Sixteen Day 3 NFL draft picks could compete for rookie starting jobs

9 articles · Updated · NFL.com · Apr 30

The projection spans Rounds 4-7 of the 2026 draft, with Raiders cornerback McCoy ranked most likely to win an opening-week role.
Other prominent candidates include tight ends Royer and Hibner, linebackers Rolder and Daniels, and several offensive linemen facing unsettled depth charts or injury-prone veterans.
Day 3 rookies usually begin as reserves or special teamers, but 18 of 155 from last year started at least eight games, showing late-round picks can quickly earn major roles.

Is the Raiders' promising Day 3 pick a star receiver, or actually a top cornerback prospect with the same name?

With AI now scouting prospects, will traditional concerns like a player's size and arm length soon become obsolete?