2026 NFL Draft: Best available players, McCoy's fall, more

theScore's football editors offer their insights ahead of Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Best players available

Why is McCoy sliding?

Jermod McCoy's fall is perhaps the draft's biggest Day 3 storyline. The Tennessee cornerback is undoubtedly one of the most talented players at his position (he is theScore's No. 2 CB prospect in 2026), but he comes with medical concerns that have forced teams to think twice before taking a swing at him. McCoy had a career year at Tennessee in 2024. However, he missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL.

His surgically repaired ACL doesn't seem to be the issue for NFL clubs, though. Concerns stem from a bone plug that was used to fix a cartilage defect in his knee, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Doctors on some NFL teams reportedly believe that the bone plug may need to be replaced via another surgery, which would force McCoy to miss extended time - possibly even the entire 2026 campaign. Multiple teams apparently consider his knee a potential degenerative issue, too. The 20-year-old didn't work out at the NFL combine in February (more than a year after his ACL injury), but he did stand out at his pro day in late March.

You'll hear McCoy's name a lot on Day 3, and the possibility of him not being drafted at all should be considered at this point as NFL teams ponder whether his on-field potential is worth the risk. - Caio Miari

Day 3 hidden gems

Most of the big names are already off the board, but there's always plenty of value to be found on Day 3. That includes many of the players in my Hidden Gems piece from earlier this week. Among those still waiting to hear their names called, I'm especially interested to see where Kevin Coleman Jr., Jordan van den Berg, Jadon Canady, and Demond Claiborne end up. - Dan Wilkins

Teams poised to make noise

The Ravens hold a league-high eight selections on Day 3, giving them the flexibility move up, pursue a player trade, or keep adding to a rookie class that netted guard Vega Ioane, edge rusher Zion Young, and wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane over the first three rounds.

Speaking of potential player trades, the Giants could move edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who's reportedly attracting interest. While the club publicly stated it plans to retain the fifth-year defender, he's slated for a reduced role with fifth overall pick Arvell Reese and last year's third overall pick, Abdul Carter, meant to serve as long-term building blocks. With a contract year on tap, you have to imagine Thibodeaux would prefer to start, whether it's with the Giants or another team.

Elsewhere, the Chiefs spent their first three selections on defensive players as they look to rebuild a unit that regressed last season and needed fresh blood. But look for them get back to the offensive side on Day 3. They enter Saturday with four picks, and still have holes at wide receiver and tackle. Patrick Mahomes needs help, especially as he comes off a major knee injury. - Alex Chippin