NFL draft: Live analysis and insights from Day 3

theScore's football editors offer their insights from the most notable moves, emerging trends, and interesting picks throughout Rounds 4-7 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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Chargers give McDaniel more speed

Los Angeles used a fourth-round pick to add a home-run hitter with blazing speed to its new offense, now led by coordinator Mike McDaniel. Enter wide receiver Brenen Thompson, who spent the 2025 season at Mississippi State and led the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards. He averaged a whopping 18.5 yards per catch. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder also ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Combine with an official time of 4.26 seconds.

During his time with the Miami Dolphins, McDaniel built the league's fastest and most dynamic offense with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Co. It's safe to say he will enjoy the Thompson selection. - Caio Miari

Raiders end McCoy's fall in 4th round

Las Vegas made one of the draft's most interesting moves to start Round 4. The Raiders moved up one spot in a trade with the Bills to take Jermod McCoy 101st overall, ending the Tennessee cornerback's long fall. Talent-wise, McCoy is one of the premier corners in the 2026 class. However, some NFL teams are concerned that he has a degenerative knee issue. He's reportedly recovered from a torn ACL that sidelined him in 2025, but he could face another extended absence. Clubs believe a bone plug that was used to fix a cartilage defect in his knee may need to be replaced via another surgery.

Still, the Raiders decided to take the risk, which makes sense at this point in the NFL draft. We'll have more clarity on McCoy's availability during the offseason. For now, Las Vegas landed a very promising corner who could become a quality NFL starter. He may not fix the Raiders' short-term cornerback problems, but he could eventually become the future of the team's secondary. - Caio Miari

Day 3 preview

Best players available

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