he likely would fit best early, covering the big slot.
41. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (5-10, 187 pounds)
Abney will have great value as a versatile corner who can handle any type of coverage assignment, outside or inside, solid vs. spectacular.
42. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (6-2, 222 pounds)
Bell is impressing with his uncanny strength and toughness to win as a physical route runner to overpower a lot of smaller or same-sized corners.
43. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6-2, 238 pounds)
Hill is the classic active all-around linebacker with his ability to stop the run, make plays in coverage and get to the quarterback on blitzes.
44. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (6-1, 206 pounds)
Bernard is a straight-up inside-outside offensive weapon who gets open well to make big plays with quickness and suddenness in the open field.
50. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana (5-9, 182 pounds)
Ponds channels Brent Grimes as a corner who plays bigger than his size and fights hard to win any coverage assignment.
51. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (6-5, 239 pounds)
Golday is one to watch for a steady rise with dynamic athleticism and a strong, powerful finish as a tackler.
52. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee (6-4, 190 pounds)
Brazzell is a massive receiver who uses his size well to post up in coverage and also is a run blocking asset.
53. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (6-4, 253 pounds)
Lawrence brings nice power and size as a quick pass rusher and has room to grow vs. the run.
54. Keionte Scott, S, Miami (5-11, 193 pounds)
Scott has proved to be a well-rounded cover corner who does a little of everything well to help a defense.
55. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU (6-0, 215 pounds)
Haulcy has a good blend of linebacker-like thumping and nose to force takeaways in coverage.
57. Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois (6-4, 260 pounds)
Jacas is a versatile pass rusher who uses his strength and size and becomes more dangerous by getting more nimble and using improved technique.
58. Emmanuel Pregnon, G/C, Oregon (6-5, 318 pounds)
Pregnon is a savvy all-around blocker with a good blend of ideal size and assets to win inside for the running and passing games.
60. Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern (6-7, 325 pounds)
The first thing that stands out for Tiernan is his size, but he also is technically sound with good footwork to compensate for less than top-end athleticism.
61. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt (6-4, 239 pounds)
Stowers is a hybrid athletic receiving type who uses his body well to position himself before and after the catch.
62. Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (6-3, 210 pounds)
Sarratt is a tough competitive route-runner and big-play receiver who needs to show more consistency.
63. Connor Lew, G/C Auburn (6-3, 300 pounds)
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.
64. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (5-8, 220 pounds)
Coleman doesn’t explode with his game but he plays bigger and tougher than his size with production in any capacity.
65. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 239 pounds)
Height has decent size, but overall, he’s limited to being a very dynamic pass rusher or situational defender until he can bulk up and get stronger vs. the run.
66. Genesis Smith, S, Arizona (6-2, 202 pounds)
Smith is a lanky and big cover man for the inside with a chance to be this year’s Nick Emmanwori.
67. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas (6-1, 233 pounds)
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.
68. Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (6-0, 187 pounds)
Williams has some explosive qualities to his game that make him an intriguing, quick developmental project on Day 2.
69. Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (6-3, 293 pounds)
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.
70. Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC (6-6, 256 pounds)
Lucas looks the part of a dominant engulfing pass-rushing with his frame, but consistency and honing technique are his key pro challenges.
71. Gennings Dunker, G/C, Iowa (6-5, 315 pounds)
Dunker will either excel at right tackle or slide inside to guard to use his nasty, tough run blocking to a great extent. He can be dominant at times with pure power and has athletic upside to boot.
72. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
Klare can be the new Colston Loveland coming out of the Big Ten with his athletic pass-catching and ability to get open on downfield routes.
73. Sam Hecht, G/C, Kansas State (6-4, 300 pounds)
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.
74. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia (5-9, 177 pounds)
Branch offers yet another dynamic slot option in the class as he tries to position himself to go higher than the third round.
75. Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee (6-3, 242 pounds)
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.
77. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State (6-2, 322 pounds)
Orange is a nice swing backup who can provide plenty of work vs. run and pass in any rotation.
78. Logan Jones, G/C, Iowa (6-3, 302 pounds)
Jones has stood out late for his smarts and quickness as he still has some upside to get stronger.
79. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (6-5, 218 pounds)
Fields has a tantalizing size/speed profile with his talent but he needs some polish and consistency to emerge as a top NFL target outside.
80. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas (6-0, 182 pounds)
Muhammad is ideally built to handle zone coverage well, working in busy nickel packages.
81. LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 274 pounds)
Overton is an experienced, versatile pass rusher with his size, power, and athleticism.
82. Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh (6-0, 220 pounds)
Louis is.a bit undersized, but he can be an intriguing coverage and run cleanup safety hybrid in the bigger Reed Blankenship vein.
83. Jalon Kllgore, S, South Carolina (6-1, 210 pounds)
Kilgore is a natural big cover man as corner hyrid who can either help in the slot or be effective outside ffor some teams.
84. Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor (6-4, 240 pounds)
Trigg stands out most as a receiver with his work downfield with his speed and his good hands for the red zone, with a lot of inconsistency in between.
85. Kamari Ramsey, S, USC (6-0, 202 pounds)
Ramsey isn’t a blazer but he’s a technically sound inside cover man who has shown the instincts to make a lot of big plays.
86. Devin Moore, CB, Florida (6-3, 198 pounds)
Moore is getting more Day 2 attention for his size, savvy and shiftiness in coverage.
87. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6-2, 203 pounds)
Nussmeier’s NFL coaching pedigree pays off and his quick release, accuracy and ability to hang tough as a smart pocket passer, giving him some buzz to jump Simpsons.
88. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke (5-10, 185 pounds)
Rivers is a smart, savvy nickel corner who can have an impact in the way of the Texans‘ Jalen Pitre.
89. Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas (6-2, 203 pounds)
Neal is a durable and physical player vs. the run to add another element to his big-bodied, steady and durable coverage.
90. Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan (6-3, 298 pounds)
Benny plays bigger than his size as a solid run stopper for early downs and would be welcome in a lot of 4-3 rotations.
91. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State (6-5, 270 pounds)
Dennis-Sutton is a natural tough outside run defender for his size and can also blossom into a more reliable pass-rush finisher.
92. Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (6-0, 192 pounds)
Bell is a well-rounded receiver whose best asset might be his ability to use his ideal size and quickness after the catch well in the open field.
93. Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan (6-4, 240 pounds)
Barham thrived as a pass rusher in Ann Arbor to the point his speed and production kind of took away from the notion he’s more of a complete player.
94. Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 256 pounds)
Crawford will bring a lot of energy and production as a situational pass rusher at first.
95. Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri (6-4, 313 pounds)
McClellan flashes with his strong arm and sturdy feet to make big plays and can develop more to become more consistent from down to down.
96. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State (6-3, 203 pounds)
Wheatley is a rangy playmaker who handles himself well in coverage because of that tough frame with athleticism.
98. Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State (6-6, 315 pounds)
This physical and sturdy run defender can beef up any pro rotation right away with his play.
99. Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati (6-1, 340 pounds)
Corleone has been well polished in school to be a run-stuffer, playing nose in either a 4-3 or 3-4.
100. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State (5-9, 164 pounds)
Thompson is an elusive complementary vertical threat who can make a lot of big plays in the open field in the right system.
101. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State (6-2, 189 pounds)
Igbinosun is appealing for his physical coverage which also translates into an asset vs. the run. He might be a better fit at safety.
102. Brian Parker II, G/C, Duke (6-5, 300 pounds)
Parker is a well-rounded experience blocker who can play multiple positions well, including tackle.
103. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson (6-2, 207 pounds)
Klubnik has a strong, accurate arm through intermediate throws and can develop plenty in the right pocket-passing system.
105. Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama (6-3, 226 pounds)
Lawson is a great downhill thumper against the run with some improving coverage skills..
106. Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati (5-11, 180 pounds)
Allen is the classic good hands and solid route-running slot option.
107. Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia (6-1, 196 pounds)
Everette doesn’t blow away with his speed but he uses his agility well in coverage where his size can have a big impact.
108. Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky (6-0, 223 pounds)
McGowan brings a good blend of power and juice but he must be more consistent with his ball security and blocking.
109. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana (6-2, 291 pounds)
Proctor remains on the rise as a downright dynamic athlete with big inside pass-rush upside.
110. Jake Slaughter, G/C, Florida (6-4, 303 pounds)
Slaughter is solid with his agile blocking, a huge asset in pass protection. He has the smarts to fit best as a starting center.
111. Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida (6-2, 273 pounds)
Sapp packs a run-smashing wallop for his smallish frame, giving him room to improve with the quickness aspects of his game.
112. Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M (5-11, 226 pounds)
York stands out for being a tough, aggressive and instinctual starter with a chance to tap into more playmaking upside.
113. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon (6-8, 318 pounds)
World is a massive natural outside run blocker trying to get healthier and better in shape to be trusted as a regular starting tackle.
114. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State (6-5, 228 pounds)
Allar has no issues with hanging in the pocket with his size and delivering strong throws all over the field, but his execution and efficient need to be more consistent.
115. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska (5-10, 202 pounds)
Johnson is a compact, well-balanced runner with good hands and zip when bursting in the open field off a carry or a catch.
116. Jack Endries, TE, Texas (6-5, 245 pounds)
Endries is a smart, smooth short-to-intermediate route-runner who can help plenty get open inside for key tough gains.
117. Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M (6-5, 245 pounds)
Boerkircher is a pure upside prospect with all the natural skills as a blocker and receiver to become a middle-round steal.
118. Parker Brailsford, G/C, Alabama (6-2, 290 pounds)
Brailsford is strong and solid with his interior run blocking and is only a middle-rounder because his game lacks the spectacular.
119. Hezekiah Masses, CB, California (6-1, 179 pounds)
Masses is getting more attention late for being such an aggressive and productive on-ball playmaker.
120. Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State (5-11, 216 pounds)
Allen is a compact strong power runner with some underrated qualities for passing downs.
121. Austin Barber, OT, Florida (6-6, 314 pounds)
Barber is sturdy and experienced, giving him appeal as a backup to help a team in running and passing.
122. Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College (6-5, 314 pounds)
Bowry has impressive natural pass-protecting qualities but would benefit from becoming stronger in the running game.
123. Bryce Lance, WR, Notre Dakota State (6-3, 204 pounds)
Trey’s brother spent a lot of time in college as a savvy playmaker flashes most with his size and explosiveness outside.
124. Carson Beck, QB, Miami (6-5, 233 pounds)
Beck is most intriguing for his prototypical size, experience and intangibles. He has a chance if he can improve his mechanics to be more accurate and his decision-making ot be more efficient.
125. Tyren Montgomery, WR/RB, John Carroll (5-11, 190 pounds)
Montgomery is a dynamic offensive weapon from a small school trying to find the ideal fit for his usage, perhaps the Saints or Broncos.
126. Billy Schrauth, G/C, Notre Dame (6-4, 305 pounds)
Schrauth is the classic strong and smart reliable run blocker often produced by the Fighting Irish.
127. Zxavian Harris, DT, Mississippi State (6-8, 330 pounds)
Harris is an appeal massive run-stunning tackle who needs to develop more pass-rush pop to see regular starting time.
128. Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana (6-1, 265 pounds)
Kamara is a productive, high-energy pass rusher who can get to the QB with a variety off moves.
129. Kage Casey, OT, Boise State (6-6, 310 pounds)
Casey is a nimble versatile all-round blocker who could benefit greatly from adding more bulk and strengthening.
130. Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech (5-10, 176 pounds)
Rivers is a bit undersized but still can be a dynamic field-stretcher if not growing into being a big-play option inside.
131. Carver Willis, G/C, Washington (6-5, 303 pounds)
Willis has gotten more attention for his ace athleticism of which he takes full advantage in his smooth inside run blocking.
132. Kevin Coleman Jr, WR, Missouri (5-11, 179 pounds)
Coleman works his slot routes well to get open with quickness and toughness.
133. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State (6-3, 206 pounds)
Hurst is the classic big vertical deep threat made to complement a No. 1 outside.
134. J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois (6-5, 320 pounds)
Davis is an experienced strong outside run blocker who can further develop as a potential starting right tackle or guard down the line.
135. Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin (6-1, 193 pounds)
Demmings will join a team with his physical intensity that can be an asset in coverage subpackages and special teams.
136. Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M (6-7, 335 pounds)
Crownover checks the intriguing boxes with nimble feet for such a big, strong frame.
137. Trey Zuhn III, OT, Texas A&M (6-6, 312 pounds)
Zuhn is an experienced left tackle with the blend of athleticism and strength to back up everywhere well on the line.
138. Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame (6-6, 245 pounds)
Raridon is a sturdy big blocker as a traditional inline tight end with some receiving upside.
139. Justin Joly, TE, NC State (6-3, 241 pounds)
Joly is undersized for a tight end but is a dynamic short-area slot receiver with reliable hands.
140. Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma (5-10, 180 pounds)
Burks is an intriguing, speedy deep threat who can also excel at making big plays out of the slot when getting in the open field after the catch.
141. Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC (6-4, 200 pounds)
142. Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech (6-3, 187 pounds)
143. Eric McAlister, WR, TCU (6-4, 194 pounds)
144. Matt Gulbin, C/G, Michigan State (6-4, 305 pounds)
145. Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas (6-6, 267 pounds)
146. Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama (6-1, 327 pounds)
147. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest (5-10, 188 pounds)
148. Sam Roush, TE, Stanford (6-6, 267 pounds)
149. Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati (6-5, 247 pounds)
150. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington (6-4, 194 pounds)
151. Devon Marshall, CB, NC State (5-11, 200 pounds)
152. Jalen Farmer, G/C, Kentucky (6-5, 312 pounds)
153. Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State (6-5, 313 pounds)
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154. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State (6-0, 219 pounds)
155. Michael Taaffe, S, Texas (6-0, 190 pounds)
156. Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah (6-4, 253 pounds)
157. Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan (6-6, 250 pounds)
158. Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor (6-1, 220 pounds)
159. Beau Stephens, G/C, Iowa (6-5, 315 pounds)
160. Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa (6-6, 258 pounds)
161. D.J. Campbell, G/C, Texas (6-3, 313 pounds)
162. Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon (6-1, 233 pounds)
163. Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama (6-3, 243 pounds)
164. C.J. Daniels, WR, Miami (6-2, 202 pounds)
165. Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan (6-2, 247 pounds)
166. Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington (6-3, 196 pounds)
167. Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M (6-1, 195 pounds)
168. Lance Mason, TE, Wisconsin (6-4, 235 pounds)
169. Keagan Trost, G/C, Missouri (6-5, 311 pounds)
170. Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati (6-5, 216 pounds)
171. Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina (6-1, 195 pounds)
172. Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke (6-4, 256 pounds)
173. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, G/C, Texas A&M (6-6, 314 pounds)
174. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU (6-2, 234 pounds)
175. Jager Burton, C/G, Kentucky (6-4, 312 pounds)
176. Brent Austin, CB, California (5-11, 180 pounds)
177. Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech (6-1, 280 pounds)
178. Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana (6-1, 232 pounds)
179. VJ Payne, S, Kansas State (6-3, 206 pounds)
180. DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson (6-5, 313 pounds)
181. Zane Durant, DT, Penn State (6-1, 190 pounds)
182. Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech (6-3, 206 pounds)
183. Isaiah Nwokobia, S, SMU (6-1, 205 pounds)
184. DeVonta Smith, CB, Notre Dame (5-11, 195 pounds)
185. Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State (6-3, 257 pounds)
186. Trey Moore, LB, Texas (6-2, 243 pounds)
187. Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU (5-8, 191 pounds)
188. Jaeden Roberts, G/C, Alabama (6-5, 333 pounds)
189. Alex Harkey, G/C, Oregon (6-6, 308 pounds)
190. Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo (6-2, 232 pounds)
191. Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame (6-6, 306 pounds)
192. Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC (5-11, 201 pounds)
193. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia (6-5, 245 pounds)
194. Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy (6-0, 198 pounds)
195. Lorenzo Styles II, CB, Ohio State (6-0, 194 pounds)
196. Lander Barton, LB, Utah (6-5, 233 pounds)
197. Owen Heinicke, LB, Oklahoma (6-1, 227 pounds)
198. Markel Bell, OT, Miami (6-8, 335 pounds)
199. Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State (6-8, 305 pounds)
200. Luke Altmeyer, QB, Illinois (6-2, 210 pounds)
201. Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M (5-11, 203 pounds)
202. Bud Clark, S, TCU (6-1, 188 pounds)
203. Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin (6-5, 251 pounds)
204. Jeremiah Wright, C/G, Auburn (6-,5, 331 pounds)
205. Andre Fuller, S, Toledo (6-1, 200 pounds)
206. Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M (6-3, 292 pounds)
207. Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina (6-3, 312 pounds)
208. Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss (6-4, 246 pounds)
209. Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky (6-0, 203 pounds)
210. Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee (6-5, 251 pounds)
211. Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech (6-4, 220 pounds)
212. Bryson Eason, DT, Tennessee (6-2, 323 pounds)
213. Louis Moore, S, Indiana (5-11, 191 pounds)
214. Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston (6-6, 247 pounds)
215. Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU (5-10, 190 pounds)
216. Chase Roberts, WR, BYU (6-3, 209 pounds)
217. Pat Coogan, G/C, Indiana (6-5, 311 pounds)
218. Jack Kelly, LB, BYU (6-2, 240 pounds)
219. Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss (6-6, 325 pounds)
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