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Just like every year, the 2026 NFL Draft saw some prospects get selected much later than they should have gone. That allowed several teams to score some absolute steals on Day 3 in Rounds 4-7.
There will be much talk about potential early-round studs or busts, but NFL success is often defined by finding diamonds in the rough outside the first round.
Based on Sporting News’ final big board rankings of the draft’s top 257 players, here’s a look at the best of those fallers who can provide great returns on late-round investments.
MORE: Full list of picks made in the 2026 NFL Draft
NFL Draft 2026: The best late-round steals
Las Vegas Raiders: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (Round 4, No. 101)
There were some legitimate long-term knee injury concerns regarding McCoy, but at some point he became too good a value to ignore as the second-best overall corner in the draft behind Mansoor Delane. The rebuilding Raiders could afford to take a shot on his shutdown upside, having drafted Treydan Stukes and added Taron Johnson in free agency. It’s apt that Las Vegas was the team to take the calculated gamble to kick off Day 3.
Detroit Lions: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (Round 5, No. 157)
The Lions got an early second-value in this versatile talent who figures to at least boost their slot coverage. Abney uses his smarts and athleticism to handle any style of assignment and can play either inside or outside.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (Round 4, No. 116)
The Buccaneers got a second-round talent, too for their secondary and Scott projects to boost their inside coverage at either nickel back or safety. He will do a little of everything well to support Antoine Winfield Jr.
Baltimore Ravens: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (Round 4, No. 115)
Sarratt was the second consecutive wide receiver drafted by the Ravens after third-rounder Ja’Kobi Lane. Sarratt adds to the theme of Baltimore supporting Lamar Jackson with big-bodied targets. He has big-play ability along with the toughness to win routes in the red zone.
MORE: The 11 worst value picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
Cincinnati Bengals: Connor Lew, G/C, Auburn (Round 4, No. 128)
The Bengals needed to focus on improving their interior offensive line when running or passing. Lew had some injury issues that caused him to slip to Day 2. but when healthy he's a powerful and often dominant run blocker. great news for Chase Brown.
Denver Broncos: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (Round 4, No. 108)
The Broncos needed a tough, compact runner, and Coleman has the skill set to produce in any system. J.K. Dobbins is always battling injuries, and R.J. Harvey was inefficient in a non-receiving role last season. Coleman has a chance to compete for a key early-down and red-zone role.
Los Angeles Chargers: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona (Round 4, No. 131)
The Chargers have a real question at the safety next to superstar Derwin James, as Elijah Molden is more suited for nickel corner. Smith has some Nick Emmanwori hybrid coverage traits and will be deployed well by new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary.
Las Vegas Raiders: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas (Round 4, No. 122)
The Raiders have Ashton Jeanty, but they needed to make sure there was a strong backup plan for the second-year first-rounder. He blew up the Combine, showing great speed and explosiveness along with his powerful style to shoot up draft boards. He can handle a chunk of key relief touches, with Las Vegas not losing much backfield pop.MORE: Winners and losers from round one of the 2026 NFL Draft
San Francisco 49ers: Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma (Round 4, No. 107)
Halton was a late second-round talent but ends up going later because of some concerns that he's undersized inside at 6-3, 293 pounds. The 49ers, however, needed some more disruptive quickness in their rotation and Halton is ideal for Raheem Morris' scheme.
Chicago Bears: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas (Round 4, No. 124)
The Bears have some issues at corner as Tyrique Stevenson and nickel back Kyler Gordon have been disappointing of late. Targeting a potential big slot cover man for Dennis Allen made a lot of sense. Muhammad makes up for the team not being able to add Allen favorite Alontae Taylor from the Saints in free agency.
Washington Commanders: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee (Round 5, No. 147)
The Commanders are flipping toward a 3-4 hybrid defense with former Vikings assistant Daronte Jones calling the plays under Dan Quinn. They got Sonny Styles to help on the inside and were able to add outside linebacker options Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency. Josephs is aggressive in getting to the quarterback and should have an immediate impact in a rotational role.
Dallas Cowboys: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (Round 4, No. 137)
The Cowboys are loading up the pass rush for Christian Parker’s new base 3-4 behind Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku, drafting Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. Dallas is copying Seattle’s deep rotation of production, also adding Overton. His role in the mix is enhanced by his size, versatility, and history of production.Miami Dolphins: Kyle Louis, LB/S, Pittsburgh (Round 4, No. 138)
Louis and Jacob Rodriguez are the best 1-2 punch of picks ready to make a splash at outside linebacker in the Dolphins' 4-3 foundation under Jeff Hafley. Louis should have have gone in the second round as a safety round, but go figure the team that once employed Zach Thomas doesn't care about lack of ideal size in such a dynamic playmaker.
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