Even with 100 players already off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft, there is still legit value sitting there. Two defensive backs in particular, VJ Payne and Jermod McCoy, both carry second-round grades on my board and shouldn’t last much longer. There is also some intriguing talent still available on the offensive side, including a quarterback who was once viewed as a potential franchise-level signal caller.
1. VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
The best player still available on my board is Kansas State safety VJ Payne, who I had ranked No. 37 overall. It’s tough to justify how he’s still there given his physical tools and production. He checks the size box at 6-foot-3 and brings legit range with 4.40 speed. On top of that, he’s a versatile defender who held opposing quarterbacks to just a 47 percent completion rate when targeted. He also plays downhill and is a reliable, aggressive tackler against the run.
"VJ Payne with the dump truck!" 😤 @KStateFB pic.twitter.com/zNAMEuMMfH
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 1, 2024
2. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Just a couple of weeks ago, Jermod McCoy was being talked about as a potential top-15 pick, so seeing him still on the board heading into Day 3 is a major surprise. The drop comes down to medical concerns with his knee. Even with that risk, the value here is hard to ignore. McCoy was a second-team All-American in 2024, brings fluid movement skills, and has legit speed with a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. He’s the type of player worth betting on at this stage.
One team to watch is the Kansas City Chiefs, who already landed one of the top corners in the class with Mansoor Delane. If they can grab McCoy on Day 3, they could realistically walk away with the top two cornerbacks in this draft based purely on talent.
3. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Another player who was once viewed as a potential top pick is LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who many draft analysts had ranked as the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft entering the season. Injuries, most notably an abdominal issue, along with inconsistent play hurt his stock when evaluating his 2025 tape.
Still, the traits are there. He flashes NFL starter ability with his accuracy, touch at all levels, and a quick, compact release. For a team willing to take a shot on upside, this is the type of quarterback worth developing on Day 3.
Garrett Nussmeier put this throw in the perfect spot before getting hit 😤 pic.twitter.com/QzkgThoWOZ
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 16, 2024
4. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
Only two running backs have come off the board so far, and both went in the first round. One who should hear his name called early on Day 3 is Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. Washington is a big, 6-foot-1, 223-pound back with home run speed, clocking a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. That combination of size and speed showed up on tape, especially considering he ran behind a shaky offensive line. He finished the year with 1,070 rushing yards and averaged an impressive 6.4 yards per carry, earning second-team All-SEC honors.
The biggest reason for the slide is ball security, as he has put the ball on the ground too often, losing seven fumbles over the past two seasons.
5. Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
The fifth-best player still available on my board is Michigan State center Matt Gulbin. This is one where I’m clearly higher than most, so it’s not a shock he’s still on the board, but the value is real at this point. What stands out right away is his demeanor. He’s a tough, physical, no-nonsense offensive lineman who plays with an edge.
This past season, he led all centers in PFF run-blocking grade and finished second in the FBS in overall grade. He also brings versatility, logging over 600 snaps across center, left guard, and right guard, which only adds to his appeal on Day 3.
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