Just like that, the 2026 NFL Draft is a thing of the past. A whopping 257 players heard their names called over the course of a three-day span, injecting franchises with young, cost-controlled, high-upside talent in the process.
Not every pick will hit, as is always the case in the NFL. With that said, several players could either live up to expectations or even surpass them during their professional careers.
Which selections could wind up as the best ones? Let’s look at the top 2026 NFL Draft steals from Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Make your picks for the 2026 NFL season on PrizePicks now.
{{nfl_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Top 2026 NFL Draft Steals in Rounds 1-7
Here’s a list of some of the best 2026 NFL Draft steals, including some projection payouts from PrizePicks Team Picks for the coming season.
Payouts indicate real-money earnings if a prediction is correct; for example, 2x on a $100 entry would pay out $200 on PrizePicks Team Picks. “Yes” payouts represent a specific outcome occurring, whereas "No" payouts indicate the opposite.
Payout data is from PrizePicks Team Picks and is live as of writing but is subject to change.
Round 1: USC WR Makai Lemon (Pick No. 20, Philadelphia Eagles)
The Philadelphia Eagles were aggressive in moving up for their “guy,” and it’s hard to argue against that. Given the uncertain future of A.J. Brown, moving up a bit for USC WR Makai Lemon makes a ton of sense.
Lemon is a silky-smooth route runner with reliable hands and a mentality that turns 50-50 balls into highlight reels. He plays bigger than he is and, in this writer’s opinion, may not be confined strictly to the slot at the next level.
If Brown sticks around, a three-headed monster could form with Lemon and DeVonta Smith. If not, Philly could still be just fine on offense and earn draft capital back in the process.
Honorable mention: Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Pick No. 15, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Makai Lemon Offensive Rookie of the Year Payout: 1.04x No | 7.14x Yes
Round 2: Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Pick No. 58, Cleveland Browns)
Routinely mocked in the first round, it came as a legitimate shock that Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren ended up going late in round two. Nonetheless, the Cleveland Browns struck at the perfect time and got a very fun piece for their secondary.
McNeil-Warren enjoyed a tremendous pre-draft process and has the frame to thrive as a strong safety in the NFL. His blend of aggressiveness and a nose for the ball could see him make several impactful plays in 2026 and beyond.
Cleveland may have to dial its rookie back occasionally, but that’s a good problem to have.
Honorable mention: Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald (Pick No. 36, Houston Texans)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Defensive Rookie of the Year Payout: 1.4x Yes
Round 3: Oregon G Emmanuel Pregnon (Pick No. 88, Jacksonville Jaguars)
This could be the biggest steal of the entire draft. Similar to McNeil-Warren, there’s another Emmanuel who found himself picked much later than just about anyone anticipated.
Oregon G Emmanuel Pregnon blew up the NFL Scouting Combine and allowed just 2 pressures during his final collegiate season. Considering his age (25 in October) and lack of star-level upside, perhaps that’s what led him to slide down the board.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were smart to swoop Pregnon up, though, because he’s a reliable run blocker and a steady pass protector at the LG spot.
Honorable mention: Louisville WR Chris Bell (Pick No. 94, Miami Dolphins)
Jacksonville Jaguars Playoff Qualifier Payout: 1.88x No | 1.69x Yes
Round 4: Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy (Pick No. 101, Las Vegas Raiders)
Heading into Thursday, there were rumblings that Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy could go undrafted on the opening night of the draft due to concerns about his knee. He wound up not hearing his name called until Day 3 started, which is a reason for pause.
Explaining McCoy’s medical situation is easier said than done, as he’s coming off an ACL tear but the long-term worry is due to something else. Either way, the Las Vegas Raiders wasted no time kicking off Saturday by adding him into the fold.
The last time McCoy was healthy and on the field, he put out CB1-level production. Even if there’s an early expiration date on his football career — let’s hope that isn’t the case — this is a more than worthy swing.
Honorable mention: Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr. (Pick No. 122, Las Vegas Raiders)
Jermod McCoy Defensive Rookie of the Year Payout: 1.88x Yes
Round 5: USC S Kamari Ramsey (Pick No. 141, Houston Texans)
How USC S Kamari Ramsey found his way into the fifth round is a head-scratcher. It potentially had something to do with athletic testing, as he has 30” arms (16th percentile) and didn’t shine outside of running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. He also has a laundry list of ailments on his record.
The Houston Texans, already boasting one of football’s premier defenses, got a potential impact player at 141st overall. In coverage, Ramsey is fluid and possesses a quick processor with great long speed. He could thrive as a deep safety and has the click-and-close chops to keep assignments in front of him.
An experienced safety with alignment versatility and smarts is hard to find this late in the NFL Draft.
Honorable mention: Arizona State CB Keith Abney II (Pick No. 157, Detroit Lions)
Houston Texans Playoff Qualifier Payout: 2.08x No | 1.51x Yes
Round 6: BYU LB Jack Kelly (Pick No. 193, New York Giants)
It’s easy to see why BYU LB Jack Kelly wasn’t selected until Day 3. He has 31” arms and 9” hands and is still a major work in progress in coverage. With that said, the 23-year-old may have some untapped upside.
Kelly brings a hectic style of play to the field, possessing some pass-rushing juice and underrated power for someone of his stature. Additionally, his 9.72 Relative Athletic Score reflects someone who can fly around the field or be a de facto defensive end as needed.
If the Chiefs can fine-tune Kelly’s role and use him correctly, it could get one of the true Day 3 chess pieces to terrorize opposing offenses and special teams units.
Honorable mention: Boston College OG Logan Taylor (Pick No. 202, Los Angeles Chargers)
New York Giants Playoff Qualifier Payout: 1.4x No | 2.77x Yes
Round 7: Indiana LB Aiden Fisher (Pick No. 243, Houston Texans)
Indiana LB Aiden Fisher, too, has some physical limitations. He’s only 232 pounds and has 31” arms and 9” hands, also repping only 18 times in the bench press and running a 4.51-second shuttle.
There may not be such a thing as a high-floor player in the seventh round, but Fisher displays an obvious profile as a run defender and real-time diagnoser. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that he could be a MIKE LB for a squad down the road.
Fisher undoubtedly could get exposed in coverage and when asked to utilize agility. For an end-of-draft pickup, though, the good outweighs the bad.
Honorable mention: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier (Pick No. 249, Kansas City Chiefs)
{{nfl_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Make 2026 NFL Predictions on PrizePicks
With the sun having set on the 2026 NFL Draft, the upcoming campaign is on the horizon. Before the preseason and NFL regular season get going, you can make predictions on a multitude of outcomes for players and teams alike.
Don’t wait until the clock starts ticking — make your 2026 NFL picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.
The NFL tab is already open with Super Bowl LXI winner picks, playoff qualifiers, season awards, and much more available.
Keep it right here with the Playbook for continued NFL predictions, picks, news, and analysis all year long.
